The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Richard F. Stika, who served as the third bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville from 2009 to 2023, died in his native St. Louis at age 68. He was found in his residence on Feb. 17. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church …
Mary Catherine Marshall
Mary Catherine “Cathy” Marshall passed away on Dec. 29 surrounded by her family. Born on Aug. 30, 1955, in Oak Ridge, Ms. Marshall was the beloved daughter of Nita and Ed Marshall. She was the third of four daughters and grew up rooted in faith, family, and service—values that would …
Positive results for faithful ministry
Diocese reports stable financial position in fiscal year 2025 audit report The East Tennessee Catholic The finance department of the Diocese of Knoxville has released its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The statements reflect continued financial stability, prudent stewardship, and a modest increase in …
Through the eyes of a child
SEEK26 conference was a new kind of fulfilling experience for FOCUS parents By Claire Collins Ten years ago, I found myself in the back of a crowded conference room full of thousands of college students. I was a first-year missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and had just …
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‘Does might make right?’
‘Might’ must be exercised ‘rightly’ if it is not to be destructive By Bishop Mark Beckman My world history teacher in high school introduced me to the fascinating story of human history and was able to convey remarkable insights at times with key phrases. One of them I remember best …
Robert Rash
Robert Rash, age 79, was born on April 3, 1946, and went home to Jesus on Dec. 28. Mr. Rash was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Diane. After 20 years of separation, Mr. Rash is once again peacefully at rest in the arms of his bride of 38 years. …
Chesterton students carry on chalk-art tradition
‘Madonnari’ drawings now seen on driveways or sidewalks hark back to 16th-century Italian Renaissance Since 2009, the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk, an annual chalk art festival, has occupied Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Jim Dodson, co-chair of Chalk Walk, states: “Beginning with humble roots, this art experience has enriched our …
Virginia Gaylor
Virginia “Gina” Postell Gaylor, age 83, of Knoxville, passed away on Oct. 8 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Gaylor was born in Alexandria, Va., on Feb. 2, 1942, to Paul and Patricia Postell. She was born into a military family that moved frequently until settling in …
Dr. John Dombroski
John Richard Dombroski entered into rest on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, after a period of declining health. Dr. Dombroski was born on June 6, 1941, and raised in Elmira, N.Y. He was educated with multiple degrees in New York, including a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the State University …
Hugo Schielke
Hugo Josef Hans Schielke, age 87, of Monroe County, formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., and Rockville, Md., passed away quietly at his home in the Ballplay community on Dec. 13 after being under hospice care since January 2025. Mr. Schielke was born in Wehrden, Germany, on March 4, 1938. As …
New superintendent of schools named
Bishop Beckman appoints Martha Mundine of New Orleans Archdiocese The East Tennessee Catholic Martha Mundine, who currently serves as the deputy schools superintendent for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has been named superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools. Bishop Mark Beckman made the announcement on Feb. 11 following a comprehensive, …
Gail Nevins
Gail Louise Nevins, 80, of East Brainerd passed away on Nov. 22 at her home. Ms. Nevins, was born in Pittsburgh and was a longtime resident of Chattanooga. She was a retired educator from Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Stephen Parish. Ms. Nevins was preceded …