He ‘finally arrived,’ desiring the Eucharist after years away from the Church By Deacon Bob Hunt I was raised in a Sunday Mass and sacraments Catholic family. By that I mean that my parents took us to Mass every Sunday and made sure we received the appropriate sacrament at the …
In praise of Mother Church
The Catholic faith, in her loving wisdom and beauty, invites us all to join her By Claire Collins I was recently at a funeral for the father of a dear friend. After his courageous and valiant battle with cancer, we were there to celebrate his life and, most importantly, to …
Mecklenborg to lead diocesan communications
By The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Mark Beckman has named John Mecklenborg the director of communications for the Diocese of Knoxville. Mr. Mecklenborg’s appointment was effective Nov. 4. Mr. Mecklenborg has been a resident of Knoxville since graduating from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a degree in journalism-broadcasting. He and …
‘Seek God’s will’
Diocese hosts first Vocation Family night at Sacred Heart Cathedral By Maggie Parsons Parents and children were excited to be at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus’ parish hall on Nov. 7 as they chatted with priests and religious Sisters during the first Vocation Family Night in …
The Eucharist has a ‘cosmic character’
The body and blood of Christ ‘introduce within creation . . . a sort of “nuclear fission” By Father Randy Stice The Second Vatican Council taught that since Christ died for all and that all have the same ultimate vocation of eternal life in the Trinity, “the Holy Spirit in …
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The solution to ‘What’s the problem?’
It is the birth of Christ on the first Christmas Day and His second coming By Deacon Bob Hunt Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord. It is also a season …
Ladies of Charity prepare clients young and older for Christmas
By The East Tennessee Catholic Guests to the Ladies of Charity-Knoxville’s “Christmas for Kids,” which was held on Dec. 12 at the organization’s North Knoxville facility, were greeted with Christmas volunteers, Santa Claus, and cheer. Each family shopped for coats, hats and mittens, apparel, and toys. When they finished their …
He lied to his nurse in hiding 1.3 pounds
No harm came to anyone by not telling the truth, unless he counts himself—and his conscience By George Valadie I lied. I’m not proud of it. I’m a little embarrassed and a little ashamed. Why on earth would I do that? It’s not like I planned to. I actually surprised …
Responding urgently to those in need
DOK parishioners’ donations for flood relief set a record The East Tennessee Catholic East Tennessee’s Catholic faithful stepped up when it counted in response to the devastating floods that overwhelmed communities like Erwin and Newport Sept. 26-27. That response in resources and financial support has been, well, overwhelming. According to …
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Christmas in our heart
May the peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts this holy season By Bishop Mark Beckman Several years ago, I noticed a wonderful church sign. It said something along the lines of: “If you don’t have Christmas in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree either.” I …
2024 Advent penance services
Here are the Advent penance services scheduled around the diocese received as of press time. Note that many parishes (especially in the Smoky Mountain Deanery) are having, instead of penance services, extended or additional times for confession during Advent: Chattanooga Deanery Wednesday, Dec. 4: Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy, 7 p.m. Thursday, …
She prayed for vocations; God called her son
East Tennessee mother helped found a parish and raised a future priest By Catholic Extension Society A few days after Lucia Herman had her first child, Danny, she and her husband brought their infant son to Mass. Like Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, Mrs. Herman was so grateful …