Catholics have contributed much to U.S. history

They have served in battle, founded communities of priests and Sisters, and much more By Deacon Bob Hunt This year the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of our founding, or the Semiquincentennial for those out there enamored of the sometimes-grandiose overloading of the English language. Catholics have …

James A. Willard

James Allen “Jim” Willard, 74, of Soddy-Daisy passed away on July 23 at his residence. Mr. Willard was a native of New York who lived in Massena, N.Y., for many years. He moved to Soddy-Daisy 18 years ago. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a …

Edward ‘Ed’ Juhascik

Edward “Ed” Anthony Richard Juhascik, born on March 2, 1945, in Pittsburgh, passed away in Knoxville with his loving sister, Elaine Oliver, by his side. Mr. Juhascik attended North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, studying history. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for …

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‘The power of God at work’

New Day program offers the promise of healing and hope amid bereavement after a loss The East Tennessee Catholic When a tubal pregnancy in 1997 derailed her world, Rita Reali needed support from her faith community. But not everyone was helpful. And some were outright inconsiderate. “Week after week, I’d …

Joseph Wenther Jr

Joseph Fredrick Wenther Jr., age 83, passed away on April 14 in Knoxville. Mr. Wenther was born on May 29, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents Joseph and Thelma Wenther. He graduated from high school and completed more than three years of college. In 1967, he joined the U.S. …

Elisa DellaSantina

Please join us in mourning the loss of Elisa DellaSantina, 48, the most caring and loving woman to grace us with her presence. Mrs. DellaSantina was born in Chicago and dedicated her life to the service of the Catholic Church and the caring of her family. Her love for each …

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It’s all gift

‘The finest response we can offer God in return begins with gratitude’ By Bishop Mark Beckman One of the moments of my daily morning prayer that has become increasingly significant through the years is the time I spend in silent stillness with the Lord. One particular awareness during that time …

Arvey Einar Eeg

Arvey Einar Eeg, born March 26, 1948, in Hennepin County in Minneapolis, passed away on July 7. He was the son of the late Einar and Joyce Loken Eeg. Mr. Eeg graduated from Cooper High School in New Hope, Minn., in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in …

Dr. Stephen Harris

Dr. John Stephen Harris, known to family and friends as Steve, devoted physician, husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of his community, passed away peacefully on July 19 at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. He was 78. Dr. Harris was born in Jonesboro, Ark., and spent his early …

KDCCW hosting event for women with entertainer ValLimar Jansen

KDCCW hosting event for women with entertainer ValLimar Jansen The East Tennessee Catholic Father Joe Brando, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Knoxville who served the Church in East Tennessee for nearly 50 years before his death in 2021 at the age of 78, continues to give to an …

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Schools hit the lottery, but we hold the winning ticket

New federal legislation in 2027 opens the door for taxpayers to transform student lives By George Valadie Dangit!! I was sure we would win!! So, it’s another Sunday morning in the Valadie house. Getting ready for Mass, bagels, and Diet Coke, catching up on overnight news and west coast scores, …

St. Francis of Assisi parishes are designated Jubilee pilgrimage sites

St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend have been designated as official pilgrimage sites for the Franciscan Jubilee, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus, the passing into eternal life of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226. The Jubilee Year is …