Even though that happened 20 years ago, the memory of a daughter moving on remains By George Valadie It was that ugly sort of cry. Probably would have been pretty disconcerting to anyone who happened by, though thankfully no one did. Nancy had run down to the store, and there …
St. Thomas CCW makes ‘Bags of Love’ for children
Council helps Child Advocacy Center with kids who have been removed from their homes or abused By Donna Curry The Kids First Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Loudon County has just celebrated its 20th anniversary of giving hope—serving children who have been removed from their homes as a result of …
Mary, our help and refuge
Our consecration to Mary, praying her rosary daily are invaluable in the spiritual battles of life By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”— Matthew 1:20 A life-changing consecration. The words spoken by the angel of the …
God Camp counselors reflect on their summer experiences
Four counselors at the diocesan God Camps this summer looked back on their experiences. Each was in his or her first time on the counseling team. “My experience at God Camp as a counselor was amazing!” said Alex Espinoza, a senior from St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland. “I …
Zulay Pickering named Pastoral Juvenil Hispana coordinator
Zulay Navarro Pickering has been named the new coordinator of Pastoral Juvenil Hispana for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Ms. Pickering is a native Spanish speaker, born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and has lived in the United States since 1990. She has been an active volunteer …
Notre Dame in Greeneville conducts Vatican Express Kidz Camp
Vatican Express Catholic Kidz Camp was the vacation Bible school for 2022 at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville. VBS was held on Wednesday nights from June 22 through July 13 from 6 to 8:15 p.m. Nineteen adult staff members assisted, along with 10 youth leaders and about 30 students from …
Funeral Mass held at All Saints Church for Donald V. Borst
Donald V. Borst, age 86, of Knoxville, passed away on July 17. A funeral Mass for Mr. Borst was celebrated on Aug. 5 at All Saints Church, with entombment following at Highland Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Borst was born in Staten Island, N.Y., in 1936 and he retired in 1999 to …
Poll: Americans’ belief in God is dropping
The utter lack of God in their lives leads people to commit mass killings or other depraved acts By Deacon Bob Hunt A couple of Gallup polls caught my eye recently. The first has gotten a bit of attention in the press and the second barely any at all. The …
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After years of trying, he can say, ‘I hate golf’
But after some valuable time in the sport spent with his grandson, he may change his mind By George Valadie I hate golf. Again. This is at least the fourth or fifth time. We’ve battled often. I’ve lost every time. Soundly defeated. Vanquished not by an opponent with better skill …
Stretcher-bearers for God
Our sufferings have a salvific purpose in Christ’s sufferings when we ‘offer them up’ By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His body, which …
A stroll through family history via school records
Some questions would garner a lawsuit today, but the info gathered was more complete By George Valadie The unexpected text was from my high school alma mater. We stay in touch now and again. Many we know have moved on but not everyone. Turns out one of this summer’s tasks …
Mountaintops or holler bottoms?
God is as present in the mundane as He is in the most extraordinary moments By Claire Collins Have you ever been to a big retreat, a Catholic conference, or had a larger-than-life spiritual encounter that left you forever changed? Often deemed “mountaintop experiences,” these moments can be incredibly impactful …