Jonathan Davidson, 33, of Hixson, passed away Aug. 1 in a Chattanooga-area hospital. Funeral services were held Aug. 7 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, with Monsignor Al Humbrecht officiating. Inurnment was in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Jonathan, who was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, worked for and attended Orange Grove …
Before you vote, answer these questions
When we vote, we are not voting for the candidate but for the party platform and all within it By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Thus says the Lord…. Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” — Ezekiel 18:25 Questions God Asks. God always …
Basilica rosary prayed in response to St. Stephen vandalism
Parishioners from the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Stephen Church gathered on Sunday, July 19, in front of the basilica’s Marian Grotto to pray the rosary in reparation for sins against holy things. The rosary was in response to recent vandalism and arson of churches and statues …
Sacrifice and Sacrament
The Mass is Christ’s perfect sacrifice of adoration, thanksgiving, atonement, and petition By Bishop Richard F. Stika Purpose is what gives personal meaning to any endeavor and helps to creatively form and direct our heart’s energy. Without it, things become confused, and we lose enthusiasm and commitment. So it is …
Bishop Stika joins call for prayers and support to help Beirut after explosion
Bishop Richard F. Stika joins with all bishops of the United States in a stand of solidarity with the people of Lebanon following the devastating explosion in Beirut Aug. 4 that killed more than 150 people and injured thousands more. The tragedy is even more personal for Bishop Stika, who …
Wave of Church vandalism strikes East Tennessee
Chattanooga parish joins growing list of U.S. church properties damaged by hate acts By The East Tennessee Catholic/Catholic News Service As increasing incidents of vandalism against Church properties are reported across the country, St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga has sadly found it was not immune. A 5-foot-tall outdoor statue …
Diocese of Knoxville among organizations receiving PPP loans
The East Tennessee Catholic staff The Diocese of Knoxville is among thousands of U.S. for-profit and nonprofit organizations that participated in the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that has kept diocesan churches open and vital ministries that assist the public operating. The PPP, as it’s commonly referred to, is …
Chattanooga parishes rally behind world rosary
Virgin of the Poor Shrine in New Hope is site of global relay to pray for the gift of priesthood By Janice Fritz-Ryken Stifling heat and rain showers did not diminish the devotions of nearly 50 parishioners from the Diocese of Knoxville who recently made the trek to a small …
Examining the Books of Moses—the Pentateuch
The first five books of the Old Testament are sacred in both the Jewish and the Christian traditions By Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM Having given a preliminary sketch of the sections of the Old Testament, in this article I expand on the Books of Moses, also known as the …
In a cupcake store: ‘how can people act that way?’
A 19-year-old employee has to put up with angry reactions to mask-wearing requirements By George Valadie She’s just a kid. I don’t mean that as any sort of insult, not in any way. In fact, she’s as mature a young lady as I’ve known. I’d trust her with my car, …
KCHS cross country and track runner receives Knoxville Hall of Fame award
Recent Knoxville Catholic High School graduate and running standout Callie Grace Tucker received the 2020 female High School Athlete of the Year Award from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. She joins KCHS runner Jake Renfree, the 2019 boys winner, in earning the honor. Callie received the award in …
The Good Samaritan story, for our current times
Tensions between the Jews and the Samaritans can be compared with today’s social upheaval By Bob Hunt These past several weeks, since the killing of George Floyd, our nation has been wracked with protests and social upheaval we have not seen in decades. Many have lost their lives in the …





