Twenty-eighth Crossville Oktoberfest set Oct. 19-20

By Rita M. Reali Circle Oct. 19 and 20 on your calendar. It’s time for Crossville Oktoberfest. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 8152, the 28th annual event takes place that Friday and Saturday at the K of C grounds, 2892 Highway 70 East, three miles from downtown Crossville. Featuring …

1

Fr. Jacques Philippe to hold pre-Lenten retreat, conferences for diocese

Father Jacques Philippe, a world-renowned Catholic author and lecturer who has sold more than 1 million books in 24 languages, will lead a pre-Lenten retreat and conferences in the Diocese of Knoxville Feb. 28-March 4. Father Philippe will give talks on a variety of faith topics, including inner peace, personal …

Praying for perspective: Frogs make the heart grow fonder

A spouse’s absence can be a nearly unpardonable offense By George Valadie Well, I’ve discovered one really good thing. I know she can’t live without me … I think. I’ve known for a few years that she’s needed me — or someone — to operate the remotes. But now it’s …

He dwells among us: Justice in 10 words

The relationship that binds all others in love is the key to justice and peace in our world By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Do justice for the weak and the orphan; give justice to the poor and afflicted.” (Psalm 82:3) There are so many cries today for justice and so …

Theology 101: What do you say when…

My brother says he feels closer to God on a fishing trip than in church? By Doug Culp Question: My brother says he feels closer to God when he’s out on a fishing trip than he does in a church, and doesn’t see why he should bother going to Mass. …

Marriage Enrichment: Making eye contact makes all the difference

‘It’s hard for people to see the face of Jesus in our or see Jesus in others if we never look directly at them’ By Marian Christiana Summer is not even over yet, but, so far, this one has been a doozy! My husband, Ralph, and I have had a …

Praying for Perspective: Pope Francis offers hope after death of a pet

A family believes ‘that if we ourselves ever get to heaven, we’ll get to see him, pet him—and feed him—again’ By George Valadie Thank goodness for Pope Francis! The woman would have crawled up in a hole and died herself if the man hadn’t offered her the hope she so …

1

Developments in child protection cases prompt statement by Bishop Stika

Concerns about Cardinal McCarrick, Pennsylvania clergy at forefront of Church’s attention Staff and wire reports In the wake of Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick’s recent resignation from the College of Cardinals following sexual abuse allegations, Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a statement on the matter in which he offers his …

Diocese of Knoxville’s 30th anniversary to be celebrated by parishes

Bishop Richard F. Stika is calling on all parishes and schools to join him in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Diocese of Knoxville’s founding, which is Sept. 8. Bishop Stika has commissioned a Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the diocese celebrates this anniversary on …

Catholic Press Association recognizes East Tennessee Catholic

The East Tennessee Catholic was recently recognized with top place finishes by the Catholic Press Association in two categories: best redesign of a newspaper and magazine feature writing. In the Feature Writing category, Editor Bill Brewer’s story about the Gatlinburg wildfires won first place. The story, with compelling photography by …

He dwells among us: A fruitful love

God wants to be your love and your life—not just a part of it By Bishop Richard F. Stika “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:8). In every Mass we hear those familiar and most sacred words of Our Heavenly …

Praying for Perspective: Have Ya Heard?

Today’s education system would do well to learn from the greatest Teacher By George Valadie You can imagine the scene. You may have seen it or possibly experienced it for yourself. It’s an annual event, coming around with the same regularity as Christmas or Easter or Groundhog Day. I was …