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 …
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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 …
He dwells among us: The struggle for purity
The memory of God’s love and mercy always triumphs over sin and its memory By Bishop Richard F. Stika One hundred years ago, as the horrors of the First World War were in their final weeks, an even more terrible scourge than modern warfare was beginning to ravage the globe …
Giving a lift to those who need it
St. Vincent de Paul Society’s bus pass program is having an impact on community The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Neumann Parish is making an impact. If you don’t believe it, just ask Knox County Judge Chuck Cerny and Knox County probation officer Jack Dennis. The Vincentian …
Military Chaplain Corps dispenses ‘hope and optimism’
Father Brownell of St. Patrick Parish in Morristown is called to serve By Staff Sgt. Timothy Cordeiro/Tennessee Army National Guard Lt. Col. Gary Anderson, the Battalion Chaplain for the Tennessee National Guard’s 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, believes that the Chaplain Corps is much more important to the military than …