Of the 57 projects at the St. Mary School-Oak Ridge science fair Feb. 9, 19 received awards making them eligible to enter the regional Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair (SASEF) at the University of Tennessee on March 28-30. The SASEF is sponsored by the University of Tennessee and numerous …
Cardinal Rigali named an episcopal delegate
In a degree dated April 10, Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali an episcopal delegate. The ministry of the episcopal delegate is one of service to the bishop and is someone who serves as a representative of the bishop, acts as his liaison, and offers pastoral concern …
Diocesan marriage tribunal to be established by July 2020
In a decree dated April 10, Bishop Richard F. Stika announced his intent to establish a marriage tribunal for the Diocese of Knoxville by July 2020. Bishop Stika has said the diocese is now large enough to handle its own marriage cases and should form its own tribunal to review …
Praying for perspective: Carrying the cross
Do we share our personal stories or hide them away? By George Valadie It’s got to be about a month now at least, and it probably felt really good to get back to work. The holiday weekend seemed so long ago now; you know how it is. There’s all that …
He dwells among us: Keeping death before us
Do not neglect the beauty and comfort of a Catholic funeral Mass By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Go to Joseph!” (Gn 41:55) These words of urgent counsel were spoken by Pharaoh to those seeking relief in ancient Egypt from the great drought and famine that afflicted the land. In this …
He dwells among us: The sharpest sword
Blessed Mother recommends the rosary most to instill the peace of Christ in our hearts, homes, world By Bishop Richard F. Stika World crises in 1917 may not be all that different from ours today—wars, genocide, revolutions, divisions. But yet the best means for obtaining the peace so desperately needed …
Understanding the sacraments: The Word of God in the liturgy – a closer look
The performance character of and the sacramentality of the Word are two aspects not fully appreciated today By Father Randy Stice In a previous column, I introduced the new Lectionary Supplement and briefly discussed aspects of the Word of God in the liturgy. In this column, I would like to look …
Living the readings: Out of the darkness
The Lord is with us—in the Kingdom all is light by Father Joseph Brando Spring brings the earth to life. The air is warmer; the grass is greener; the sunsets are later; and our lives become more enjoyable. However, it isn’t merely the movement of stars and planets that makes …
Marriage Enrichment: Pope Francis helps Lenten resolutions stay on track
The Holy Father’s annual Lenten messages from 2013 onward keep one’s focus where it should be By Marian Christiana Lent is a very bad time to take a vacation. I have trouble with self-denial as it is, but take me out of my routine and I am lost. Add a …
Praying for Perpective: Being a ’90 percenter’ during Lent
This Lenten journey has been fairly successful, but sometimes during the season we cut deals with God and seek middle ground by George Valadie Baseball season is upon us. Bishop Richard F. Stika is a Cardinals fan; I’m all about the Braves. I hate to admit it, but of late …
KCHS teacher chosen for Bearing Witness Program
Knoxville Catholic High School teacher Joan Williams was recently selected to be a Tennessee representative in the weeklong Bearing Witness Program in Washington, D.C., this summer. This program, offered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Anti-Defamation League, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, hopes …
Morristown Knights donate $4,750 to local groups
Lakeway area came through to help people with mental challenges. This is the 36th year that the Knights of Columbus in Morristown have collected money from the public to aid local organizations that serve the needs of folks with intellectual difficulties. During the Knights’ annual Tootsie Roll street collections last …


