Father Brent Shelton, pastor of St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, has received the 2016 Community Service Award from the NAACP for his work with two other Oak Ridge pastors in promoting a “Community Matters” public forum. Father Shelton received the award from the Anderson County/Oak Ridge chapter of the …
Mass of dedication for new Sacred Heart Cathedral set for March 2018
Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that a Mass of dedication for the new Sacred Heart Cathedral will be celebrated on Saturday, March 3, 2018. An exact time will be announced at a later date. Bishop Stika said the Mass and Rite of Dedication of a church and its altar …
The East Tennessee Catholic marks silver anniversary with new look
The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016, marks the beginning of its second 25 years with a new look. The Diocese of Knoxville’s bi-monthly publication, which highlights the happenings of Catholic parishes, schools, organizations, and homes throughout East Tennessee, is returning to a traditional broadsheet …
He dwells among us: Our days are numbered
How will we use the time we have left? Three important top for making the most of our moments By Bishop Richard F. Stika It doesn’t happen that often, but this year it does. We will be in Ordinary Time for the whole month of February. That’s right – Lent …
St. Mary-Oak Ridge music program excels
St. Mary School in Oak Ridge participated in the East Tennessee Vocal Association’s annual All-East Honor Choir event held on Nov. 18-19 at Maryville College and the Clayton Center for the Arts. This year’s All-East Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir was made up of more than 300 advanced seventh- and …
Praying for Perspective: Remembering the handing-out of report cards
By George Valadie You could tell we had just sent them out because the office phones were ringing incessantly. They always do on “report card” day. Technology has vastly changed how all that happens these days. Our teachers enter grades into a computer program, and magic does the rest. Parents …
He dwells among us: Awakening love
Christ provides the only answer that truly satisfies the ‘why’ of suffering By Bishop Richard F. Stika It is said that “sadness is looking at oneself,” whereas “joy is looking at God.” I must admit, though, in looking back upon this past year, with its many tragedies, from the deadly and …
Marriage enrichment: Christmas peacemakers
Advent is upon us, and no doubt we all are busy preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ with our loved ones. This Advent I would like to challenge you to join me in preparing for Christmas by becoming a peacemaker. A simple definition of peacemaker is a person who …
Deacons incardinated into Knoxville Diocese
Bishop Richard F. Stika joined deacons of the Diocese of Knoxville and their wives on Oct. 8 for a day of reflection and prayer at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Two of the deacons who currently serve our diocese were incardinated during a Mass celebrated …
Union County group honors Father Pawelk
Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, pastor of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, has been named the 2016 Man of the Year by the Union County Business and Professional Association. Father Pawelk was honored at the group’s annual banquet Nov. 5. …
Living the readings: A Christmas change of life
Prepare for, rejoice in, and live out the holy season message By Father Joseph Brando We are approaching one of the great highlights of the year. If we can look at the entire calendar from afar, we can see Christmas and Epiphany shining out and giving us hope. In a …
Bishop Stika issues pastoral letter to address concerns of election results
Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a pastoral letter to parishioners in the Diocese of Knoxville to address concerns following the 2016 presidential campaign and the Nov. 8 election. The letter was delivered at all 51 diocesan churches and missions during Masses on the second weekend of Advent. The presidential …