‘Your presence on campus matters’: Knoxville

VolCatholic students at St. John XXIII Parish engage bishop in some questions and answers By Gabrielle Nolan Bishop Mark Beckman visited the University of Tennessee’s Catholic student center at St. John XXIII University Parish for the first time on Aug. 28, gathering with the students and Paulist Fathers for an …

Multilingual rosary unites diverse Catholics

Prayer for migrants, refugees brings together Diocese of Knoxville faithful By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry hosted the annual multilingual rosary at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville on Sept. 20. The rosary, prayed in several languages, preceded National Migration …

‘Praying the whole time’

Dad braves Hurricane Helene, long hike to walk his daughter down the aisle at St. Mary By Gabrielle Nolan What do a wedding, a hurricane, and a father’s multi-state journey have to do with each other? No, this is not the plot of a Hallmark movie (yet), but rather the …

Sole consultor

Pope Francis names Diocese of Knoxville resident as only American in Synod role By Gabrielle Nolan Sociologist, researcher, and Knoxville resident Tricia Bruce is contributing to the second session of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican this month, being held Oct. 2-27. A lifelong Catholic, Dr. Bruce was appointed …

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The thirst for freedom from addiction

Catholic Extension-funded iThirst program begins to have an impact in diocese By Gabrielle Nolan Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. Gambling. Addiction comes in many forms, whether it’s substance abuse or behavioral addiction. Addiction not only affects the addict, but also their family members, friends, and communities. Providing support for all involved in …

Feeling the presence of Jesus

Diocese of Knoxville pilgrims experience National Eucharistic Congress in Indy By Gabrielle Nolan “Holy God, we praise thy name; Lord of all, we bow before thee.” More than 50,000 Catholics sang these words during eucharistic adoration at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21. Over 80 years had …

The Beckman bunch

Diocese of Knoxville’s new bishop has firm foundations in faith, love, family By Gabrielle Nolan Jimmy and Lois Beckman first met in the small town of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., on a blind date in 1960, where they went to the movies. “We dated, and we just—that was it. We knew we …

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‘Jesus is the reason for everything’

Bishop Mark Beckman shares stories of his youth, family, and vocation By Gabrielle Nolan In the 1800s, German immigrants fashioned oak high altars and made the clay bricks that stacked to form the neo-Gothic-style Sacred Heart Church in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. It was in this parish, more than 100 years later, …

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Addressing transgender issues

St. Gianna Guild sponsors presentation by Religious Sisters of Mercy physician By Gabrielle Nolan Concerns about transgenderism and gender ideology are at the forefront of social issues within the United States and around the world. As secular institutions more commonly perform sex reassignment surgeries and provide puberty blockers to children, …

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Embracing the priesthood for 25 years

Father Dennis Kress marks silver jubilee in celebration at St. Joseph-Norris By Gabrielle Nolan A forecast of rain could not stop St. Joseph Parish in Norris from throwing a party. After the parish was without an assigned pastor for more than a year, Father Dennis Kress arrived in July 2023. …

Bridge Ministry partners with Catholic Charities

The effort to feed the homeless, founded by Deacon Scott and Christine Maentz, will continue By Gabrielle Nolan After nearly nine years of ministry of feeding Knoxville’s homeless, Deacon Scott and Christine Maentz have handed over the reins of their local ministry. Bridge Ministry serves food on the fourth Sunday …