Archbishop Fabre, as apostolic administrator, celebrates Mass, offers direction By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville is undergoing a time of transition following the resignation of Bishop Richard F. Stika, who served the diocese as bishop for 14 years and announced his retirement on June 27. While the diocese awaits …
Thinking about religious life?
Avow discernment program aids young women considering a vocation By Gabrielle Nolan A new discernment opportunity is available to young women of the diocese who are interested in learning more about a vocation to religious life. “It’s a women’s discernment program that is put out through Vianney Vocations to help …
Couples renew vows at marriage celebration
Wives and husbands married within diocese say ‘I do’ all over again By Gabrielle Nolan Married couples within the diocese were given a special opportunity to say “I do” all over again. A Mass of reaffirmation of marriage vows took place at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of …
Bilingual stories teach children about virtues
Francesca Follone-Montgomery lives a life of creative improvisation that has seen her write four books By Gabrielle Nolan Francesca Follone-Montgomery, OFS, likes to adapt the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” “I say, make a lot of things: lemon cream pie, lemon cookies,” she laughed. “Whatever inspiration, be …
Parish ministries live out call of Laudato Si’
Pope Francis’ encyclical inspires East Tennessee Catholics ‘to achieve climate and ecological justice’ By Gabrielle Nolan “Care for our common home.” This phrase was made popular by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, in which the pope both encourages the faithful to practice good stewardship toward the …
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Seven Sisters Apostolate is praying for priests
Lay ministry dedicated to vocations is looking to expand its prayer group By Claire Collins Yvonne Kidder, a parishioner of St. John Neumann in Farragut, hopes to encourage other women to join her in praying for the priests of the Diocese of Knoxville through a national organization called the Seven …
Walking with Purpose speaker leads evening of reflection
Catholic blogger helps celebrate women’s ministry at St. John Neumann Parish By Gabrielle Nolan Laura Phelps, a blogger and speaker with the women’s ministry Walking with Purpose, recently visited the Diocese of Knoxville for a Lenten evening of reflection at St. John Neumann Parish. Hosted by Regnum Christi, the evening …
Building the kingdom of Christ
Regnum Christi movement strives to grow its presence in the Diocese of Knoxville By Gabrielle Nolan Margaret Merrill believes that the Knoxville chapter of Regnum Christi came into being because of the Holy Spirit. When she moved to Knoxville, there was only one other woman in the area who was …
Fr. Patrick Ryan comes to life in new documentary
Movie focusing on the candidate for sainthood debuts at Notre Dame High School By Gabrielle Nolan The universal Church is about to become more acquainted with Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan now that a film exists depicting his life story. “Father Ryan: A Higher Call” shares the tale of …
‘A match made in heaven’
Echo graduate students making a local impact in diocesan schools and parishes By Gabrielle Nolan Since 2017, the Echo Graduate Service Program has brought nine graduate students to the Diocese of Knoxville to enrich the parish and school communities here. The program, which is under the McGrath Institute for Church …
Local author shares love of early Church history
Rod Bennett brings a bit of ‘hillbilly’ to his writing projects, which are gaining acclaim By Gabrielle Nolan Rod Bennett admitted laughingly that he is “a little bit of a hillbilly.” Although the Catholic author grew up in and spent many years living in Atlanta, he was born in Maryville. …
St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic celebrates 10th year
Mobile medical van reaches milestone as it provides free health care in East Tennessee By Gabrielle Nolan A celebration took place in Crab Orchard on Feb. 28 as St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic celebrated a milestone in its history, 10 years in the making. For a decade, the clinic has extended …
