Diocese of Knoxville’s Patrick Murphy-Racey becomes affiliate deacon for Paulist Fathers By Gabrielle Nolan Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey would describe his work within the Church as “a very unique assignment.” Ordained in 2007 with the Diocese of Knoxville’s first deacon class, Deacon Murphy-Racey is assigned to St. John XXIII Catholic Center …
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Guild hosts first gathering for health professionals in diocese
Catholic Medical Association presents retreat on the Eucharist at diocesan Chancery By Gabrielle Nolan Sister Mary Lisa Renfer had been considering starting a local Catholic Medical Association guild for some time. “As I’ve gotten to know different people in the medical community, I’ve been asking them about it,” said the …
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Bishop Stika presides at funeral Mass for Deacon Ken Conklin
By Bill Brewer and Gabrielle Nolan Deacon Ken Conklin, whose story of courage and perseverance in the face of life-threatening illness inspired many within and outside the Diocese of Knoxville, lost his battle with cancer on Nov. 18, a year and two months after Bishop Richard F. Stika advanced his …
Adults from around diocese confirmed at cathedral
About 30 men and women receive the sacrament for the first time as Bishop Stika presides By Gabrielle Nolan On June 5, the feast of Pentecost Sunday, close to 30 adults from around the Diocese of Knoxville were confirmed in an afternoon Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika …
Precious signs of life
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee receives funding for ultrasound equipment By Gabrielle Nolan Catholic Charities of East Tennessee will be the first Catholic organization in the area to receive an ultrasound machine from the Knights of Columbus. “I just want to say, on behalf of Catholic Charities, that this …
Handmaids celebrate 75th anniversary of founding
The cloistered order that prays for priests makes its home in a monastery in the town of New Market By Gabrielle Nolan Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a special Mass on May 25 honoring the diamond jubilee for the Handmaids of the Precious Blood. The morning Mass took place at …
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Pursuing faith-filled vacations
Chancery staff share holy sites from their travels By Gabrielle Nolan Everyone can benefit from a vacation now and then. Vacations help weary souls to rest and recharge, learn and explore, and also break out of the usual routine at home. But how often do faith and prayer take the …
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Catholic author includes St. JPII Mission in new book
Daniel Markham has traveled the United States to chronicle unique ministries for ‘52 Masses’ By Gabrielle Nolan Out of all the Catholic churches in the state of Tennessee, writer Daniel Markham chose to visit St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge. One element in particular attracted him to the …
Religious Sister of Mercy is a witness of faith on Rocky Top
Sr. Joan Miriam Nelson attends the University of Tennessee with an eye toward nursing By Gabrielle Nolan Among the sea of orange and white on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, one particular student stands out. She wears a dark blue habit with a large cross around her neck, …
Chosen to serve
The Diocese of Knoxville welcomes three new transitional deacons as it celebrates a triple ordination By Gabrielle Nolan Three Diocese of Knoxville seminarians are one step closer to priesthood after being ordained to the diaconate on Sunday, May 29, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in …
New Paulist priest finds hidden joys in ministry
Fr. Richard Whitney ‘juggling’ first year of priesthood, service on UT campus By Gabrielle Nolan Paulist Father Richard Whitney describes his first year of priesthood as a “whirlwind.” “I don’t know that I’ve ever known time to fly by so happily before or in my life,” the 53-year-old priest said. …
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Diocese of Knoxville English classes transform lives
Local, international learners benefit from lay ministry that is growing in numbers By Gabrielle Nolan It is a common human experience to travel to a foreign country and not understand the language. Tourists fumble through basic vocabulary as they try to communicate their thoughts to the locals. But when …