Key funder of Diocese of Knoxville ministries hits historic benchmark By Jim Wogan The Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries, a vital source of annual funding for diocesan works of mercy, formation, and outreach, set a record in 2022—surpassing the $3 million mark for the first time in diocesan history. “Support of …
Bishop reflects on the Holy Father who appointed him to lead diocese
By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali had special relationships with Pope Benedict XVI, something one would expect between a bishop of Rome and a priest he named to lead one of the Church’s dioceses and between two members of the College of Cardinals. Bishop Stika …
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Addressing the state of the diocese
Bishop Stika cites successes and challenges for the Church in East Tennessee By Jim Wogan In his 14 years guiding the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika says he remains motivated by something he spoke about during his episcopal ordination at the Knoxville Convention Center on March 19, 2009. …
Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali react to the death of Pope Benedict XVI
By Jim Wogan Benedict XVI was pope emeritus longer than he was pope, and the sum of his influence on the Catholic Church will be analyzed and debated for decades and perhaps even centuries to come. Among those who served with and eventually under the man once known as Father, …
Catholic Foundation events held across diocese
By Jim Wogan Each year, Bishop Richard F. Stika makes a point to bring together members of the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee [CFET] to recognize and thank them for their work in building the Diocese of Knoxville. For the second year in a row, three cities in the diocese …
A trip to remember
Scotland vacation puts schools superintendent in the middle of royal history By Jim Wogan In early September, Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville, and her husband, Ron, had an unexpected encounter with world history. Their much-anticipated and COVID-postponed trip to Scotland finally happened, and it …
Our Lady of Perpetual Help celebrates milestone
Chattanooga parish and school hold events to mark 85th anniversary By Jim Wogan The list is long and illustrious, but Father Arthur Torres did a good job reciting from memory the names of some of the pastors who have served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish during its 85 …
Diocesan priests named pastors
By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that three priests serving as parish parochial administrators are now elevated to pastors of their respective parishes. Bishop Stika has appointed Father Arthur Torres as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. He was previously assigned to the …
Summer schooling
Diocese of Knoxville seminarians share experiences away from formal studies By Jim Wogan Summer was anything but a vacation for the men studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville. Sure, there were allowances for personal adventures and time to reconnect with family and friends during their break from …
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Deacon Jim Bello named director of Christian Formation
Diocesan position is not all that Bishop Stika is asking new member of diaconate to undertake By Jim Wogan It didn’t take Deacon Jim Bello long to blend into his new role with the Diocese of Knoxville. A congenial personality and a genuine Christian spirit have helped him navigate the …
All Saints health and wellness expo set for Aug. 19-20
All Saints health and wellness expo set for Aug. 19-20 By Jim Wogan In 10 years as a Catholic priest, Father Doug Owens has become proficient at ministering to those in need. The pastor of All Saints Parish in Knoxville has anointed the sick, comforted those in distress, and, of …
Diocese of Knoxville responds to Ukraine war effort
Parishioners step up with generous donations to diocesan second collections By Jim Wogan Through a special collection that could be classified as historic for the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika and Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have separately wired …
