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Ladies of Charity celebrates 75th year

Bishop Stika praises diocesan group’s work during special Mass By Bill Brewer You’ve come a long way, ladies. The Ladies of Charity, which is marking its 75th anniversary this year, celebrated the milestone May 13 with a first for the nonprofit charitable organization that is part of the Diocese of …

Fr. Randy Stice appointed to USCCB position

Three-year assignment to begin July 1 From staff reports Father Randy Stice,  director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville since 2009, has been appointed associate director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, effective July 1. The Secretariat …

He dwells among us: Reverence and silence

In the presence of Our Lord at church, quiet is a sacred blessing that we must all respect and practice By Bishop Richard F. Stika My house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Matthew 21:13). I chose these words of Jesus to be inscribed on the cornerstone of our new …

Funeral Mass held in Nashville for Dr. Ruth Queen Smith

Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, longtime pastoral associate at St. John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center on the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus, passed away May 18 after an extended illness. A funeral Mass was celebrated for Dr. Smith on May 24 at St. Henry Church in Nashville, where she retired …

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Bishop Stika announces priest assignments for diocese

From staff reports Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced several assignments for priests serving in the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Alex Waraksa, currently associate pastor at St. Patrick Church in Morristown, will be in residence at Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City and will serve the Hispanic communities in the …

Faith in the harvest

With work of human hands, Santana family farm carefully cultivates fruit of the vine By Jim Wogan I couldn’t have chosen a more challenging day to watch someone pick tomatoes. It was July 27, 2016, and the temperature in Grainger County hovered at around 96 degrees. Yes, that Grainger County …

Our Lady of Fatima statue makes pilgrimage stops at Diocese of Knoxville parishes

Kingsport, Chattanooga, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Knoxville host icon By Bill Brewer Our Lady of Fatima was a guest of the Diocese of Knoxville in April, spending five days visiting parishes and leading parishioners in the rosary to commemorate her appearance to three children in Portugal. The Blessed Mother was in …

Hungry for the faith

UT-Chattanooga students savor their education on Catholicism and Christianity; Bishop Stika offers a pep talk By Emily Booker Younger generations often are accused of being entitled, individualistic, and seeking instant gratification. There is worry that millennials and Gen Z are abandoning traditional customs, including their faith. But some young adults …

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Fr. Gahagan receives papal designation as monsignor

Longtime diocesan priest receives ovation from fellow priests at St. Thomas the Apostle By Jim Wogan Pope Francis has designated Father William Gahagan, who has served in the Diocese of Knoxville since its inception in 1988, with the title of monsignor. The papal honor comes at the recommendation of Bishop Richard …

High school wings named in honor of Msgrs. Mankel, Garrity

By Bill Brewer Monsignors Xavier Mankel and Patrick Garrity have been recognized for their years of service to Knoxville Catholic High School with school wings named in their honor. The two longtime Diocese of Knoxville priests, who served as principals of the diocesan high school, were honored April 4 at …

V Encuentro retreat draws 29 young Catholic leaders

By Sedonna Prater Twenty-nine young leaders in diocesan Catholic schools stepped back for a day of reflection and a call to action through their participation in a V Encuentro retreat. The retreat was held at the diocesan Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton on May 11 and was …

Knights Cup raises $10,000 for Catholic Charities

By Dan McWilliams Rain plagued the Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High School for the second straight year but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the event’s donors. The second annual tourney took place April 21 and 22 at KCHS’s Blaine Stadium and featured the semifinals and finals of …