East Tennessee missionaries join FOCUS ministry’s campus outreach

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, a national organization of Catholic missionaries that evangelizes to students on college campuses across the country, has again reached into the Diocese of Knoxville for assistance. Megan Ferowich, a Knoxville Catholic High School graduate who just completed studies at the University of Notre Dame, …

The tradition of sacred music: ‘Holy, beautiful, and universal’

By Dan McWilliams A “treasure of inestimable value” is found in some East Tennessee Catholic parishes that carry on the sacred music tradition of the Church. Gregorian chant and polyphony, or multiple-part vocal music in which each part is an independent melody, can be heard during Mass at the Basilica of …

‘Jesus, I trust in you’

Cathedral construction reaches its halfway point as Bishop Stika inscribes his motto in dome of our new mother church By Bill Brewer “Jesus, I trust in you.” These world were never more appropriate than when Bishop Richard F. Stika strapped  on a safety harness, climbed into a mechanical boom lift, …

Discernment for new diaconate class beginning

The Diocese of Knoxville is inviting men interested in learning more about becoming a deacon for the Catholic Church to begin a period of discernment that will lead to a new class being formed in September 2017. “The purpose of discernment is to separate ambition from vocation. That’s the best …

Once upon a time: Your pastor needs you

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel There was a time when things shut down for the summer, especially for school folks — but not anymore. Now, most of us run, run, run all the time, taking a few days for vacation when we can work it in. Plenty goes on year-round, so …

He dwells among us: Saints and prophets

The Church does not offer political solutions but must always be the voice of God’s truth By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor 9:16) The words of St. Paul challenge all of us, particularly clergy, to always speak the truth …

Diocesan schools upgrading technology for classrooms

Teachers, students embrace educational technology programs being integrated into standard curricula By Bill Brewer Diocese of Knoxville schools are making major investments in technology with the adoption of one-PC-per-student programs that will level the playing field for computer access. And upgrades in infrastructure are allowing teachers and students to tap into …

St. Vincent de Paul Society comes to the aid of East Tennesseans

In Year of Mercy, mercy is abundant at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport as the Church reaches out to those in need By Emily Booker When people find themselves in times of crisis, they often call on the Catholic Church. The St. Vincent de Paul Society at Good Shepherd Parish …

Cumberland Mountain Deanery puts on a Celebration of Mercy

By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika led the opening prayer for the Celebration of Mercy organized for the Cumberland Mountain Deanery on July 23 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Participating priests included event organizer Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul …

Diocese of Knoxville schools draw closer to accreditation review

System evaluation for AdvancED certification to take place during 2016-17 school year following four-year preparation The culmination of the accreditation process will be a key theme during the 2016-17 academic year as Diocese of Knoxville schools are evaluated by AdvancED for certification as a system of excellence. While the majority …

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Father Sescon is diocese’s newest permanent priest

Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade formally joins the Diocese of Knoxville By Bill Brewer Father Alberto Sescon, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, is the newest permanent priest in the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Sescon, who has served as a priest …