ValLimar Jansen’s spiritual workout connects with youth

Energetic and enthusiastic audience responds to acclaimed singer’s message about taking active interest in the Mass If you were expecting to sit back and be entertained at the workshop led by ValLimar Jansen at the Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 14, she would quickly remind you of the responsibility of every …

Eucharistic Congress a labor of love for Diocese of Knoxville

Deacon Sean Smith leads team of volunteers The Eucharistic Congress began in spring 2012 as an idea floated by Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, during a conversation with Deacon Sean Smith about how to celebrate the Diocese of Knoxville’s 25th anniversary. It ended 18 months later with the successful completion …

Visitors overwhelmed by experience, God’s presence

Eucharistic Congress draws people from around the country seeking inspiration from all-star lineup of speakers Eucharistic Congress visitors from outside the region were overwhelmed by God’s presence at the worship event and left East Tennessee with rave reviews for the Diocese of Knoxville and its Catholic faithful. The travelers joined …

St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic dedicated, ready to serve

Bishop Stika blesses the doctor’s office on wheels, which will provide relief to the medically underserved After more than a year of planning and anticipation, the Diocese of Knoxville dedicated the region’s newest mobile medical clinic Sept. 11 during a ceremony attended by diocesan partners and community supporters. Bishop Richard …

Sisters’ remains transferred to East Tennessee home

The deceased Handmaids of the Precious Blood will now rest at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center   The Handmaids of the Precious Blood, who are making their way across country from New Mexico to their new home at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton, are not alone …

Vigil brings awareness to immigration reform

Parishioners across the Diocese of Knoxville took part in a 40-day vigil on immigration reform. The vigil, which is part of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign, began Aug. 15 and ended Sept. 23. The diocese asked parishes, organizations and individuals to dedicate one hour to …

Knoxvillian elected to Knights’ board of directors

Mike Wills of All Saints Council 15076 will serve as one of the organization’s 24 directors worldwide The Knights of Columbus will have a supreme director from the Diocese of Knoxville for the first time in the diocese’s history. Mike Wills, a member of All Saints Council 15076 in Knoxville, …

Deacon Smith knighted in Order of the Fleur de Lis

He is one of four new members accepted into the order this year and one of four from the Diocese of Knoxville Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor of the Diocese of Knoxville, has been knighted as a Commander in the Order of the Fleur de Lis. Deacon Smith is one of …

Glade couple marks 50th wedding anniversary

Patty and Shelton Johnson of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 1. The Johnsons were married at Christ the King Church in Nashville with Monsignor Thomas P. Duffy officiating. Their four sons are Dan and Andrew of Brentwood, David of Greenbrier, and …

Thomas and Anne Marano celebrate 50th

Thomas and Anne Marano of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 22. The Maranos were married at St. Suzanne Church in Detroit. Their children are Lisa of Dearborn Heights, Mich., and Christopher of Laurel, Md., and they have six grandchildren and one …

Diocesan calendar

A Beginning Experience weekend for separated, divorced, or widowed Catholics is scheduled for Oct. 4-6 at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The weekend is intended for individuals who wish to find peace and renewed hope with the support of the Catholic Church. The cost is $175. …

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar

Roch Monnig will present the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class starting at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in the Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center parish library. The 10-week class will continue through Dec. 5. Cost is $100. Call the parish office for more information at 865-523-7931. An overview of …