By Father Randy Stice The final number was finally set after a centuries-long discernment process involving many suggestions How many sacraments are there? Two? Five? Seven? Eight? Twelve? Each of these answers has been proposed at some point by someone. This question was only answered after a long process, as …
Most Catholics share bishops’ liberty concerns
WASHINGTON (CNS)—A majority of Catholics say they share the U.S. bishops’ concerns about the federal contraceptive mandate and other government restrictions on religious liberty, and the percentage of Catholics who say they are satisfied with the bishops’ leadership has increased sharply in the past 10 years. Catholics who attend Mass …
Once upon a time: Women religious and school days gone by
One young student recalls the influential role sisters played in local Catholic education Many times people ask me when we’re talking about history just how deacons, brothers, sisters, third orders and associates fit into the picture of the growth and vitality of our Church. We look at all these things …
Catholic Charities of ET launches phone counseling center
Research showing that the effectiveness of counseling via telephone equals face-to-face counseling sessions has led Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to start a phone-based counseling service. The service, which began Aug. 1, is targeted to a large, underserved clientele, according to Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, of Catholic Charities, who …
In praise of modesty: Diocesan schools update dress code
Students, faculty get revised rules on appropriate attire; all eighth-graders to wear gowns at graduation “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a …
Donors give diocese 50-acre retreat center
Christ Prince of Peace facility to serve as gathering place for parishioners to learn about faith Anonymous donors have given the Diocese of Knoxville a retreat center located between Benton and Etowah, developed over the past 40 years as the Priory of St. John the Apostle, and 50 acres of …
Growing the diocese — Mission Possible
St. Mary parish life center, new missions, other projects are the face of expansion St. Mary Parish in Athens has come a long way from the late 1960s when parishioners gathered for Mass in a converted funeral parlor and later in a former restaurant on Congress Parkway that served as …
Diocese Acquires Retreat Center in Benton
The Diocese of Knoxville has acquired the Priory of St. John the Apostle retreat center in Benton and 52 acres of property to go with it. The previous owners, who wish to remain anonymous, donated the center to the diocese. Bishop Richard F. Stika signed the papers Aug. 1 to make …
All Saints Parish teens serve at work camps
The young people participate in Catholic HEART Workcamps in Philadelphia and Knoxville Many teens from All Saints Parish in Knoxville have been busy this summer. A group of 46 teens and adults traveled to Philadelphia for a week of service with Catholic HEART Workcamp (CHWC), which partners with local agencies …
Diocesan camps are leadership training ground for youth
Fun, learning is stressed at God Camps and Youth Leadership Institute, where participation is strong When school lets out in May and many students look for the nearest pool, mall, video game or smartphone to inhabit until August, a number of diocesan pre-teens and teens make plans to interact with …
Pray for one another
When we pray generously for others, we truly become like Simon of Cyrene—bearers of the cross When a request for assistance is made to help someone in need, I am always amazed at how generous people can be, even strangers, with their time, resources, and monetary support. But there is …
Eagle Scout Award for Chris
Chris Cooley attained the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony held April 29 at the Farragut Town Hall. Chris is a parishioner at All Saints Parish in Knoxville and is an active member of BSA Troop 125, chartered by St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut. He is the son …