OLPH 5th-grader takes faith, school, and The East Tennessee Catholic to heart By Bill Brewer Genevieve Moy wants to change the world—one book report, poem, notebook drawing, math problem, violin piece, school play—and newspaper—at a time. The fifth-grader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga isn’t just about …
Dr. John Dombroski
John Richard Dombroski entered into rest on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, after a period of declining health. Dr. Dombroski was born on June 6, 1941, and raised in Elmira, N.Y. He was educated with multiple degrees in New York, including a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from the State University …
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Bishop Beckman visits with students at St. Joseph School
Bishop Beckman visits with students at St. Joseph School By Bee Goodman Bishop Mark Beckman had planned to spend Catholic Schools Week traveling throughout the diocese, visiting classrooms and celebrating the educators and students who make Catholic education a defining part of parish life. Winter weather, however, forced changes to …
Hugo Schielke
Hugo Josef Hans Schielke, age 87, of Monroe County, formerly of Boca Raton, Fla., and Rockville, Md., passed away quietly at his home in the Ballplay community on Dec. 13 after being under hospice care since January 2025. Mr. Schielke was born in Wehrden, Germany, on March 4, 1938. As …
New superintendent of schools named
Bishop Beckman appoints Martha Mundine of New Orleans Archdiocese The East Tennessee Catholic Martha Mundine, who currently serves as the deputy schools superintendent for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has been named superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools. Bishop Mark Beckman made the announcement on Feb. 11 following a comprehensive, …
Gail Nevins
Gail Louise Nevins, 80, of East Brainerd passed away on Nov. 22 at her home. Ms. Nevins, was born in Pittsburgh and was a longtime resident of Chattanooga. She was a retired educator from Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Stephen Parish. Ms. Nevins was preceded …
Bishop celebrates Mass for vocations
Men and women religious in the diocese and members of lay orders ‘live well’ the beatitudes By Dan McWilliams Several inches of snow curtailed the attendance at a special Mass for vocations on Jan. 31 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, but Bishop Mark Beckman complimented …
KCHS counselor named to UT advisory board
Kat Coy among small group from across U.S. selected to serve university By Bill Brewer Kat Coy, who has served as a school counselor at Knoxville Catholic High School since July 2006, has been selected to serve on the University of Tennessee Admissions Counselor Advisory Board. Mrs. Coy was selected …
Joan V. Zaar
Joan V. “Jody” Zaar, age 91, of Tellico Village, passed away peacefully on Dec. 19. Mrs. Zaar was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerry; her daughter, Leann R. Zaar, RN; and her sons, Dr. Gregory T. Zaar and John Zaar. Survivors include her daughter, Susan M. Zaar …
Preparing the way of the Lord
Lent 2026 is here, and Catholic faithful around East Tennessee are readying for Holy Week The East Tennessee Catholic and OSV News It has been just over a month since the feasts of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord marked the end of Christmas. And now in 2026, Lent is …
Jacqueline Ellis Mathis
Our beloved Jacqueline Ellis Mathis passed away peacefully on Jan. 27 following a long and brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Mathis’ final moments were spent exactly where she was happiest: surrounded by her family. Mrs. Mathis was the heart of her home—a loving mother and teacher whose warmth touched everyone …
‘Humble, prayerful, obedient servant of the Church’
Bishops Beckman, Spalding lead funeral Mass for Father John Kirk By Jim Casey Nashville Catholic Father John Kirk, a priest of the Diocese of Nashville for more than 55 years, died on Jan. 18 in Knoxville. He was 84. A funeral Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman of Knoxville …