More than 370 realize it was not ‘you who chose me but I who chose you . . . to bear fruit that will remain’ By Dan McWilliams Virtually every Catholic school teacher, principal, and counselor in East Tennessee attended the annual Diocesan Professional Development Day—aka in-service—on Feb. 18 at …
Chesterton Pearl Gala features ‘huge news’
Headmaster Zach Summers announces that Bishop Beckman has canonically recognized the school By Dan McWilliams The third annual Pearl Gala benefiting the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow on Feb. 15 featured the biggest announcement in the young Knoxville school’s history. Founding headmaster Zach Summers told the 100 supporters attending …
Education Freedom Act passes legislature
The legislation was backed by Tennessee’s Catholic bishops, parents, and organizations By Bill Brewer School choice will soon be available to students in East Tennessee and across the state as the General Assembly in Nashville approved the Education Freedom Act on Jan. 30 during floor votes in the House and …
Bishop experiences Catholic Schools Week
Students at St. Mary-Johnson City ask him about his episcopal ring, how much he is paid, and more By Bill Brewer Bishop Mark Beckman was in impressive company during one of his most recent get-to-know-you meetings with Diocese of Knoxville parishioners. In attendance were young leaders of the community, including …
St. Joseph School charity hoops event helps Children’s Hospital
The St. Joseph School gym in North Knoxville was packed with Christmas cheer and packed with fans eager to watch the annual charity Christmas basketball scrimmage Dec. 13. The stands were filled with students, parents, and community friends who joined together to raise funds for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Oncology …
Knoxville Catholic football team adds new offensive coordinator
Knoxville Catholic High School on Dec. 12 announced the hiring of veteran coach Rusty Bradley as offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish under head football coach Philip Shadowens. “We are blessed to add one of the best football coaches I have been around to help lead our offense. Coach Bradley is …
Annual Catholic Schools Week begins Jan. 26
All 10 schools in the diocese will celebrate their parishes, communities, families, and more in themed days By Dan McWilliams All eight elementary and both high schools in the Diocese of Knoxville will be celebrating the 51st annual Catholic Schools week, which runs from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. The …
Bishops back new school choice bill
Lawmakers to take up Education Freedom Act; special session called By Bill Brewer Education savings accounts, which already are in place in Hamilton, Davidson, and Shelby counties, are again at the top of Gov. Bill Lee’s legislative agenda, this time for the 2025 General Assembly. And the bishops of Tennessee …
Knoxville Catholic athletes sign with colleges
State champions Keegan Smith in cross country and track and Lillie Murphy in tennis are among 10 who commit By Dan McWilliams Ten students from Knoxville Catholic High School officially committed their athletic futures to colleges and universities at a National Signing Day event on Nov. 13 in the St. …
Knoxville Catholic captures cross country titles
Keegan Smith wins his second individual state crown while the KCHS boys team takes first and the Lady Irish third By Dan McWilliams Led by individual state champion Keegan Smith, the Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country runners captured the team state title this fall for the first time …
Vocal students welcome new bishop
St. John Neumann’s all-school chorus has an a cappella birthday surprise By Bill Brewer Bishop Mark Beckman didn’t expect to be serenaded during his visit to St. John Neumann Church and School on Oct. 18. But serenaded he was as students who were gathered for an all-school Mass launched into …
Remembering all the saints and all the souls
Masses, rosaries are said as the faithful mark the month of remembrance By Bill Brewer Diocese of Knoxville faithful ushered in the month of remembrance and thanksgiving on Nov. 1 as young students at diocesan schools adopted their favorite saints on All Saints’ Day, and churches organized rosaries on All …