‘The finest response we can offer God in return begins with gratitude’ By Bishop Mark Beckman One of the moments of my daily morning prayer that has become increasingly significant through the years is the time I spend in silent stillness with the Lord. One particular awareness during that time …
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Schools hit the lottery, but we hold the winning ticket
New federal legislation in 2027 opens the door for taxpayers to transform student lives By George Valadie Dangit!! I was sure we would win!! So, it’s another Sunday morning in the Valadie house. Getting ready for Mass, bagels, and Diet Coke, catching up on overnight news and west coast scores, …
Remembering 250 and 49; trying to forget 35
Our history offers all sorts of stories needing all sorts of understanding By George Valadie Have you ever felt stupid? Or actually done stupid? As this year’s 250th-anniversary celebration of our country has reminded us again and again, just one of the remarkable geniuses of our forefathers was their emphasis …
St. Catherine of Siena and ‘the gentle light’
The doctor of the Church dedicated herself to God at age 6 and was ‘eager for’ the next Mass By Father Randy Stice In previous columns, I have introduced the eucharistic teaching of St. John Chrysostom, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This month, I want to …
Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica humanitas encyclical
On the use of AI, he urges us to reject the Babel model of progress without God By Deacon Bob Hunt Pope Leo XIV has released the first encyclical letter of his pontificate. Titled Magnifica humanitas (“Magnificent humanity” or MH), it is subtitled: “On Safeguarding the Human Person in the …
On being sent
Parishes show the Holy Spirit is alive and well in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman One of my greatest joys as bishop has been the opportunity to journey to our parishes and meet the people of God in our many communities throughout East Tennessee. A few weeks ago, I …
Pursuing a culture of life within marriage
Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, July 19-25, is guided by love By Gabrielle Nolan Every year, the Catholic Church celebrates Natural Family Planning Awareness Week in July with the goal of encouraging and supporting married couples in both their journeys of faith and their practical discernment of growing their families. …
Right before our very eyes
As the Synod unfolds, the Implementation Phase is in plain sight By Jim Wogan One of my most persistent and self-loathing traits is something we’ve all probably experienced in life—my not-so-unique but absolutely confounding and frustrating ability to misplace things. My wife affectionately refers to it as “carelessness.” Ouch. Where …
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“Is he kidding? We get to stay here?!”
Memories of summer vacations are never the only thing we take home By George Valadie We love the beach. It wouldn’t be everybody’s choice for sure. But when we can, we do. And it goes without saying we’re beyond lucky to get to go a little more than we used …
We have all we need to live out our true purpose
God created us so that we ‘may come to share in the divine nature’ and return to Him By Deacon Bob Hunt Is there meaning to our lives? There are some who insist that life comes with no meaning. Any meaning to our lives is only given to our lives …
2026 Diocesan Soccer Tournament is a success
Teamwork, fellowship are the real winners as men and women compete By Magdiel Argueta More than 250 people participated in the 2026 Diocesan Soccer Tournament held on May 31 at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. The tournament was sponsored by the Diocese of Knoxville Office of Youth, Young Adult, and …
The eucharistic piety of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Jesus ‘gave Himself to me in Holy Communion more frequently than I would have dared hope’ By Father Randy Stice In previous columns, we have looked at the eucharistic devotion and teaching of St. John Chrysostom, the Doctor of the Eucharist, and St. Francis of Assisi. This month, I want …