Corporal, spiritual actions offer a pathway to holiness for mothers and their children By Gabrielle Nolan During the month of May we celebrate mothers of all kinds: biological mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the women in our lives who have given of themselves in a motherly way, such …
The would-be case of Valadie vs. social media
It’s a sure-fire loser, but self-image and self-perception aren’t the same for all ages By George Valadie They’ve got me. I have to admit it, I’m addicted. It’s not tobacco, and it’s not alcohol. It’s not drugs or gambling or shopping at Amazon. But in this one area, I’m hooked, …
Who we are will reflect the choices we’ve made
Many forces oppose the Church, but it is up to the individual believer to live out the faith By Deacon Bob Hunt I have been reading about what journalists and sociologists are calling a “surge” in newfound faith among young people around the world. We are experiencing that at Holy …
Through the eyes of St. John Chrysostom
The saint understood the Eucharist and the ‘rich and luminous message’ it contains By Father Randy Stice “The Eucharist,” wrote St. John Paul II, “unfolds in a dynamic context of signs containing a rich and luminous message.”1 However, we do not always understand the luminous message contained in the words …
The large role Scripture plays in Mass
The liturgy—including prayers, songs, and kneeling— is ‘totally permeated by the Word of God’ By Father Randy Stice If you attend Mass regularly, you probably know more Scripture than you realize. In addition to the readings in the Liturgy of the Word, much of the Mass is drawn from Scripture: …
Sin ‘is not the end of the story’ for us
The grace received in the sacrament of reconciliation is powerful and transformative By Deacon Bob Hunt I am a sinner. There’s no use beating around the bush. Yes, I am a Catholic. I am a Catholic husband, and a Catholic father, and a Catholic grandfather. I am even an ordained …
The magic of a candy jar and a listening ear
Sharing time with students might be the enduring legacy of Catholic schools By George Valadie It’s a simple candy dish, but it’s like it has magical, magnetic powers. I don’t understand it … but I do love it. In the interest of full disclosure—and please don’t tell her I’m giving …
Light has dawned
Record Rite of Election shows God’s presence in the Church in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman The days of Lent had just dawned when great numbers of people gathered at our Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from all across our diocese. Every pew was filled and …
Confession is an encounter with the Trinity
In the sacrament, we truly meet our heavenly Father in His beloved Son and the Holy Spirit By Father Randy Stice Every celebration of a sacrament, says the Church, “is a meeting of God’s children with their Father, in Christ and the Holy Spirit,” a dialogue in liturgical signs, actions, …
The lamb’s role in Judeo-Christian religion
Jesus, the Lamb of God, effected our redemption from the bondage of sin By Deacon Bob Hunt The lamb has had a significant role in the religion of the Judeo-Christian people from time immemorial. Perhaps this was natural, given the role of sheep in providing clothing and nourishment to the …
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Bishop Richard F. Stika, third bishop of Knoxville, dies
The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Richard F. Stika, who served as the third bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville from 2009 to 2023, died in his native St. Louis at age 68. He was found in his residence on Feb. 17. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church …