A new Pentecost Springtime awaits as we emerge from the dark days of winter By Bishop Mark Beckman Every Advent is the dawn of a new liturgical year. As the days grow shorter, Christians have for centuries lit candles in preparation for the coming feast of Christmas. The Advent wreath …
The anamnesis in the Eucharistic Prayer
The Greek word for memorial is found in the earliest account by St. Paul of the Last Supper By Father Randy Stice In the Eucharistic Prayer (EP), following the consecration we hear these words: “Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your Son, His …
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AI is everywhere—even in this column
Artificial intelligence writes the first eight paragraphs below as well as the closing prayer By George Valadie Wow, it was a lot! I’m talking about the deep dive I took recently into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). You’d think I was gearing up for a Ph.D. in computer science, …
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The virtue of seeing Christ in others
In every encounter, we see one who is made in the image and likeness of God By Deacon Bob Hunt The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean …
Remembering those who serve
‘We thank you for and honor your service. We mean it’ By Father Charlie Donahue, CSP In 1989, a movie came out, Born on the Fourth of July. It starred Tom Cruise and is the biography of a man named Ronald Kovic. He is an injured and paralyzed veteran of …
The biblical understanding of sacrifice
‘The Eucharist,’ in the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, ‘is a sacrifice in the strict sense’ By Father Randy Stice At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of His impending death as a sacrifice. He offered His disciples His body “which is given for you” and His blood “which …
To ‘bring Christ,’ love others as He does
He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved—we are called to do the same By Deacon Bob Hunt The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean …
‘Pilgrims of hope’
Jubilee Year is an opportunity to be present, prayerful, and purposeful to those in need By Bishop Mark Beckman The great Jubilee Year of 2025 begins this Christmas Eve when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, an event that ordinarily takes place every 25 …
Our leaders aren’t having a beer anymore
The way we despise the opposition with a depth of vileness cannot help but impact our children By George Valadie It’s a story my wife has recounted countless times. And one for which I have given her grief in equal number. But it comes to mind these days. At the …
Challenges affecting participation in Mass
In a media-driven age, writes Pope Benedict XVI, signs and symbols are no longer understood By Father Randy Stice Recent popes have identified three cultural challenges that can affect our participation in the Mass. Pope Francis has written that many today no longer believe that God is present and active …
Looking, listening, and learning
‘Bishop of the Mountains’ discovering the spirit of the Lord is active in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, what a joy it is to be your shepherd here in the Diocese of Knoxville! From the first moment I arrived as bishop-elect in early …
A few ways we can ‘be Christ for all’
Being there for each other and being available helps us live out His call By Deacon Bob Hunt The universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her Savior. What does it mean to be …
