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Lessons of autumn

In this season of transition, we are thankful to God for His blessings By Bishop Mark Beckman During these days of autumn, the light has begun to shorten, the evenings and mornings are crisp and cool, and the colors of East Tennessee are on full display. This time of transition …

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Addressing an epidemic of violence

We are all invited to do an examination of conscience and a conversion from the culture of death By Bishop Mark Beckman On Thursday, Sept. 11, I celebrated Mass for the students at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The day before, …

Where are we going?

We are part of this great living chain of God’s holy ones in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman When I was a child and we would see my father heading to the door, we would often ask, “Where are you going?” And sometimes with a smile he would answer, …

The call of God

We are asked to nurture gentle servants of the Gospel By Bishop Mark Beckman The Second Vatican Council speaks of conscience as the “most secret core” and “sanctuary” of the person, where we are alone with God. There the “voice of God speaks deep within.” St. John Henry Newman, recently …

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With much gratitude

Reflecting on a year with God’s beauty and gift of faith By Bishop Beckman On a 30-day Ignatian Retreat, my director noted at one point that God gave us the gift of memory for two primary reasons: wisdom and gratitude. Wisdom gleaned from reflecting on our past mistakes and gratitude …

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Summer’s rest

Imagine when life was simpler and being together was divine By Bishop Mark Beckman Imagine a time when life was uncluttered and we rested with the Lord awhile. In our busy, fast-paced world, we all need a chance to find some genuine rest at times. Even Jesus recognized this fundamental …

‘The pope chosen for us’

Pray the Holy Father may be for us a true shepherd after the Lord’s own heart By Bishop Mark Beckman Earlier this month as I was sitting at my desk, the bells of our cathedral church began to chime joyously. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was shortly after …

Celebrating Holy Week

May the joy of the Risen Lord fill your hearts this Easter season By Bishop Mark Beckman Dear Brothers and Sisters, Holy Week marks the central week of our liturgical year. Each year we commemorate the sacred events that mark our entrance into the great Christian Passover. The week begins …

Lent: A spiritual springtime

Practical thoughts on celebrating the Lenten season that is upon us By Bishop Mark Beckman Lent is the time each year when we are immersed more deeply in the mystery of Jesus Christ. During the course of the year, it is easy to lose track of what being a Christian …

‘Love in the Flesh’

Let us examine our hearts and resolve to improve the world By Bishop Mark Beckman Today, I write on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, having just celebrated the liturgy in our Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Anna and Simeon meet God in that ancient …

A new year of hope

Jubilee marks 2025 as extraordinary in the life of the Church By Bishop Mark Beckman The beginning of a new year is always a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. This new year of 2025 is an extraordinary one in the life …

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Christmas in our heart

May the peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts this holy season By Bishop Mark Beckman Several years ago, I noticed a wonderful church sign. It said something along the lines of: “If you don’t have Christmas in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree either.” I …