Francis of Assisi implored those in his order to ‘reverence, honor the most holy body and blood’ By Father Randy Stice This year is the Eighth Centenary of the happy passage of St. Francis of Assisi from earthly life to his heavenly homeland on Oct. 3, 1226. Pope Leo XIV …
‘I just don’t know if those babies are ready’
Moms and dads everywhere sharing the same fears and calling on the same Father By George Valadie Looking back, I think Madge moved in back in late January. The process took longer than you’d think given the fact she had so little to bring. We definitely had plenty of room; …
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
May peace fill every human heart and spread to all parts of the world By Bishop Mark Beckman One of the great joys of springtime for a bishop is the opportunity to journey about the diocese and celebrate the sacrament of confirmation for our young people. Here in East Tennessee …
An open letter to the Church’s newest members
Welcome! You are wanted, needed, and a gift to God and all who worship Him By Claire Collins I want to address my brothers and sisters in Christ who just came into full communion with the Catholic Church this past Easter or who are preparing to very soon. I want …
Motherhood and embracing the works of mercy
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 …
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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 …