Living the readings: Beginning at the end of the story

An approach from the rear can prepare us for Advent By Father Joseph Brando What we have here before you is an analysis of the next two months’ Sunday Mass readings. It starts at the 26th Sunday of the Church’s Ordinary Time (Oct. 1) and continues until the last Sunday …

Marriage Enrichment: Can you be a marital ‘first responder’?

A new program in the diocese will help sustain marriages by tapping into the power of support networks by Marian Christiana The Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is introducing what we think is an exciting new training program called “Marital First Responders.” This program is developed by The Doherty …

He dwells among us: Teachable moments

The Holy Spirit educates us on all things, and the Church is His schoolhouse, where we must always be open to learning or risk becoming spiritual dropouts By Bishop Richard F. Stika Another school year has begun, and we pray for the safety and success of our teachers, school administrators, …

Praying for perspective: A view from on high

We may not see each other as God sees us, which can be very humbling By George Valadie Our youngest daughter recently moved back to Chattanooga and found an apartment downtown. We love to visit her and pretend we are cool. We take her to all the trendy places for …

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Living the readings: Things are not what they seem

What did Jesus want to accomplish during his public ministry? By Father Joseph Brando You may have noticed that this column has been adjusting to the publishing schedule of The East Tennessee Catholic. Over the long haul this column has developed from a bi-weekly format to a monthly, and now …

He dwells among us: Saints don’t run away

They keep their eyes on Jesus, learning to see His eyes in those of our brothers and sisters By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere …

Marriage Enrichment: Is your marriage an evangelization tool?

Couples can model the qualities of positive marriages to the outside world by serving as mentors to others by Marian Christiana Have you ever considered your marriage to be an evangelization tool? I have to admit that until I started working for the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment the …

Praying for perspective: Twelve minutes a day

That’s the average time a parent and child spend talking, and a parent regrets making it hard for his kids to share their feelings By George Valadie I can’t believe it, but I’ve just gotten started in my 58th year in the world of education. And though perhaps not diverse …

Well done, good and faithful servant

Funeral Mass celebrated for Monsignor Xavier Mankel, a founder of the Diocese of Knoxville By Bill Brewer Monsignor Francis Xavier Mankel was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in a manner that bespeaks those things closest to his heart: the Church, the priesthood, his parishes, and family. His final gesture …

He dwells among us: The cathedral of our heart

Holiness is a beauty that exceeds even the most beautiful cathedral in the world Bishop Richard F. Stika “You are God’s field, God’s building. …Each one must be careful how he builds upon it” (1 Corinthians 9:9, 10). As I watch the many construction workers laboring daily to give greater …

He dwells among us: Reverence and silence

In the presence of Our Lord at church, quiet is a sacred blessing that we must all respect and practice By Bishop Richard F. Stika My house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Matthew 21:13). I chose these words of Jesus to be inscribed on the cornerstone of our new …