Christ provides the only answer that truly satisfies the ‘why’ of suffering By Bishop Richard F. Stika It is said that “sadness is looking at oneself,” whereas “joy is looking at God.” I must admit, though, in looking back upon this past year, with its many tragedies, from the deadly and …
Marriage enrichment: Christmas peacemakers
Advent is upon us, and no doubt we all are busy preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ with our loved ones. This Advent I would like to challenge you to join me in preparing for Christmas by becoming a peacemaker. A simple definition of peacemaker is a person who …
Living the readings: A Christmas change of life
Prepare for, rejoice in, and live out the holy season message By Father Joseph Brando We are approaching one of the great highlights of the year. If we can look at the entire calendar from afar, we can see Christmas and Epiphany shining out and giving us hope. In a …
Understanding the sacraments: To rise with Christ
Vatican’s Congregation for the Faith issues instructions on burial and cremation practices By Father Randy Stice In October the Congregation for the Faith issued an instruction titled To Rise with Christ (Ad resurgendum cum Christo) that reiterates the Church’s “doctrinal and pastoral reasons for the preference of the burial of …
He dwells among us: The mercy of God invites us!
Christ wants us to open the door to the ‘inn’ of our hearts to God’s mercy that we might sow peace By Bishop Richard F. Stika The dust has far from settled from a political election that reveals how truly divided we have become as a nation. While we all …
Praying for Perspective: The Christmas story and common ground
The times may be different, but relating to Mary and Joseph is easier than you would think By George Valadie Season’s greetings! A year or so ago, when The East Tennessee Catholic and I began talking about writing this column, I had but one idea to offer and it was …
He dwells among us: Never alone
We are all called to be the consoling presence of the Merciful Father to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “THE HOUR IS COMING,” Jesus said to His disciples, when “each of you will be scattered … and you will leave me alone; yet I am not alone for the …
Praying for Perspective: Celebrating Notre Dame High School’s storied presence
By George Valadie Happy birthday, ol’ girl! We salute you. We salute your age, your impact, you unending and uplifting spirit. After all, who even gets to be 140 years old these days? Few institutions, traditions or inventions (think 8-tracks) — have that sort of life. Moreover, who or what leaves …
Understanding the sacraments: Pope Francis on the sacrament of penance
Priests must remember that in the confessional it is Christ who listens, forgives By Father Randy Stice In a recent message for National Liturgical Week in Italy, Pope Francis wrote that “all the liturgy is a place where mercy is encountered and welcomed in order to be given; a place …
Once upon a time: Basking in the graces of the Risen Lord
God has blessed our diocese with men and women who are committed to spreading the faith By Monsignor Xavier Mankel As the Diocese of Knoxville celebrates its 28th anniversary, we ask ourselves where did all this come from. The term “created” is used in a broad sense. The Diocese of …
Marriage Enrichment: Mornings spent reflecting on mercy
Parishioners urged to explore one of God’s greatest gifts with Monsignor Humbrecht By Marian Christiana On Sept. 10, Monsignor Al Humbrecht partnered with the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment to offer the first of four Mornings of Reflection on Mercy. As one of about 1,000 missionary priests of …
Praying for Perspective: Life’s like a bowl of cherries — pits and all
Coming to terms with what we want and what we really need as children of God By George Valadie I suppose this train of thought left the station while I was at a recent meeting of school principals. Our superintendent, a Sister of Mercy, had invited the 10 of us to …
