The Lord is with us—in the Kingdom all is light by Father Joseph Brando Spring brings the earth to life. The air is warmer; the grass is greener; the sunsets are later; and our lives become more enjoyable. However, it isn’t merely the movement of stars and planets that makes …
Marriage Enrichment: Pope Francis helps Lenten resolutions stay on track
The Holy Father’s annual Lenten messages from 2013 onward keep one’s focus where it should be By Marian Christiana Lent is a very bad time to take a vacation. I have trouble with self-denial as it is, but take me out of my routine and I am lost. Add a …
Praying for Perpective: Being a ’90 percenter’ during Lent
This Lenten journey has been fairly successful, but sometimes during the season we cut deals with God and seek middle ground by George Valadie Baseball season is upon us. Bishop Richard F. Stika is a Cardinals fan; I’m all about the Braves. I hate to admit it, but of late …
He dwells among us: A dwelling pleasing to God
We are all called to be mothers of Christ and to be bearers of Christ to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “In you, all find their home.” It is hard to call any one psalm my favorite, as I have so many, but I always like to pause over …
Praying for perspective: Remembering the reason for the season
Making sure our Lenten sacrifices glorify God, not us, no matter how young or old we are By George Valadie The arrival of Ash Wednesday on March 1 means Lent is upon us and Easter soon will be here. I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but I think Lent …
Once Upon a Time: The end of an era at The East Tennessee Catholic? Maybe not yet
Monsignor Xavier Mankel takes a step back from his duties as a columnist and peer reviewer By Bill Brewer A phrase often overused is “the end of an era.” Shoppers staying at home and buying their Christmas gifts online instead of crowding the malls and outlet stores might be a …
Understanding the sacraments: The Word of God in the liturgy
The Lectionary for Mass Supplement contains additions for a number of optional memorials By Father Randy Stice In its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican Council II stressed the multifaceted role of Sacred Scripture in the liturgy. “Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. …
Living the readings: A midwinter retreat
Ten weeks of Scripture meditation will prepare you for Easter By Father Joseph Brando In this issue we will be looking at all the Sunday Scripture readings in February and March. This period of time starts in Ordinary Time following Epiphany and continues until the day before Holy Week. One …
Marriage enrichment: Celebrating the diocese’s longest-married couples
A husband and wife married 69 years share their love story, which began in the ‘Magic City’ By Marian Christiana The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) National Marriage Week annual initiative begins Feb. 7 and ends Feb. 14 this year. Archbishop Charles Chaput, chairman of the Committee on Laity, …
Praying for Perspective: The man on the curb in front of the Krystal
A weekend visit to the fast-food eatery leads to fretting over the circumstances of a seemingly homeless person By George Valadie I love weekends, especially when our Friday night games have gone well and all the students have made it home safely. After these many years, with our girls now …
Monsignor Mankel receives MLK Commission award
By Bill Brewer The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has presented its 2017 Chair’s Award to Monsignor Xavier Mankel for his work in support of justice and equality. In revealing its selection, the MLK Commission cited Monsignor Mankel’s work with the commission and the Knoxville community through the …
He dwells among us: Our days are numbered
How will we use the time we have left? Three important top for making the most of our moments By Bishop Richard F. Stika It doesn’t happen that often, but this year it does. We will be in Ordinary Time for the whole month of February. That’s right – Lent …
