The world needs more fathers who say yes to God’s plan for their lives In early May I had the opportunity to attend an extended family gathering with my siblings, several cousins and their families. I was visiting with my brother, John, when he pointed to our cousin, John, and …
Understanding the sacraments: The sacrament of holy orders
This celebration is a rich and profound liturgy that expresses the mystery and power of the ordained ministry The Diocese of Knoxville is celebrating two ordinations within a month. On May 31, Bishop Stika ordained four men to the priesthood, and on June 14 he will ordain three seminarians to …
From Jesus to the Church, May is a perfect connection
By Father Joseph Brando May is that perfect connection between the winds and rains of early spring and the heat of summer. It is a transition that contains the best of both sides. The scriptures used in the Sunday liturgies of May do the same thing theologically. The storms and …
He dwells among us: The Great Witness
We are one team in the great common witness made up of many movements that further the Church I think people like to join groups perhaps because they want to help others and to be a part of something greater than themselves. I remember my excitement when I first joined …
Living the readings: The rites of spring
The season for planting is here, which will lead to new life Early spring has already come, and with it the refreshing spring rains that foretell the beginning of life. Crops soon will start growing from seeds that are only now being planted. The season for planting has begun. In …
Once upon a time: We can value the past by investing in future
Schools, churches, cathedral point to growth of Catholicism in East Tennessee that has foundation in history If the history of our Diocese of Knoxville had ended with its first anniversary on Sept. 8, 1989, a much different story would have been told. So I look forward to the final diocesan …
Marriage enrichment: Inviting God into a marriage
Prayer between husbands and wives can enhance matrimony by emphasizing listening, forgiveness My husband and I recently attended a Celebration of Life service for the father of a close friend. Our friend’s father, Chester R. Cecil Sr., had been married to his wife, Barbara, for 67 years. The eulogy given …
He dwells among us: With the help of the saints
Holiness is answer to question of what it means to be truly human; saints are special friends to help us Shortly after his election as pope in 1958, the world was introduced to the quick wit and humor of Blessed John XXIII. “Anybody can be Pope,” he exclaimed, and “the …
Living the readings: Being cute
A child’s description of the Christ Child becomes an epiphany As I was preparing my homilies for the Christmas Masses, I found myself trying to come up with a word that would explain the reaction Jesus received from the shepherds and the Magi. They were enthralled by the Christ Child …
Marriage enrichment: Marriage Be-Attitudes
Strengthening marriages by strengthening our ‘domestic church’ is possible by modeling sacrificial love This past Christmas we were discussing New Year’s resolutions with our adult children. Our daughter-in-law shared that she and our son weren’t going to be making resolutions this year. She told us they were going to have …
Understanding the sacraments: The liturgical year
Introducing the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy and the mystery of Christ unfolding In this column I have been looking at the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which laid the foundation for the reform of the liturgy. So far we have looked at the principles that guided the liturgical reform, …
Once upon a time: Giving is so much a part of Church teaching
Stewardship of financial resources and support of Bishop’s Appeal critical to a healthy diocese As I look back on nearly 75 years of formal education in the Catholic faith, I have many things for which to be grateful. My parents taught me the basic prayers, how to pray the rosary, …
