Finding new ways to communicate this message more effectively I have just returned from the National Association of Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) annual conference. The theme this year was “Home is a Holy Place,” which was perfectly timed to tie into the emphasis Pope Francis has placed on the Church …
Understanding the sacraments: The Synod on the Family
Praying for the pope and bishops as they address how the Church can live more fully the sacrament of reconciliation Pope Francis, recognizing the enormous challenges facing the family, has called the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to consider “pastoral challenges to the family in the …
He dwells among us: ‘You shall be my witness’
The prayer of every priest, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ always leads to greater joy I love the Easter Season. With the exception maybe of the pollen and other allergens, there is always so much to look forward to in this season—warmer weather, the end of a …
Living the readings: A perfect hand
An abundance of June solemnities is a blessing from God As we look each month at the Sunday readings, we’ll find either four or five Sundays. They may all be plain as in Ordinary Time. Or, they may be Sundays in Lent or, more recently, of Easter. A feast day …
Once upon a time: Sacrifice is at the heart of Catholic education
Diocesan schools and their faculty always strive for excellence – in good times and bad Public schools in the South had it very hard during the Depression years and still produced some of the intellectual lights of the 20th century. Underfunded, they made do with what they had, held more …
Marriage enrichment: Following Joseph’s example
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 …