Faith like Mary’s

Archbishop Fabre asks faithful to steadfastly believe in God’s will The East Tennessee Catholic Parishioners in all four Diocese of Knoxville deaneries met Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and listened as he shared the Gospel and his outlook for the Catholic Church in East Tennessee during the week of Aug. 14, …

New superintendent eager to start the academic year

By Jim Wogan Mary Ann Deschaine, a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, was announced as the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Knoxville on May 31. She served as superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw, …

Diocese welcomes new priests

Bishop Stika ordains Fathers Austin, Blatchford, and Crabtree in cathedral Mass By Dan McWilliams The Diocese of Knoxville celebrated a triple ordination June 10 as Joseph Austin, Neil Blatchford, and Andrew Crabtree became priests of God in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika at the Cathedral of the …

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‘Where are we going?’

Archbishop Fabre, as apostolic administrator, celebrates Mass, offers direction By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville is undergoing a time of transition following the resignation of Bishop Richard F. Stika, who served the diocese as bishop for 14 years and announced his retirement on June 27. While the diocese awaits …

Bishop Stika resigns

Diocese’s 3rd shepherd taking emeritus status into early retirement The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Richard F. Stika, the Diocese of Knoxville’s third and longest-serving shepherd, has resigned. An announcement from the Vatican that Pope Francis granted Bishop Stika’s request to step down was made June 27 and then released by …

God is the answer

Bishop’s pop quiz for neophytes serves as a GPS moment By Bill Brewer It’s challenging enough to be a neophyte charged with carrying on the Catholic faith in an increasingly secular world. But for the Catholic Church in East Tennessee’s newest members, asking them to pass a Catholic history test …

Celebrating the light of Christ

Churches across the diocese welcome Eastertide during Holy Week services By Dan McWilliams The Diocese of Knoxville welcomed nearly 300 people into the Church at Easter Vigil services on April 8, and for those entering at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Richard F. Stika saluted …

Understanding the fullness of the Eucharist

Hundreds of faithful gather for Eucharistic Revival weekend at cathedral By Jim Wogan Bishop Ron Hicks laid out his motivation for last month’s visit to Knoxville in simple terms. “There are recent studies that are pretty devastating about what Catholics actually know about the Eucharist,” Bishop Hicks said. “Catholics don’t …

Transitional deacon ordained in Mexico City

Bishop Stika presides at special Mass for Renzo Alvarado Suarez, who will join diocese By Beth Parsons Celebrations occurred across several countries as the Diocese of Knoxville gained a new transitional deacon. On Jan. 22, Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez was ordained by Bishop Richard F. Stika at Seminario Hispano de …

Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries reaches $3 million

Key funder of Diocese of Knoxville ministries hits historic benchmark By Jim Wogan The Bishop’s Appeal for Ministries, a vital source of annual funding for diocesan works of mercy, formation, and outreach, set a record in 2022—surpassing the $3 million mark for the first time in diocesan history. “Support of …

Bishop Stika leads local memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Rigali, who knew Benedict for years, concelebrated cathedral service By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 4, the day before the Holy Father was laid to rest at the Vatican after he passed away on Dec. 31. Cardinal Justin …

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Addressing the state of the diocese

Bishop Stika cites successes and challenges for the Church in East Tennessee By Jim Wogan In his 14 years guiding the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika says he remains motivated by something he spoke about during his episcopal ordination at the Knoxville Convention Center on March 19, 2009. …