COVID-19 protocols and procedures are greeting students, faculty at all 10 East Tennessee campuses By Bill Brewer Following a summer break of hope amid uncertainty, Diocese of Knoxville schools are welcoming students and faculty back into classrooms for the start of the 2020-21 academic year. Bishop Richard F. Stika and …
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New Media’s Role in the New Evangelization
Catholic community increasingly relies on technology during the pandemic By Emily Booker Photography by Stephanie Richer “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.’”— Matthew 16:15. When you first hear the word “evangelization,” what do you picture? Maybe a minister preaching on …
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Keeping the needy fed during the pandemic
Diocese of Knoxville parishes and organization live out Christ’s message to feed the hungry By Dan McWilliams Feeding the hungry is among the most basic of the corporal works of mercy, and several Catholic food pantries around the Diocese of Knoxville are doing just that. For some pantries, the coronavirus …
Churches reopen after 2-month virus hiatus
Parishioners across East Tennessee return to first public Masses since March; COVID rules still being observed By Bill Brewer The feast of Pentecost saw a return to normal … well, a “new normal” for the Diocese of Knoxville as Masses were open to the public for the first time in …
Chrism Mass leaves a lasting impression during ‘coronatide’
Bishop Stika presides at annual Eastertide service, with only priests, deacons, women religious celebrating By Bill Brewer It was a Chrism Mass unlike any other celebrated in the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the annual Mass, which had to be rescheduled from its original day and …
Rising above the pandemic
Diocesan ministries continue serving despite COVID-19 and its aftereffects By Bill Brewer If hope opens doors, then Bishop Richard F. Stika is an optimistic — and joyful — spiritual doorman. As the nation and the world continue to grapple with COVID-19 and its ghastly ripples, the risen Jesus is all …
Helping hands join the mask-making brigade
Diocese of Knoxville volunteers doing their part to combat the spread of coronavirus By Dan McWilliams Karen Vacaliuc of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge simply wanted to make face masks to help in the fight against the coronavirus, but her efforts landed her in a front-page article in The …
‘Our Good Friday’
Bishop Stika reassures diocese, takes historic safety action due to coronavirus outbreak; Mass suspended By Bill Brewer Shuttered stores and schools. Locked restaurants and bars. Dissipated traffic. Silent theaters. Barren grocery shelves. Empty churches. The novel coronavirus, a mysterious, communicable illness that first appeared on the other side of the …
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The Church is a lighthouse in the severest of storms —or pandemics
Cardinal Rigali puts the coronavirus in context as he reflects on challenges in Catholic history By Dan McWilliams Cardinal Justin Rigali has seen a little of everything in his nearly 59 years as a priest and nearly 85 years of life. He was on the ground floor as a young …
A Joyful Witness
How the Bishop’s Appeal transforms lives in the Diocese of Knoxville Story by Jim Wogan Photography by Stephanie Richer In early February, Bishop Richard F. Stika’s voice boomed across the Diocese of Knoxville with a message for all parishioners. “It is a joy to be with you on this feast …
D.C., Knox Marches for Life attract big numbers
Pro-life supporters turn out en masse to voice their positions on the sanctity of life, backing for life legislation By Bill Brewer Marches for Life in Washington, D.C., and Knoxville attracted near-record numbers of supporters this year as pro-life advocates make their voices heard in an important election year. As …
Diocese part of USCCB-led border pastoral encounter
Pastoral Juvenil Hispana leader joins clergy, laity from across U.S. to meet with immigrants, refugees where they are By Emily Booker In the headlines and political discourse, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that immigration and border discussions are about thousands of individuals, each deserving of dignity and care. The plight …