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 …
‘Humbled and blessed’
Father Steve Pawelk exits East Tennessee for new Glenmary assignment after building Catholic communities in Union, Grainger counties By Bill Brewer As Father Steve Pawelk packed his belongings, mementos, and memories from eight years of ministry in East Tennessee, the Glenmary Home Missioners priest couldn’t help but reflect on the …
Bond of Brothers
Meetings between Pope Francis, Bishop Stika during ad limina visit yield a friendly exchange of information, ideas, opinions, and humor By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika went to the Vatican in early December bearing good news about the Diocese of Knoxville, and despite a schedule that can best be …
Sacred Heart Parish’s Haiti ministry marks 20th year of service
Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois visits cathedral campus, appeals to supporters to continue their mission By Bill Brewer When you can’t get to Haiti, Haiti will get to you. And so it was at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 17-18 when Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of …
St. Faustina Association welcomes Bishop Stika
Chattanooga’s Vietnamese faith community growing, with goal of becoming a parish By Jim Wogan and Janice Fritz-Ryken Established just four months ago, the St. Faustina Public Association of the Faithful, founded by Bishop Richard F. Stika for the Vietnamese Catholic community in the Chattanooga area, appears to be flourishing. Bishop …