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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. …

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Bishop welcomes Benedictines

Two religious orders are relocating to East Tennessee from Italy By Bill Brewer The Diocese of Knoxville welcomed two new religious communities to East Tennessee on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Benedictines of Divine Will and the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will formally announced they are …

East Tennessee volunteers

Bishop Stika, diocese recognize those who make the mobile medical clinic go By Bill Brewer By all accounts, volunteers are the lifeblood of the Diocese of Knoxville’s mobile medical ministry. They get the clinic to where it needs to be each day. They set up and take down the doctor’s …

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Guild hosts first gathering for health professionals in diocese

Catholic Medical Association presents retreat on the Eucharist at diocesan Chancery By Gabrielle Nolan Sister Mary Lisa Renfer had been considering starting a local Catholic Medical Association guild for some time. “As I’ve gotten to know different people in the medical community, I’ve been asking them about it,” said the …