Johnson City, Erwin parishioners carry out good deeds for local hospital employees By Casey Keeley The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard, but none more than those working on the frontlines in the hospitals across the world. These employees have been pushed to their limits with staff shortening and supplies …
‘I never lost my faith’
Belief of St. John Neumann parishioner and author is strengthened by 19 cancer diagnoses By Bill Brewer Steve Dekanich probably should not be here. But by God’s grace and healing, a fierce determination, and some good doctors, the parishioner of St. John Neumann in Farragut is not only here, he …
New deacon lives his faith through journey with cancer
All Saints parishioner ordained to permanent diaconate in special Mass led by Bishop Stika By Gabrielle Nolan The presence of God is not confined within the walls of a church, and where two or more are gathered in His name, He is surely present. This truth could not have been …
Diocese to participate in Vatican synod
Pope Francis wants Catholic leadership to hear from faithful around the world By Jim Wogan The Diocese of Knoxville received a Vatican directive on Sept. 7 that set into motion a process that may be unmatched in recent Church history and will culminate in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of …
Happy 30th to The East Tennessee Catholic
ETC staffers have traveled around the diocese and around the world to bring readers the news By Dan McWilliams The East Tennessee Catholic turns 30 years old Sept. 8, and I can’t believe I’ve been around for 22 of those years. In that time my editors and I have published …
Chosen for the order of the priesthood
Fr. Matthew Donahue becomes the 56th priest ordained for the Diocese of Knoxville By Dan McWilliams To hear Lydia Donahue tell it, it’s no wonder her son Matthew became a priest, with all of the Catholic vocation examples he has had in his life. “First is Father David Mary Engo, …
Notre Dame presents alumni awards to Paul Lombardo and George Valadie
Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga presented the annual alumni awards after the opening Mass of the 2021-22 year. Dr. Paul Lombardo (’67) was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Mr. Lombardo received his bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst College, a master’s degree from Loyola Chicago, and both his Ph.D. …
Father Ryan returns to Sts. Peter and Paul
Remains of historic Chattanooga priest moved to specially built tomb inside the basilica By Dan McWilliams As Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the memorial Mass and re-entombment of Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan on July 31 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, a miracle attributable to …
Annunciation image from hospital finds new life
St. Joseph School claims marble statues of Mary and Gabriel, saves them from St. Mary’s demolition By Bill Brewer Something old is new again and is serving as an inspiration to students and faculty alike at St. Joseph School in Knoxville thanks to St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital. As demolition of …
KCHS’s BJ Edwards commits to Tennessee
The highly rated point guard in the class of 2022 is a Mr. Basketball winner and past state champion By Dan McWilliams BJ Edwards is staying home. The Knoxville Catholic High School standout point guard announced via social media July 1 that he is committing to the University of Tennessee …
Bishop Stika leaves Latin Masses in place pending diocesan review
By Bill Brewer Diocese of Knoxville priests who celebrate Mass in the extraordinary form of the Roman rite can still do so, and those Latin Mass communities in the diocese can continue to worship in diocesan churches, at least for the time being, according to guidance from Bishop Richard F. …
Diocese of Knoxville offering Masses in Swahili at Holy Ghost Parish
Holy Ghost Church has begun offering Masses in the Swahili language to serve the Diocese of Knoxville’s growing community of African members. Father Pontian Kiyimba, AJ, associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, is celebrating the Masses in Swahili on the last Saturday of each month at 5 …












