Prayer for migrants, refugees brings together Diocese of Knoxville faithful By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry hosted the annual multilingual rosary at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville on Sept. 20. The rosary, prayed in several languages, preceded National Migration …
Sorrow and survival
Impact Plastics worker describes harrowing rescue from floodwaters as river overran Erwin plant By Bill Brewer “Don’t let go!” And with that urgent plea, Efraín Gómez Sr. convinced his co-worker to keep clinging to plastic pipes floating in the rapidly rising Nolichucky River that had swept up nearly a dozen …
‘Praying the whole time’
Dad braves Hurricane Helene, long hike to walk his daughter down the aisle at St. Mary By Gabrielle Nolan What do a wedding, a hurricane, and a father’s multi-state journey have to do with each other? No, this is not the plot of a Hallmark movie (yet), but rather the …
Sole consultor
Pope Francis names Diocese of Knoxville resident as only American in Synod role By Gabrielle Nolan Sociologist, researcher, and Knoxville resident Tricia Bruce is contributing to the second session of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican this month, being held Oct. 2-27. A lifelong Catholic, Dr. Bruce was appointed …
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Catholic Charities of East Tennessee gives update on emergency-relief efforts
The East Tennessee Catholic Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN) continues to lead emergency-response efforts to assist individuals and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Deacon David Duhamel, CCETN executive director, provided an update on Oct. 1 on the areas of upper East Tennessee that are dealing with devastation from record …
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The thirst for freedom from addiction
Catholic Extension-funded iThirst program begins to have an impact in diocese By Gabrielle Nolan Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. Gambling. Addiction comes in many forms, whether it’s substance abuse or behavioral addiction. Addiction not only affects the addict, but also their family members, friends, and communities. Providing support for all involved in …
Evangelization new and old
Holy Cross Parish’s faithful outreach is attracting Catholics and non-Catholics By Bill Brewer The Church in East Tennessee is larger by a dozen new Catholics who officially became members of Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge on Aug. 25. Father David Mary Engo celebrated the Mass that featured the sacraments …
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Hillbilly Thomists bring bluegrass and Bible to Bijou
Performance by Dominican friars band benefits the Chesterton Academy By Emily Booker The Hillbilly Thomists, a band of Dominican friars, shared their blessed, soul-filled sound to a packed Bijou Theatre in Knoxville on Aug. 3. The concert, part of their Marigold Tour through the South, was a fundraiser for the …
NDHS grad Olivia Reeves wins Olympic gold
The weightlifter, also a St. Jude School alum, is welcomed back to Chattanooga with a parade By Dan McWilliams Olivia Reeves, an alumna of Notre Dame High School and St. Jude School in Chattanooga, made history when she won the gold medal in the women’s 71-kilogram (157-pound) weightlifting category Aug. …
Meeting, greeting, preaching
Bishop Beckman sets out for parishes, schools following ordination, installation The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Mark Beckman has hit the ground running following his July 26 ordination and installation as he visits parishes and schools, celebrating Mass and getting to know the Catholic faithful of East Tennessee. In his remarks …
Sr. Mary Lisa Renfer named Lumen Christi finalist
By The East Tennessee Catholic Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DO, medical director of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, is a Lumen Christi finalist for 2024. The Lumen Christi Award by Catholic Extension is given to people who “radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where …
Bishops come full circle 40 years after seminary in Belgium
Classmates are now episcopal colleagues as they help lead the U.S. Church By Jim Wogan Bishop Mark Beckman’s sister, Melissa, remembers the day her oldest brother left for Belgium. “When he was headed to the airport, I hid because I didn’t want him to get on the plane, and it …