Pope Francis’ encyclical inspires East Tennessee Catholics ‘to achieve climate and ecological justice’ By Gabrielle Nolan “Care for our common home.” This phrase was made popular by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, in which the pope both encourages the faithful to practice good stewardship toward the …
Walking with Purpose speaker leads evening of reflection
Catholic blogger helps celebrate women’s ministry at St. John Neumann Parish By Gabrielle Nolan Laura Phelps, a blogger and speaker with the women’s ministry Walking with Purpose, recently visited the Diocese of Knoxville for a Lenten evening of reflection at St. John Neumann Parish. Hosted by Regnum Christi, the evening …
Fr. Patrick Ryan comes to life in new documentary
Movie focusing on the candidate for sainthood debuts at Notre Dame High School By Gabrielle Nolan The universal Church is about to become more acquainted with Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan now that a film exists depicting his life story. “Father Ryan: A Higher Call” shares the tale of …
Thankful for Divine Mercy
Vietnamese Catholic community marks feast day with parish celebration By Bill Brewer The Vietnamese Catholic community in Knoxville marked April 16 in a way befitting its namesake church. It held a parish-wide celebration in honor of Divine Mercy Sunday. Bishop Richard F. Stika joined Father Dominic Nguyen and scores of …
A New Hope
Ultrasounds are a critical tool for health-care providers and mothers-to-be; Knights of Columbus working with pregnancy help centers in the Diocese of Knoxville By Janice Fritz-Ryken They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Beth Henderson, CEO of New Hope Pregnancy Care Center of Cleveland, agrees. Ms. Henderson …
Youth and adults take part in annual Bishop’s Breakfast for Scouting
By Dan McWilliams Diocesan youth and adult Scouts came together March 4 for the annual Bishop’s Breakfast for Scouting at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day began with an 8:05 a.m. Mass in the cathedral before the meal in the Cathedral Hall. At the end …
‘Where are the Catholics hanging out?’
Catholic Chatt answers that question and others young adults are asking By Claire Collins Patrick and Margaret Hanus were just two young adults searching for a community in Chattanooga when they encountered Catholic Chatt, a ministry dedicated to serving young adults in the local churches. Mr. Hanus, a native of …
Local author shares love of early Church history
Rod Bennett brings a bit of ‘hillbilly’ to his writing projects, which are gaining acclaim By Gabrielle Nolan Rod Bennett admitted laughingly that he is “a little bit of a hillbilly.” Although the Catholic author grew up in and spent many years living in Atlanta, he was born in Maryville. …
‘Congratulations!’
The one word that saved an unborn child and changed the life of a college student By Janice Fritz-Ryken You never know how deeply one word, one simple thing you say to someone, can impact their life. In this case, one word—a simple “congratulations”—transformed the fear of a scared, single …
Fighting for life
Challenges to Tennessee’s strong anti-abortion laws draw the ire of Catholic women voters The East Tennessee Catholic The 2023 edition of Pro-Life Women’s Day on the Hill proved to be an exercise in civic action and grassroots legislative influence as Catholic women from across the state convened in Nashville on …
Buy Nothing group offers a way to give, receive
Basilica members combine the beauty of Catholic tradition and the richness of Catholic social teaching By Claire Collins The Bird family, inspired by a call from fellow Catholic friends around the country, have started a “Buy Nothing” group at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. The idea …
Faith, family, and football
Vols athletics icon Gus Manning remembered as someone filled with all three blessings By Bill Brewer The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was steeped in orange Feb. 20 for the funeral Mass of longtime University of Tennessee Athletics Department icon Charles A. “Gus” Manning, who died Feb. …