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A call to the priesthood in Msgr. Hofstetter’s words

By Dan McWilliams Robert Joseph Hofstetter was born Nov. 19, 1927, in Nashville to Oscar B. and Marguerite Sanders Hofstetter. He was baptized at Holy Name Church in Nashville, where he attended Holy Name Grade School and Father Ryan High School. He went to the University of Notre Dame, where …

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Putting the mettle to the pedals

Ladies of Charity ministries now include a bicycle program for those needing transportation By Bill Brewer If you’re wondering what to do with that old bicycle that’s taking up space in the garage or rusting out in the yard, the Ladies of Charity have just the solution. Repurpose it for …

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Fairfield Glade parishioner’s quilts sold to benefit mission in Haiti

Christina Seaman of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade took up quilting in 2000 and became an avid quilt maker. She works with colorful fabric and all kinds of quilting methods from piecing to appliqué, many also with beautifully finished backings. Over the years she has given quilts …

Assessing the impact

Parishioners react to Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade      By The East Tennessee Catholic Catholic congregations and pro-life supporters throughout East Tennessee are rejoicing following a June 24 U.S. Supreme Court decision that reversed nearly 50 years of government-mandated abortions in every state. In an opinion agreed upon by …

Diocese delivers Synod report to USCCB

Chancellor calls process ‘inspiring and illuminating’ as local document heads to Rome      By Jim Wogan When Pope Francis laid out his plan for the upcoming Church Synod, Deacon Sean Smith knew it eventually would come to this. Collecting the thoughts and opinions of more than 1.2 billion Catholics around …

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Catholic author includes St. JPII Mission in new book

Daniel Markham has traveled the United States to chronicle unique ministries for ‘52 Masses’ By Gabrielle Nolan Out of all the Catholic churches in the state of Tennessee, writer Daniel Markham chose to visit St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge. One element in particular attracted him to the …

UTK students consider Catholic law society

Bishop Stika meets with group looking to form a faith-based legal organization on campus By Jim Wogan The University of Tennessee-Knoxville could be the next college campus to host a Catholic legal society for students. While the idea is still in its early stages, Bishop Richard F. Stika met recently …

‘The Wall That Heals’ Vietnam veterans memorial visits the Diocese of Knoxville

Bishop Stika delivers remarks, Benediction at public event to mark the mobile tribute’s stopover            By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika spoke at and gave the Benediction for a ceremony April 21 at “The Wall That Heals,” a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, …

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Do you believe in miracles? Deacon Ken Conklin may help you decide

By Dan McWilliams Those attending the Chrism Mass on April 12 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus beheld a miracle standing before them. Deacon Ken Conklin served as deacon of the Eucharist at the annual liturgy, an act no one more than six months ago thought …

Father Sturm installed as pastor of two parishes

Bishop Stika performs the rite at OLPH in LaFollette and again at Christ the King in Tazewell   By Dan McWilliams Father Sam Sturm recently had the feeling that it was déjà vu all over again, to quote the great Yogi Berra. Although Father Sturm has had his current assignment for …

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee holding Race for Kids 5K & Family Walk

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is looking forward to its premier annual event, the Race for Kids 5K & Family Walk. The family friendly activity will be held on Saturday, April 23, at Victor Ashe Park in northwest Knoxville. Participation in the event by Catholic Charities supporters supports the nonprofit …