Father Randy Stice encourages devotion to the Eucharist, ‘the wonder of the Mass,’ in his latest book By Gabrielle Nolan Initially drawn to the Catholic Church in the 1990s because of the Church’s teachings on the Holy Eucharist, Father Randy Stice decades later has written a book on cultivating a …
In Mountain City, there’s a silver lining in every cloud
God sent His workers to help in disaster recovery By Dan McWilliams Father Jesús Guerrero, having been in Texas for a family event when Hurricane Helene’s flooding ravaged East Tennessee on Sept. 27, noticed one thing when he flew back in to Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville two days later. The …
The ministry of presence matters as Erwin is recovering
Glenmary team leading efforts to unify Unicoi By Bill Brewer As St. Michael the Archangel Parish and the town of Erwin move forward from the devastating flood wrought by Hurricane Helene last September, Father Tom Charters is preparing for yet another emotional moment. Next month, the pastor will give first …
‘We had dreamed it possible’
Our Lady of Fatima Parish celebrates 25 years in Alcoa church building By Gabrielle Nolan The parish community at Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa has multiple reasons to celebrate this year. With a Mass on March 11, the parish recognized 25 years of worshiping in its current church building …
Pilgrims of Hope
Charitable grants are now available to Diocese of Knoxville parishes By Allison DiGennaro The Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund exists to support and accelerate charitable outreach at the parish level in the Diocese of Knoxville. The fund provides matching grants to parishes to foster local, parish-based charitable works. The Pope …
More moms are Well-Read
Faith-based book club grows in popularity, builds community by sharing God By Claire Collins Women of faith across East Tennessee are sharing in their love of reading and fellowship through Well-Read Mom, a national Catholic book club seeking to help women read good literature and ponder life’s most difficult and …
Chesterton Pearl Gala features ‘huge news’
Headmaster Zach Summers announces that Bishop Beckman has canonically recognized the school By Dan McWilliams The third annual Pearl Gala benefiting the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow on Feb. 15 featured the biggest announcement in the young Knoxville school’s history. Founding headmaster Zach Summers told the 100 supporters attending …
Bishops’ letter on Appalachia marks 50 years
Pastoral addresses region’s social, economic, environmental needs By Emily Booker From St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, which celebrates 800 years this year, to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which marks 10 years in 2025, the Church has a long tradition of promoting the dignity of the human person, …
‘One of the most powerful days of the year’
Parishes see strong attendance at Ash Wednesday Masses as Lent begins The East Tennessee Catholic Catholics ushered in Lent on Ash Wednesday at churches across East Tennessee as they begin their annual journey to Easter, April 19-20. Faithful of all ages received their ashen crosses that signify Christ’s Passion and …
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Diocesan-wide survey is underway
The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Mark Beckman is asking everyone in the Diocese of Knoxville, from high school juniors and seniors to senior citizens, to complete a unique survey that will gauge their interest and involvement in their parishes. The survey, called the Disciple Maker Index, is a tool provided …
Bishop experiences Catholic Schools Week
Students at St. Mary-Johnson City ask him about his episcopal ring, how much he is paid, and more By Bill Brewer Bishop Mark Beckman was in impressive company during one of his most recent get-to-know-you meetings with Diocese of Knoxville parishioners. In attendance were young leaders of the community, including …
‘Bring the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ’
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish embraces international prison ministry By Gabrielle Nolan A team of East Tennessee men enters a local prison on a regular basis to bring the love of Christ to inmates. Since 2017, Stu McFadden has joined other men at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir …