10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ prompts global events

Programs to honor encyclical are planned at parishes around the Diocese of Knoxville By The East Tennessee Catholic “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Catholics around the world are marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking …

1

Seventh Knights Cup raises more than $11,000

Ten youth teams from around the area play in the daylong lacrosse tournament at Knoxville Catholic By Dan McWilliams Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center in Knoxville again benefited from the Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament. The seventh annual event, held April 26 at Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine …

Plaque at St. Mary-Gatlinburg honors Father Brando’s bequest to Legacy Clinic

St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg placed a plaque in honor of former pastor Father Joe Brando in its family life center to recognize the late priest’s bequest of funds to the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, whose mobile medical van now visits St. Mary monthly. “We certainly appreciate Father Brando’s leadership …

Micah Scheetz named new head coach of KCHS girls basketball program

Knoxville Catholic High School announced May 8 that Micah Scheetz will be the new head coach of the Lady Irish basketball team, a program with two state championships to its name. A decorated former player, Ms. Scheetz brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. Most …

1

Mark C. Pillon

The world bids farewell to Mark Charles Pillon of Knoxville, who passed away on April 19 at the age of 64. Mr. Pillon leaves behind memories cherished by the community. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacque Charles Pillon and Constance May Hulgan; and his siblings, Guy Pillon, Renee Wood, …

1

Calvin Lane

Calvin Dexter Lane of Sevierville passed away on May 1 at the age of 88. Mr. Lane was remembered at a memorial Mass celebrated by Father John Arthur Orr and concelebrated by Father John O’Neill at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville on May 7. Mr. Lane was born on Oct. …

Pope Leo XIV is a popular pick in Chicago

Windy City native sees town abuzz as new favorite son begins papacy By Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey My heart is full as well as my belly as I find myself in my boyhood home trying to imagine how Pope Leo XIV grew up just a stone’s throw from my Chicago neighborhood. …

East Tennesseans react to first U.S.-born pope

‘The Catholic Church in America is having a moment’ By Gabrielle Nolan Catholics around the world rejoiced and celebrated when white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on May 8, signifying the newest pontiff for the universal Church had been chosen. Because of the influx of news and …

Pro-Life Day on the Hill experiences a youth movement

By The East Tennessee Catholic The 2025 legislative session has ended in Nashville, but not before key legislation of impact and interest to the Catholic Church in Tennessee was addressed. A significant development was passage of the Education Freedom Act, which Gov. Bill Lee signed into law on Feb. 12. …

1

Mary Seay

Mary Seay, age 98, of Knoxville, passed away on April 30. Mrs. Seay was a member of St. Albert the Great Church and enjoyed swimming and playing tennis. Mrs. Seay is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, David; parents, Joseph F. Courtney and Mary Boland Courtney; …

The connection between Eucharist and penance

‘A love for the Eucharist leads to a growing appreciation of the sacrament of reconciliation’ By Father Randy Stice All the sacraments,” said the Second Vatican Council, “are bound up with the Eucharist and are directed towards it. For in the most blessed Eucharist is contained the entire spiritual wealth …

‘A beautiful light in this world’

Bishop Beckman presides at memorial Mass for Pope Francis By Bill Brewer Pope Francis was remembered in memorial Masses held in churches throughout the Diocese of Knoxville in the days immediately following his April 21 death. And as parishes marked the solemn occasion, Bishop Mark Beckman was the principal celebrant …