‘Memorial,’ ‘covenant,’ and ‘sacrifice’ are spoken in every liturgy, but what do they mean? By Father Randy Stice As we celebrate the memorial”—“The new and eternal covenant”—“May the Lord accept the sacrifice.” We hear these phrases at every Mass, and the three italicized words—memorial, covenant, sacrifice—express three profound aspects of …
Lady Irish volleyball team places third in the state tournament
The Knoxville Catholic High School volleyball team finished third in the Division II, Class AA state tournament held Oct. 21-23 in Murfreesboro. The Lady Irish, under head coach Brent Carter, finished the season 25-10. KCHS began the tournament in the double-elimination round on Oct. 21 with a 20-25, 19-25, 25-23, …
Catholic hospitals in the Chattanooga area to receive name changes
CommonSpirit will be part of branding The East Tennessee Catholic CHI Memorial in Chattanooga, the only Catholic hospital in East Tennessee, and its sister facilities in the region are undergoing a name change. CHI Memorial has announced that its hospitals and care sites throughout Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia will …
A reminder of what following Christ means
Erika Kirk forgives ‘that young man’ charged with assassinating her husband By Deacon Bob Hunt This world, and our country at this time, is a violent, destructive, dehumanizing place. Even still, every once in a while, there is a moment of grace that reminds us of God’s love and challenges …
Look, listen, and learn
Diocesan-wide survey guides the diocese’s focus for the future By Emily Booker The Diocese of Knoxville has just concluded the largest survey of the faithful in its history. With 100 percent participation among the parishes, the survey results paint a detailed sketch of the Catholic Church in East Tennessee and …
She writes to Pope Leo XIV—and receives a reply
Notre Dame High School senior Selena Mullinax’s ‘surprise’ leads to a gift blessed by the Holy Father By Bee Goodman Many have written fan mail to celebrities and imagined getting a reply. In 2017, an 11-year-old kid was granted his wish to mow the White House lawn after sending a …
Chesterton Academy Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated at Holy Ghost
Father Neil Blatchford, chaplain for the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow in Knoxville, celebrated a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 10 at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville with students, staff, and families attending. The Mass is a Chesterton Schools Network tradition to celebrate the start of …
St. Mary Parish in Johnson City receives Haiti foundation honor
Don and Cynthia Davis of St. Mary in Johnson City, coordinators of the parish Haiti Twinning Ministry, traveled to Christ the King Church in Nashville to accept the Fiat of Ecclesial Magnanimity Award on behalf of the parish. The award, presented on Sept. 20 by the Visitation Hospital Foundation, is …
Holy Ghost Parish seeking names for books of ‘Our Dearly Departed’
In advance of next year’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of its current church building, Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville is creating volumes of “Our Dearly Departed” to be placed permanently near the St. Joseph altar. The parish would like to devote one page to each of its deceased members …
KDCCW’s 2025-27 board holds first meeting in Shea Room at cathedral
The first meeting of the 2025-27 Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (KDCCW) board was held Sept. 6 in the Shea Room at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. A rosary, prepared by Spirituality Commission chair Mary Wilson, was said before the meeting. The board consists of …
2
A love-hate relationship with country music
And missing the mentor who loved it and the family life it reminds me to cherish By George Valadie It’s my new favorite song. I’ve always felt like a bit of a music oddball when compared with my friends, but it was especially true when I was growing up. While …
Messengers on a mission
Diaconate candidates entrusted as lectors, permanent deacons renew their promises By Bill Brewer The Diocese of Knoxville has the distinction of ranking third in the United States, and possibly the world, in the number of ordained men serving as permanent deacons. “We are per Catholic capita No. 3 in the …