Cardinal Justin Rigali marks 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination and shares his journey from parish priest to Prince of the Church By Dan McWilliams You could say Cardinal Justin Rigali has had an altar seat to Catholic Church history. From his youth in Los Angeles to assisting at Vatican …
Destined to lead a remarkable ministry
An American churchman was there when history was made in the Catholic Church By Jim Wogan There is a framed and brilliantly colored photo hanging in Cardinal Justin Rigali’s office that shows Pope Paul VI, now a saint, standing on a sunlit stage in Manila, Philippines, vested in white and …
A faithful servant of Divine Mercy
In his 60 years of priestly ministry, Cardinal Rigali has proclaimed the mercy of God and has been the instrument of His forgiveness By Bishop Richard F. Stika “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for …
The answer to so many questions is: experience
Life is the only teacher for lessons high school seniors have yet to learn By George Valadie Like many Catholics throughout the country, Nancy and I, until recently, have been attending Sunday Mass virtually. We’ve celebrated liturgies from Chattanooga to Boston and points in between. Some churches were empty, some …
Back in business, thanks be to God
Ladies of Charity weathers the COVID storm through a dedicated team of volunteers, young and older By Bill Brewer The Ladies of Charity and Home Depot share a remarkable achievement: both finished 2020 in the black despite the coronavirus pandemic. And while many home-supply retailers were helped by consumers spending …
Leading, learning, proclaiming leads to national award
St. Mary-Oak Ridge pastor Fr. Brent Shelton receives National Catholic Educational Association leadership honor By Bill Brewer Father Brent Shelton is both a student and a teacher, which explains his love for education. Catholic education in particular. Anyone who attends his Masses can attest to how the pastor of St. …
Conversation with pastor leads to stained-glass project
By Mark Vallee A few years back, I had the good fortune to spend some time with Father Manuel Pérez, pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga, when Angela and I renewed our wedding vows. After the ceremony in the St. Stephen chapel, we gave the attendees some stained-glass ornaments …
Dominican Sisters reflect on past year in classrooms, convent
It’s been one year since a novel coronavirus arrived, closing schools, introducing the concept of “social distancing,” and even suspending the public celebration of Mass. For the eight Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville who teach in Diocese of Knoxville schools, it’s been a year of uncertainty, adjustment, …
Church building on horizon at St. Alphonsus
Crossville parish gets go-ahead to proceed with plans By Dan McWilliams Parishioners of St. Alphonsus have been gathering for Mass for nearly 18 years in a building dedicated as a parish life center in 2003, but after a February meeting with Bishop Richard F. Stika, representatives of the Crossville Catholic …
Pilgrimage for Life held at Memorial for Unborn
Diocesan youth ministry office organizes event that unites pro-lifers from throughout East Tennessee By Carolyn Krings The Chattanooga National Memorial for the Unborn is dedicated to healing generations of pain associated with the loss of aborted and miscarried children.” This was the site for the 2021 Pilgrimage for Life: Together …
Diocese receives scholarship grant from Black and Indian Mission Office
The Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools Office received great news March 17: the Black and Indian Mission Office in Washington, D.C., announced the awarding of a $15,000 scholarship grant toward tuition assistance for Black students at Notre Dame High School, which has 49 Black students in a student body of …
‘He is risen’
Saving us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit By Bill Brewer Easter Masses were again teeming with people two years after pews were last full for the holiest of liturgical celebrations. And the Catholic Church in East Tennessee welcomed nearly 200 new members who joined …
