40-day vigil brings awareness to immigration reform

Parishioners across the Diocese of Knoxville are taking part in a 40-day vigil on immigration reform. The vigil, which is part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign, began Aug. 15 and ends Sept. 23. The diocese is asking parishes, organizations and individuals to dedicate …

Notre Dame, Knoxville Catholic resume Irish Bowl with much fanfare

According to the United States Congress of Catholic Bishops, the New Evangelization proposed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in this Year of Faith calls us to “to be evangelized and then go forth to evangelize.” Who knew a game of football could do that? On Aug. 23, the Fighting Irish …

Knox legal professionals unveil portrait of Archbishop Kurtz

Members of the legal profession who made contributions toward the cost of a portrait of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz met the artist Aug. 14 during a showing of the artwork. Brad Coriell painted a portrait of the archbishop that now hangs in the Blessed John Paul II Room at the …

Seminarians gather for annual retreat

Diocesan seminarians took part in their annual retreat Aug. 5-7 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Eighteen of the diocese’s 23 seminarians were able to attend. “It’s an annual gathering, and really the main purpose is to bring the seminarians together for a couple of days of …

Planning the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress

25th Jubilee Year begins with historic celebration Sept. 13-14 at Sevierville Convention Center A special birthday is just one reason to celebrate a Eucharistic Congress, as the Diocese of Knoxville will do Sept. 13-14. So as the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress draws near, plans are being finalized for 5,000 faithful …

Parishioners to get East Tennessee Catholic Magazine

The Diocese of Knoxville’s monthly publication, The East Tennessee Catholic, will have a new look every other month beginning in September. Coinciding with the diocese’s 25th Jubilee Year, the longtime  publication will appear in a bold, colorful magazine format six times a year. It will feature a mix of local …

He dwells among us: Celebrating our Eucharistic Congress

An encounter with the risen Christ himself As I sit down to compose this column, I am within sight of our 25th Jubilee Anniversary as a diocese and our region’s first Eucharistic Congress. I must say, I am filled with great joy and anticipation as we approach these two important …

Continuing the work of Catholic Charities in East Tennessee

Sister Mary Christine Cremin directing area’s key social service agency as Father Ragan Schriver begins sabbatical Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, is adjusting to her new duties as acting executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, knowing she has large shoes to fill as Father Ragan Schriver begins a …

Chattanooga to be site of diocese’s next Sant’Egidio Community

Father Michael Cummins expanding group’s reach beyond ETSU and the Tri-Cities As Father Michael Cummins makes the transition from chaplain for campus ministry at East Tennessee State University to chaplain at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Catholic Student Center, he’s bringing a community with him that will be new to Chattanooga. …

New leaders set the stage at Notre Dame, Sacred Heart

As the Diocese of Knoxville’s 10 schools prepare for the 2013-14 academic year, Notre Dame and Sacred Heart will have new leadership for the first time in a decade or more. George Valadie returns to the Chattanooga high school he graduated from in 1971 and later served in teaching, coaching …