Diocesan faithful taking an active role in immigration issue

Diocese of Knoxville parishioners are planning additional activities to encourage members of Congress to adopt immigration reform legislation that the Senate passed in June. Lourdes Garza, director of the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, said more activities are planned once Congress returns from its summer break. In May, parishioners held …

Diocesan calendar

Immaculate Conception Church has been designated the first of 11 pilgrimage stops in the Smoky Mountain Deanery in observance of the 25th anniversary of the diocese. Bishop Richard F. Stika will preside at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at IC on Sunday, Oct. 6. The faithful attending the Masses will receive …

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery

Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes recently received $400 for their participation in the national Knights of Columbus program “Food for Families” by donating more than 2,000 cans of food to the Marion County Community Ministries Food Bank during Lent. The $400 award was …

Chattanooga Deanery calendar

Knights of Columbus Council 610 is collecting items for its annual white-elephant yard sale, which is held in conjunction with the council’s Labor Day picnic. For pickup or drop-off information, contact Scott Louisell at 423-667-6936 or scottlouisell@gmail.com, or John Chrnalogar at 544-1562. Proceeds support the Knights’ charitable activities throughout the …

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

Good Shepherd, Newport “Christmas in July” was the theme of the vacation Bible school program held at the Church of the Good Shepherd the week of July 7. Nineteen students had the opportunity to share their faith, make crafts, and sing. Nancy Soesbee, CCD director for the parish, directed the …

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville The parish is sponsoring a new caregiver support group under the direction of Tony and Lynn Venafro. The group is designed to assist family members with coping with the stress of caregiving and to enhance their ability to embrace the challenges of the task. Call Mr. or …

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar

Father Bede Aboh, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 17. Bishop Richard F. Stika will concelebrate. A reception will follow Mass in the family life center. Contact the parish office for more …

Koteckis celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

Michael F. and Doris E. Kotecki of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th anniversary June 15. They were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Chicago. The Koteckis’ three children are Eileen Mancera of Manhattan, N.Y.; William Kotecki of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Robert …

Five Rivers Deanery calendar

The Oktoberfest fundraiser at St. Dominic School in Kingsport will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Events planned include yodeling, a lederhosen leg contest, dancing, a silent auction, and more. The dinner will feature sauerbraten, grilled bratwurst, apple strudel, and beer and wine. Adults 21 and over are …

Garden Club at St. Mary Church in second year

Garden Club members this summer are harvesting cucumbers, zucchini, string beans, squash, radishes, and carrots from their raised-bed garden plots adjacent to the parking lot at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, while waiting for tomatoes to ripen. This is the second year for the club, which was founded last …

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The sixth annual Irish Fest on the Hill will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Immaculate Conception Church. The festival will include Irish music, dancers, a silent auction, games for kids, food, and beer. The cost is $5 for adults and free …

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Aug. 10 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Monica Armstrong will speak on the topic “St. Angela Merici: Woman of Hope.” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to …