Irish Fest brings out the Irish in everyone

If the weather, crowd size, and smiles are a barometer, then the 2015 edition of Irish Fest on the Hill at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville was a rousing success. More than a thousand people gathered in the 400 block of West Vine Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 8, for fellowship, …

Holy Ghost hosts Bishop Johnston for 25th ordination anniversary

Former Diocese of Knoxville priest and chancellor celebrates Mass with Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali By Dan McWilliams Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. returned home June 30. The bishop, who for seven years has led the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau, Mo., celebrated Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville to mark …

Sacred Heart athletes make Junior Olympics

Track-and-field participants qualify for AAU games at Norfolk State University in Virginia By Dan McWilliams Sacred Heart Cathedral School will be well-represented at the AAU Junior Olympics this month at Norfolk State University in Virginia. Six track-and-field athletes from SHCS qualified for the Aug. 1-8 nationals through district and regional …

Old Holy Ghost Church to get new life through Home Campaign

Past remains vital to parish’s future as proceeds from fundraising effort go to restore original building By Jim Wogan Holy Ghost Church is one of East Tennessee’s most identifiable Catholic landmarks and is a vital place for worship and fellowship. For nearly 90 years, the massive limestone structure and its …

Ladies of Charity takes time out for some Summer Shenanigans

Event serves as fundraiser, launch of capital campaign to upgrade Knoxville office/warehouse facility By East Tennessee Catholic staff The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville set aside their work aprons June 28 and opted for an evening of shenanigans — all for a good cause. And what a night it was …

Educators participate in workshops for instructional excellence

Restoration of Title IIA funds will allow diocesan schools to increase professional development activities By Sedonna Prater As Diocese of Knoxville schools prepare for students returning from summer break, school administrators and teachers are completing training in a series of workshops aimed at enhancing teacher quality and instructional effectiveness in …

He dwells among us: Given up for you

God calls us to be good stewards of all creation, beginning with a human ecology By Bishop Richard F. Stika Getting our hands dirty can be a good thing, especially when it’s the result of working in a garden. Anyone who follows me on Facebook knows how much I enjoy …

‘How could it happen?’

Bishop Stika offers message of faith, forgiveness as Chattanoogans mourn deaths of servicemen By Bill Brewer and Jim Wogan An outpouring of sympathy and prayer has embraced the Chattanooga community and the families of five military men who were slain last month by a gunman who opened fi re on …

Diocesan school system seeks AdvancED accreditation

Each diocesan school to take part in initiative that recognizes quality education programs around the country By Sedonna Prater When Bishop Richard Stika appointed Sister Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, as superintendent of diocesan schools in 2011, he instructed her to make unification of all 10 Catholic schools a priority. Bishop …

Parishes hold benefit concerts for Colombia youth, elderly

Impoverished in Marsella, surrounding area to receive benefits from One Heart, One Mission led by Father Giraldo Five Diocese of Knoxville parishes have joined to hold benefit concerts for those in need in Marsella, Colombia. Successful benefit concerts were held in July for One Heart, One Mission, a ministry to …

Knights of Columbus elect new officers and honor councils

Diocese of Knoxville is well-represented with delegates, honors at statewide level By Andy Telli The Tennessee State Council of the Knights of Columbus earlier this year elected new state officers and honored councils across the state for outstanding activities serving their church, parish and community. Steve Comm, who started with …

Basilica still stands as a community beacon after 125 years

Sts. Peter and Paul marks historical milestone as it looks forward to a bright future By Dan McWilliams There was much to celebrate at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 28. The basilica community gathered for Mass with Bishop Richard F. Stika to mark not only the …