Laurence “Larry” V. Gibney Jr.

Laurence “Larry” V. Gibney Jr., 81, died June 30 in Erwin. Mr. Gibney was born and spent his life in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1960. He completed undergraduate studies at St Bernard College in Cullman, Ala., and earned a master’s degree in social work from the …

Improving the body, mind, and soul

Notre Dame High School places priority on student success, facilities upgrades By Bill Brewer The body. The mind. The soul. They are the three elements of success at Notre Dame High School. In addition to its primary ministry of bringing students to Jesus Christ through learning and faith formation, Notre …

Giving hope

RCIA Summer Conference offers help in reaching the faith-seekers By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Christian Formation hosted its annual RCIA Summer Conference at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City on June 24. The conference theme was “Leading them Home: Catechetical and Pastoral Insights for …

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Chesterton Academy: joyful, classical, Catholic

The new, independent Catholic high school in Knox County opens its doors for the 2023-24 year  By Gabrielle Nolan A new Catholic school has opened its doors in Knox County for the 2023-24 academic year. Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is an independent Catholic high school in the classical …

Former diocesan superintendent looks forward to a school-setting return at KCHS

By Bill Brewer It’s back to where it all began for Dr. Sedonna Prater. And that is an answered prayer. As the 2023-24 academic year starts, Dr. Prater transitions from superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville to vice president of academics at Knoxville Catholic High School. And while …

Monsignor John Patrick Connor

A funeral Mass for Monsignor John Patrick Connor was celebrated on June 19 at St. Henry Church in Nashville, with Diocese of Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding serving as the celebrant. Monsignor Connor died peacefully at his home on June 13. He was 88. Monsignor Connor was born on June …

‘There am I in the midst of them’

Alive in You Catholic conference, service camp brings teens to diocese By Gabrielle Nolan Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” It is without question that Jesus was present when nearly 300 …

New superintendent eager to start the academic year

By Jim Wogan Mary Ann Deschaine, a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, was announced as the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Knoxville on May 31. She served as superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw, …