Media coverage shifting focus to College of Cardinals

As His Holiness Benedict XVI fulfilled his resignation intention Feb. 28, ending his eight-year pontificate, the College of Cardinals that will select the pope emeritus’ successor has indicated it will hold a March 4 meeting to schedule a papal conclave. News of Benedict XVI’s departure has gripped the world and …

In farewell to cardinals, Pope Benedict pledges obedience to next pope

  VATICAN CITY — The Clementine Hall is traditionally the place where cardinals bid farewell to popes at the end of a pontificate, but usually when the pope in question is lying in state before his funeral. But on Feb. 28, hours before resigning from the papacy, Pope Benedict XVI …

Diocesan faithful give Cardinal Rigali a memorable send-off

In a turnout befitting a pope—or a cardinal—more than a thousand well-wishers were on hand Feb. 26 at All Saints Church and McGhee Tyson Airport to see Cardinal Justin Rigali as he departed for Rome, where he will join the College of Cardinals in a conclave to elect the next …

NFL player Harrison Smith giving back to Sacred Heart

More than 200 people welcomed home a famous alumnus of Sacred Heart Cathedral School on Feb. 25 during “An Evening With Harrison Smith,” featuring the Minnesota Vikings safety fresh off an outstanding rookie season in the NFL. The sold-out event benefited the SHCS Annual Fund, which provides for expenses not …

‘Walking with the Lord’ is a secret to marriage success

Rhoda and Bob Whitaker couldn’t have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in a more fitting way—at Mass where Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the marriages of parishioners of all ages. Bishop Stika presided at the Mass Feb. 9 at St. Mary Church in Athens, where couples were recognized for their …

Diocese of Knoxville plays role in papal succession

Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement Monday that he will resign effective Feb. 28 took the world by surprise, prompting Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali, who is in residence in the diocese, to meet with East Tennessee media representatives and brief them on the pontiff’s decision. …

Pope announces resignation, citing health reasons

VATICAN CITY —Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the universal church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning at the end of the month after an eight-year pontificate. “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the …

KISL basketball: A true underdog story

St. John Neumann School’s boys varsity basketball team claimed the 2012-13 Knoxville Independent School League tournament championship in the large school division, defeating Episcopal School of Knoxville in the championship game. The Mustangs, who finished second in the KISL regular season, were led by tournament most valuable player Joseph Fluker, …

Blue Mass recognizes public safety workers

Knoxville police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians were on hand Feb. 8 as Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at a Blue Mass in recognition of the public safety community. A Knoxville Police Department honor guard, surrounded by Knights of Columbus, stood in place at Sacred Heart Cathedral as the …

KCHS student athletes sign scholarship papers

Ten Knoxville Catholic High School student athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 6 to continue playing sports in college. It was the first day that high school seniors can accept athletic scholarships to play at a Division I school. The 10 students signed letters allowing them to pursue academic and …

Practicing what they preach: Priests apply New Evangelization through social media

Gospel, Catechism, church events, outreach available to parishioners via blogs, Facebook, Twitter, other sites The evangelical role of the clergy was simple in the days of small communities and a time when everyone would flock to the Church to hear the Gospel. Priests simply delivered a message that descended on …