Gail Nevins

Gail Louise Nevins, 80, of East Brainerd passed away on Nov. 22 at her home. Ms. Nevins, was born in Pittsburgh and was a longtime resident of Chattanooga. She was a retired educator from Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Stephen Parish. Ms. Nevins was preceded …

Bishop celebrates Mass for vocations

Men and women religious in the diocese and members of lay orders ‘live well’ the beatitudes By Dan McWilliams Several inches of snow curtailed the attendance at a special Mass for vocations on Jan. 31 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, but Bishop Mark Beckman complimented …

KCHS counselor named to UT advisory board

Kat Coy among small group from across U.S. selected to serve university By Bill Brewer Kat Coy, who has served as a school counselor at Knoxville Catholic High School since July 2006, has been selected to serve on the University of Tennessee Admissions Counselor Advisory Board. Mrs. Coy was selected …

Joan V. Zaar

Joan V. “Jody” Zaar, age 91, of Tellico Village, passed away peacefully on Dec. 19. Mrs. Zaar was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerry; her daughter, Leann R. Zaar, RN; and her sons, Dr. Gregory T. Zaar and John Zaar. Survivors include her daughter, Susan M. Zaar …

Preparing the way of the Lord

Lent 2026 is here, and Catholic faithful around East Tennessee are readying for Holy Week The East Tennessee Catholic and OSV News It has been just over a month since the feasts of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord marked the end of Christmas. And now in 2026, Lent is …

Jacqueline Ellis Mathis

Our beloved Jacqueline Ellis Mathis passed away peacefully on Jan. 27 following a long and brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Mathis’ final moments were spent exactly where she was happiest: surrounded by her family. Mrs. Mathis was the heart of her home—a loving mother and teacher whose warmth touched everyone …

‘Humble, prayerful, obedient servant of the Church’

Bishops Beckman, Spalding lead funeral Mass for Father John Kirk By Jim Casey Nashville Catholic Father John Kirk, a priest of the Diocese of Nashville for more than 55 years, died on Jan. 18 in Knoxville. He was 84. A funeral Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman of Knoxville …

William ‘Bill’ Sullivan

Our father, William “Bill” Sullivan, went home to God’s celestial shore on Jan. 30. Known to many as “Sully,” Mr. Sullivan graduated from Townsend High School in 1971. After attending trade school in Atlanta, he moved to Knoxville where he worked as a video engineer for WBIR, Channel 10, for …

Snow days, celebrations, and Catholic schools

‘The fullest and best opportunity to realize the…purpose of Christian education’ By George Valadie For some, the week ended exactly as it had begun. Battles with the weather, shortened schedules, and a whole lot of smiles at the unexpected closures. Catholic Schools Week has again come and gone for our …

Braiding God into relationships

Faith and marriage are gifts from the Holy Spirit that require nurturing By Bee Goodman While some adore it, others trudge through Valentine’s Day because of the commercialism it has turned into. Pink glitter, chocolate, and teddy bears are not equal to the value of someone’s love. St. Valentine didn’t …

Sister Mary Kevin Cronin, OP

Sister Mary Kevin Cronin, OP, who was a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville for 67 years, died on Dec. 11. She was 85. Sister Mary Kevin was born in Chicago as the daughter of the late Michael and Alice Stephens Cronin. She attended St. …