Calling it ‘a very special time in our diocese,’ he welcomes more than 60 priests to the annual Holy Week liturgy By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika made an important announcement in his opening remarks at the 2017 Chrism Mass on April 11 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. “This is …
Fathers, sons make Stations of the Cross come alive
St. Joseph students portray the same roles as their dads in the Passion during Holy Week re-enactments By Bill Brewer The living Stations of the Cross and Passion, which are held in several Diocese of Knoxville parishes during Holy Week, had an especially familial flavor this year. As Jorge Quiroz …
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Pregnancy center dedicated in Newcomb
Cardinal Justin Rigali blesses the new Catholic Charities facility, located in the Crazy Quilt Friendship Center By Dan McWilliams Catholic Charities’ new Pregnancy Help Center in Newcomb fulfills a great need in a northern Campbell County area where expectant moms are often plagued by poverty and drug addiction. Cardinal Justin …
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Ladies of Charity celebrates 75th year
Bishop Stika praises diocesan group’s work during special Mass By Bill Brewer You’ve come a long way, ladies. The Ladies of Charity, which is marking its 75th anniversary this year, celebrated the milestone May 13 with a first for the nonprofit charitable organization that is part of the Diocese of …
Fr. Randy Stice appointed to USCCB position
Three-year assignment to begin July 1 From staff reports Father Randy Stice, director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville since 2009, has been appointed associate director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, effective July 1. The Secretariat …
He dwells among us: Reverence and silence
In the presence of Our Lord at church, quiet is a sacred blessing that we must all respect and practice By Bishop Richard F. Stika My house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Matthew 21:13). I chose these words of Jesus to be inscribed on the cornerstone of our new …
Funeral Mass held in Nashville for Dr. Ruth Queen Smith
Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, longtime pastoral associate at St. John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center on the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus, passed away May 18 after an extended illness. A funeral Mass was celebrated for Dr. Smith on May 24 at St. Henry Church in Nashville, where she retired …
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Bishop Stika announces priest assignments for diocese
From staff reports Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced several assignments for priests serving in the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Alex Waraksa, currently associate pastor at St. Patrick Church in Morristown, will be in residence at Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City and will serve the Hispanic communities in the …
Faith in the harvest
With work of human hands, Santana family farm carefully cultivates fruit of the vine By Jim Wogan I couldn’t have chosen a more challenging day to watch someone pick tomatoes. It was July 27, 2016, and the temperature in Grainger County hovered at around 96 degrees. Yes, that Grainger County …
Our Lady of Fatima statue makes pilgrimage stops at Diocese of Knoxville parishes
Kingsport, Chattanooga, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Knoxville host icon By Bill Brewer Our Lady of Fatima was a guest of the Diocese of Knoxville in April, spending five days visiting parishes and leading parishioners in the rosary to commemorate her appearance to three children in Portugal. The Blessed Mother was in …
Hungry for the faith
UT-Chattanooga students savor their education on Catholicism and Christianity; Bishop Stika offers a pep talk By Emily Booker Younger generations often are accused of being entitled, individualistic, and seeking instant gratification. There is worry that millennials and Gen Z are abandoning traditional customs, including their faith. But some young adults …
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Fr. Gahagan receives papal designation as monsignor
Longtime diocesan priest receives ovation from fellow priests at St. Thomas the Apostle By Jim Wogan Pope Francis has designated Father William Gahagan, who has served in the Diocese of Knoxville since its inception in 1988, with the title of monsignor. The papal honor comes at the recommendation of Bishop Richard …
