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Postulant-to-be shares a love story that promises to change her life

Notre Dame student professes commitment to Jesus, Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma as she declares her vocation                  By Bill Brewer Erica Pereira is changing her relationship status. And what a relationship she now is in. On Aug. 1, the University of Notre Dame student, who has spent the past …

Abby Johnson film arrives Unplanned in Diocese of Knoxville

Catholic protagonist of popular book and movie delivers pro-life message at St. Mary Church in Athens         By Emily Booker The movie Unplanned made an unscheduled appearance at Athens’ movie theater this spring. And it was a one-night sensation when the film’s real-life champion, pro-life author and speaker Abby Johnson, brought …

Marriage Enrichment: On long marriages—and a columnist’s retirement

Many people are thanked for their efforts over the years to benefit marriage-support events By Marian Christiana This article is going to have two parts to it. At first glance, they may not seem to fit together, but stick with me and I think that you will see the connection. …

Knox bagpiper’s goal is to ‘make a joyful noise’

Katie Helms performs at Church events around the area in memory of a son who passed away                         By Dan McWilliams Bagpiper Katie Helms can be seen playing at many Knoxville-area Church events, and she says her goal is simply to “make a joyful noise.” “That’s what the Scripture says to …

Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund now assisting diocesan parishes

Home Campaign program makes first distribution of funds to 12 Church ministries that help communities            By Jim Wogan It has been five years since the most ambitious capital campaign in the history of the Diocese of Knoxville began as a mission to strengthen and grow the Catholic Church in …

God’s joy is abundant as KDCCW holds annual convention in Oak Ridge

Fr. Dan Whitman, keynote speaker Kelly Wahlquist encourage diocesan women to be God’s joyful witness to the world By Emily Booker Reflecting God’s Joy was the theme of the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s 30th annual convention, and joy was visible among the women attending. The convention was held …

Brother priests who became military chaplains reunited in burial ceremony

Fathers Robert and Frank Brett now laid to rest together in Arlington National Cemetery           By Dennis Sadowski/Catholic News Service Amid the pomp and ceremony that marks a military burial, Father Francis Brett was reunited after more than 50 years with his younger priest brother at Arlington National Cemetery. The former …

AI expert Dr. Kai-Fu Lee returns to alma mater

St. Mary-Oak Ridge honors the internationally known venture capitalist and author at a school assembly  By Dan McWilliams What a difference a sister can make in the life of one of her students. Before he became the internationally known venture capitalist, artificial-intelligence expert, and bestselling author that he is today, …

Notre Dame High School announces Laura Swenson as its new academic dean

Notre Dame High School president George Valadie has named Laura M. Swenson as the school’s new dean of academic affairs effective July 1. “You don’t have to spend very much time with Laura before you’re caught up in her enthusiasm for young people, her fellow teachers, and the idea of …

That look and smell

Neophytes are sent forth with a fresh perspective to share their newfound faith with the masses By Bill Brewer “Do you all smell?” And with that risky query that begs a certain amount of self-awareness among those being questioned, Bishop Richard F. Stika sent the Diocese of Knoxville’s newest members …