Sharing time with students might be the enduring legacy of Catholic schools By George Valadie It’s a simple candy dish, but it’s like it has magical, magnetic powers. I don’t understand it … but I do love it. In the interest of full disclosure—and please don’t tell her I’m giving …
The hunger for more
NDHS hosts Made for More, a tribute to Theology of the Body By Maggie Parsons World-renowned speaker on Theology of the Body Christopher West and his supporting musician, Mike Mangione, brought St. John Paul II’s teachings to life as their live event Made for More came to Notre Dame High …
Clerical father, son tackle Camino in return trip
Father Danny Herman and Deacon Joe Herman take on historic trek in the footsteps of St. James By Bill Brewer The Camino de Santiago has many stories to share over its more than 1,000-year history. Now add to those a unique father-and-son, Father-and-Deacon pilgrimage. The clerical combination is Joe Herman, …
Funeral Mass held for Bishop Stika
Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cathedral By Dan McWilliams On an overcast afternoon nearly 17 years to the day he was ordained as the Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd, Bishop Richard F. Stika was laid to rest in the columbarium of the cathedral whose …
Wesley Rucker
Wesley Hazen “Wes” Rucker, a Knoxville native and beloved sports journalist whose life was defined by devotion to his family, community, and the stories he told, died on Feb. 19. He was 43. Above all else, Mr. Rucker was a husband and father. He often wrote and spoke of the …
On the road again
Catholic Charities relaunches mobile ultrasound van and is receiving a strong response By Bill Brewer For Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s mobile ultrasound clinic, the second time is apparently a charm as the year-old van is being reintroduced throughout the Diocese of Knoxville. Following a temporary hiatus in late 2025, …
Light has dawned
Record Rite of Election shows God’s presence in the Church in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman The days of Lent had just dawned when great numbers of people gathered at our Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from all across our diocese. Every pew was filled and …
St. Dominic men’s conference draws record 157
Bishop Beckman joins a roster of speakers focused on the theme of ‘Weathering the Storm’ By Dan McWilliams The fifth annual Appalachian Highlands Men’s Conference at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport on Feb. 28 drew a record 157 attendees, with Bishop Mark Beckman on hand to give his advice on …
Building the kingdom before our eyes
Diocese is poised to set a record for new Catholics at Easter Vigil By Dan McWilliams A standing-room-only gathering at the diocese’s cathedral for the annual Rite of Election was evidence that the Church in East Tennessee is growing at a record rate, reflecting a trend that is being seen …
Dr. John McElligott
Dr. John McElligott, fondly known as “Dr. John,” a physician, veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the trucking industry’s most devoted health advocates, passed away on Feb. 15 at the age of 80, leaving behind a life defined by resilience, faith, and unwavering service to others. Born on Sept. 17, …
Your faith, Your community, Your voice
Readership survey for The East Tennessee Catholic is underway This 2026 Lenten season, The East Tennessee Catholic wants to hear from you—and your opinion matters more than you might think. The East Tennessee Catholic has launched a brief reader survey to better understand how our Catholic community reads, connects, and …