The 225 newcomers to the faith in the diocese this year are the first group to take part in the ceremony at the new cathedral By Dan McWilliams The class of new Catholics coming into the Church in East Tennessee this Easter was the first to be formally sent forth …
Knights of Columbus present top awards at state convention
By Andy Telli The Tennessee Knights of Columbus honored individual Knights, families, and councils for their contributions in the last year to the Church, their parishes and communities during the annual state convention held April 27-29 in Nashville. Three of the top awards presented were: Tennessee Knight of the Year, …
St. Augustine funeral Mass held for Mrs. Grey Littleton Wagner
Grey Littleton Wagner, a resident of Signal Mountain and a charter member of St. Augustine Parish, died April 29. She was 100. Mrs. Wagner was the daughter of the late Marguerite Warner Littleton and the late Augustine Brabson Littleton, formerly of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. She also …
Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament draws 32 teams
By Dan McWilliams The third annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament on April 21 was a success as 32 teams from as far away as Memphis and West Virginia came together for 24 games across four fields, all in one day. Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine Stadium and John Tarleton Field …
Funeral Mass held for former St. Elizabeth pastor Fr. Steve Smith
By Dan McWilliams Dominican Father Steve Smith, who served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish in Elizabethton from 1989 to 2000, died April 4 in New Orleans. He was 86. Steve Kieran Smith was born in New York City on May 7, 1931. He entered the Dominican novitiate for the …
KCHS names new girls basketball head coach
Knoxville Catholic High School on May 15 announced Freeman Pinkney as the new head coach for the Lady Irish basketball program. Mr. Pinkney, originally from Clarksville, played collegiately at Walters State and Bethel University. After earning his degree, he spent two years playing basketball professionally in Mexico and for several …
SJNS ‘Tiny Saints’ commissioned to serve
The St. John Neumann School St. Vincent de Paul Youth Ministry celebrated its commissioning ceremony on April 26 at the all-school Mass. “The Tiny Saints,” a SVDP Youth Conference, has been established at SJN, and 44 students participated in the celebration as they became official lifetime members of the St. …
Courage/EnCourage chapters begin in diocese
By Emily Booker For practicing Catholics who struggle with same-sex attractions, it can be difficult to feel at home within the Church. Courage International is an apostolate of the Catholic Church that offers support and fellowship to men and women experiencing same-sex attractions who choose to live a chaste life. …
Praying for perspective: Heroes of the ages
Who do you identify with? Your answer may surprise you By George Valadie A few years ago, I attended a principals conference for more than 100 school leaders, a mixture of young and old, white and black, Catholic, private, public. The conference facilitator opened by grouping us by our age, …
An Affirmation: Latinos’ journey to East Tennessee not unlike the trek Mary and Joseph made
By Dr. Leila S. Al-imad Reflecting on having joined the Mexican community in the Las Posadas, I was thrilled to have seen how uplifting their affirmation of faith is and how devoted they are to our Catholicism. I was inspired by their enthusiasm and genuine love for their religion. What …
He dwells among us: Come Creator Spirit
Beautiful hymn also serves as a prayer to the Giver of Life, who makes all things new By Bishop Richard F. Stika The Easter season that culminates with Pentecost Sunday, which this year falls on May 20, is a season also for the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. As …
In the Spirit of Evangelization, St. Patrick Parish opens its doors to communities responding in a crisis
A day after the April 5 government raid at Southeastern Provision in Grainger County, Father Patrick Brownell, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Morristown, was standing outside St. Patrick’s family center and reflected on the quick mobilization of his staff, parish volunteers, pastors from other churches, and those in the …