Annual event raises funds for operations throughout the Diocese of Knoxville; Chattanooga dinner postponed By Emily Booker It was an evening of hope and celebration at the Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s annual “Sapphire Soiree” dinner on March 5 at Rothchild Conference Center in Knoxville. Hundreds attended for an evening …
Diocese of Knoxville deacons announce retirements
Deacon Bob Smearing, who serves at St. Albert the Great Parish in Knoxville, and Deacon Don Amelse, who serves at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, are retiring from the permanent diaconate. The deacons submitted letters requesting retirement in January, and Bishop Richard F. Stika granted their requests in February. …
Diocesan women gather to cultivate the interior life during St. Thomas retreat
By Emily Booker Are you listening for God’s voice? Would you hear Him if He called? Women from across East Tennessee gathered at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City on Feb. 22 for the diocesan women’s retreat focused on cultivating the interior life so they may draw closer …
Memorial Mass celebrated for Sister Celia Sánchez, MAG
A memorial Mass for Sister Celia Martina Sánchez Coatl, MAG, was celebrated on March 16 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Sister Celia, who served in the Diocese of Knoxville for 20 years, died on March 8. The Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus “Ad Gentes” …
Glenmary Father John Rausch dies at age 75
The dedicated longtime missionary in Appalachia was a former columnist for The East Tennessee Catholic By Dennis Sadowski/CNS Glenmary Father John Rausch recognized early in his time as a missionary in Appalachia that people were facing severe environmental and economic challenges and devoted his ministry to seeking solutions and calling …
Sister Bernie is making a difference in Appalachia
By Karen Adams/CNS When Sister Bernadette “Bernie” Kenny, a religious in the Medical Missionaries of Mary, brought her nursing skills to Appalachian Virginia in 1978, she was startled by the long and steep distances between towns. But the Boston native soon found that driving those routes to provide health care …
A Joyful Witness
How the Bishop’s Appeal transforms lives in the Diocese of Knoxville Story by Jim Wogan Photography by Stephanie Richer In early February, Bishop Richard F. Stika’s voice boomed across the Diocese of Knoxville with a message for all parishioners. “It is a joy to be with you on this feast …
We do together what we can’t do alone
Sometimes a corporal work of mercy requires teamwork By George Valadie If you’re a routine reader of this column, then you may recall my wife had some foot surgery not long ago. If you’re not, let me begin by saying that my wife had some foot surgery not long ago. …
Real Presence, Real Friendship
St. John Pail II: The Eucharist is a mystery of presence, the perfect fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to remain with us until the end of the world By Bishop Richard F. Stika “No longer do I call you servants…I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I …
Father Kuzhupil has triple celebration in one day
Bishop Stika installs him as pastor, and the priest celebrates an ordination anniversary and a birthday By Dan McWilliams Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, of Notre Dame Parish found himself with three things to celebrate Jan. 10. First, Bishop Richard F. Stika was on hand to install him as pastor of …
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Living Roman in a Greek world
University of Tennessee is among FOCUS campuses seeing Catholic outreach to sororities and fraternities By Bill Brewer The Fellowship of Catholic University Students is expanding its mission: revolutionizing for Christ the sorority and fraternity culture on college campuses. When FOCUS missionaries first arrived on the University of Tennessee- Knoxville campus …
Basilica moves Hispanic ministries to newer location
Exit from outdated All Saints Academy building places outreach efforts closer to Latino community By Dan McWilliams The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga is cutting ties after more than nine decades with All Saints Academy, its nearby building that has fallen into disrepair after serving the parish …