Bishop Stika, Jim Wogan launch diocesan TV show A Call to Discipleship

By Bill Brewer The Diocese of Knoxville is turning to television as an evangelization tool to help spread the word of God throughout East Tennessee. A Call to Discipleship is a new TV show being produced by the Diocese of Knoxville that features stories and conversation on discipleship taking place …

Once upon a time: Building His Church, living stone by living stone

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel With the canonizations of Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Louis and Zelie Martin, and many other lesser-known saints, we should have at our disposal a sufficient number of saints from a catalogue of the saints to cultivate devotions for many years to come. …

He dwells among us: Ocean of mercy

In life’s hard journey, we all must dive into the ocean of mercy By Bishop Richard F. Stika As the media began reporting last month on the release of Pope Francis’ document on marriage and family, titled The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia), I thought of the story of the …

Understanding the sacraments: A multilingual celebration of Mass

Guidelines for liturgy can enhance our cultural and linguistic diversity By Father Randy Stice One of the riches of diocese is its growing cultural diversity, with Mass celebrated in a number of different languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. In this respect we mirror the diversity of the Church in …

Marriage enrichment: Helping couples blend their faith

Ecumenical, interfaith marriages should openly discuss religious practice By Marian Christiana Marriage preparation is one of the great joys of my job. I love working with couples of all ages who are beginning their marital journey. Their happiness and optimism is infectious, and their enthusiasm spills over into my own …

Once upon a time: The Holy Week(s) of Easter

Celebration of Christ’s triumph over death has expanded through the years Holy Week always has been special. Before there was a Holy Week, Easter began with the Easter vigil. And before many years had passed Easter included seven days beginning on Palm Sunday. Gradually the week turned into two weeks, …

Living the readings: The Easter season

Fifty days of rejoicing lead the faithful to feast of Pentecost By Father Joseph Brando In this previous column, we explored the entire season of Lent. Today, we will delve into the Sundays of the Easter season, including the great day of Pentecost. Since we are covering twice as many …

Funeral Mass celebrated for former St. Jude priest Father Philip Breen

By Andy Telli, Tennessee Register NASHVILLE — Father Philip Breen, 77, who died Feb. 29 after a relapse of leukemia, was remembered as a wonderful priest, pastor, brother and friend. “It’s an honor and privilege to be with all of you to give honor to God for one who lived …

Sacred Heart eighth-grader moving up the diving ranks

Nicholas Cassell, in less than two years, has advanced to the national level of competition in his sport By Dan McWilliams Sacred Heart Cathedral School eighth-grader Nicholas Cassell has moved up the diving ranks quickly despite having taken up the sport less than two years ago. Nicholas, 14, practices five …

Five commit to colleges on National Signing Day at KCHS

Athletes praised for their ‘commitment and sacrifice’ in their high school athletic careers By Dan McWilliams Knoxville Catholic High School celebrated National Signing Day on Feb. 3 as five student athletes committed to play for colleges. The signing ceremony was held in the school gym, with friends and family of …

St. Joseph girls basketball team has perfect season, 26-0

By Dan McWilliams The St. Joseph School varsity girls basketball team recently completed a perfect season, going 26-0 and winning the Knoxville Independent School League regular-season and tournament championships, each for the second straight year. The Lady Bulldogs defeated The King’s Academy Lady Lions 23-17 in the tourney championship game. …

KCHS hosting first Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament

The event, taking the place of the baseball classic this year, will benefit child and family services provided through Catholic Charities By Dan McWilliams The first Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament will be held Saturday, April 30, at Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine Stadium. The all-day event features a high school …