Our Lady of Fatima Parish hosts Blount County celebration of life

Ecumenical service held as nation prepared to mark the 43rd anniversary of landmark Roe v. Wade decision By Bill Brewer Pro-life supporters from Blount County gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa Jan. 12 for a celebration of life and remembrance service as the nation prepared to mark …

Annual Bishop’s Appeal underway in all diocesan parishes

Fundraiser is ‘lifeblood’ for diocesan ministries; theme for 2016 campaign is St. Francis of Assisi’s Peace Prayer By Jim Wogan The annual Bishop’s Appeal — a critical source of funding for diocesan works of mercy, formation, evangelization, education, and charity — is underway at all 51 parishes and mission churches …

Once upon a time: Preparing for a ‘good’ Lent

Churches old and new are inspiration for a closer relationship with God By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Immaculate Conception Church has covered Summit Hill in Knoxville since the 1880s. Typical of many churches of that era, architects saw little need for a large vestibule. People came to church to pray and …

Living the readings: Preparing to meet the Lord

Scripture shows us how God makes himself visible to humans By Father Joseph Brando It’s hard to believe. With my Christmas tree still shining forth in my living room, I am writing a column that features the first three Sundays of Lent. One of the factors of getting old is …

Confession of a diocesan priest

Sacrament of reconciliation will lift your burdens and is no longer something to be dreaded; everyone welcome By Bill Brewer As the Catholic Church enters the season of Lent on Feb. 10, priests in the Diocese of Knoxville are encouraging parishioners to follow Pope Francis’ lead in this special Year …

Funeral Mass held for Deacon Donald Hathaway

A funeral Mass for Deacon Donald Hathaway was held on Jan. 22 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City. Deacon Hathaway died Jan. 16 at his residence. He was 89. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Dennis Kress, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua. Deacon Hathaway, who …

St. John XXIII Parish ranked among top U.S. Newman centers by Pew

Best College Reviews, an independent college review journal that provides information on schools, ranks the Diocese of Knoxville’s St. John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center as the 14th best Newman Center in the United States. A Pew Research study found that Christianity makes up 70 percent of the total …

St. Joseph’s piano man

At 102, Angelo Miceli stays attune to Norris parish’s music liturgy with upbeat song selections By Dan McWilliams Family and friends are the keys to a long life, according to 102-year-old Angelo Miceli of St. Joseph Parish in Norris. Mr. Miceli, who plays piano at first Sunday Masses at St. …

He dwells among us: He must increase

May we always give both the gifts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our hearts to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika Our Lenten pilgrimage begins early this year, before St. Valentine’s day, so if you’re giving up candy or chocolate, you might be challenged when the heart-shaped boxes …

East Tennessee Catholics march for life

Pro-life faithful join for prayer service at World’s Fair Park, march to Fort Sanders abortion clinic             By Dan McWilliams Hundreds of pro-life supporters, including many East Tennessee Catholics, turned out for a prayer service and the annual March for Life sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right …

St. Dominic approaches Home Campaign in a ‘very good spot’

By Jim Wogan The Home Campaign is well under way in the Diocese of Knoxville — with 34 parishes and mission churches now at various stages of participation. Early this year, 17 more parishes will join the campaign as Wave 3 participants. While the Home Campaign operates nearly the same …