Deacon Forsythe appointed to lead two ministries

Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that Deacon Al Forsythe has been appointed the new director of the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment and program and development manager for the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Deacon Forsythe was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2016 and …

John Deinhart accepts position with NPH-USA

John Deinhart, director of stewardship and strategic planning for the Diocese of Knoxville since 2012, will be leaving his role in the diocese to answer a personal call of the Holy Spirit to lead NPH-USA as its new president and CEO. Bishop Richard F. Stika made the announcement in an …

Writer’s block

Christ offers words of wisdom when we’re at a loss over the current state of affairs By George Valadie I have no words. And I’m really, really sad about it. If you write for this publication — or any publication — and your goal is to say something that you …

Giving to God and neighbor

To truly ‘live our Mass,’ it must be the fruit of our offering to God that we share with others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “How blessed the people who know your praise…, who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice their joyful acclaim” — …

High school seniors reflect on an unusual year

The coronavirus forced them to finish their learning at home and miss proms and other events By Dan McWilliams The coronavirus pandemic brought attending school to an early end this spring, and the impact may have been felt most by high school seniors. Diocese of Knoxville seniors Sarah Eiselstein and …

 Basilica joins list of churches adding weekly Latin Masses

Bishop supports regular extraordinary form celebrations for Chattanooga, warns against illicit Masses outside of Church Bishop Richard F. Stika, working with Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul rector Father David Carter, has authorized the addition of a traditional Latin Mass to the Basilica’s regular Sunday Mass schedule on a weekly …

Robotics team uses 3D printing to aid health workers

Special tensioners make mask-wearing more comfortable for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle By Emily Booker In a time of pandemic, even a small piece of plastic can be a big act of charity. The Knoxville Catholic High School robotics team, the Robotichauns, found a way to …

U.S., Canada bishops reconsecrate nations to Blessed Mother

Bishop Stika joins in praying to Virgin Mary for healing and salvation during the coronavirus pandemic By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika on May 1 joined fellow bishops from around the United States and Canada who reconsecrated their nations to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the world fights the …

St. Stephen celebrates Father Pérez’s 15th anniversary

On May 24, following the noon livestreamed Mass, the parish community at St. Stephen in Chattanooga celebrated its pastor, Father Manuel Pérez, with a parade for his 15th anniversary as a priest. Practicing their social distancing, parishioners secretly decorated their cars and lined up for the parade. When Mass was …

Thank God almighty—schools are looking to reopen

‘Schools weren’t built to be empty, and fields and gyms and theaters weren’t erected to stand silent’ By George Valadie I don’t know about your world but I think things in mine are actually getting a little better. I think. After all, it is still 2020. Don’t want to jinx …

Athens Knights provide new ultrasound machine for Full Circle Medical Center

The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative aims to help abortion-minded women choose life by viewing their unborn children on ultrasound machines. Lawrence Roussell Knights Council 8396 at St. Mary Parish in Athens, with help from a pious benefactor, pooled monies raised from a pancake breakfast with a matching grant from …