Bishop Stika hosts retreat, celebrates Mass for diocesan men who get a crash course in being better servants of Christ By Bill Brewer Father Larry Richards is all about love. Tough love. His unbridled approach to spreading the Gospel is more akin to a contact sport than “a tiptoe through …
Marriage enrichment: Celebrating marriage
Strong, long-lasting partnerships serve as role models for us all By Marian Christiana Bishop Richard F. Stika and the Office of Marriage and Enrichment will be honoring long-lasting marriages in February. Before I get into the details of that, let me discuss the importance of long-lasting marriages. Long-lasting marriages are …
Funeral services held for Sr. Mary LaStant
Sister Mary LaStant, BVM, died Nov. 2 at Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 89. A funeral Mass was held last month, and the burial was in Mount Carmel cemetery in Dubuque. In the Diocese of Knoxville, Sister Mary taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga …
Once upon a time: ‘Tis the season for the Prince of Peace
Christmas evokes memories of people who decorated our lives during the sacred holiday By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Christmas time again. While it’s one thing to wish peace on earth o people of good will, those sentiments won’t fit in all cases (as much as you and I wish such sentiments …
‘We stand on the shoulders of many’
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish celebrates a century of Catholicism in Cleveland, looks forward to the future By Jim Wogan Long before the Diocese of Knoxville existed, back when the seeds of Catholicism were starting to sprout roots in the spiritual soil of East Tennessee, Father Paul Hostettler was helping …
Living the readings: Preparing for the end
We live in time and eternity as Christ offers us eternal life By Father Joseph Brando It may seem strange to many that the liturgical calendar begins with our preparation and celebration of the birth of the Messiah whereas our daily calendar (which is a Christian product) begins on the …
St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic salutes volunteers at appreciation luncheon
By Dan McWilliams The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic held its second annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 2 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Several dozen volunteers attended a Mass and the luncheon, with many of them recognized at the latter event, including Mass celebrant Father Bill …
Dominicans professing include one from Oak Ridge
Five young women recently made their perpetual profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. Among those making final profession was Sister Scholastica Niemann, OP, a former member of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. Sister Scholastica is the …
He dwells among us: Making our way home
The doors of mercy are open wide to receive us as we enter this Jubilee Year By Bishop Richard F. Stika Imagine what would have happened if the innkeeper in Bethlehem, instead of turning Mary and St. Joseph away, had welcomed them into his home and said, “Tell me about …
Upon this Rock
Pope Francis blesses dedication stone for new Sacred Heart Cathedral and prays for Church’s foundation in East Tennessee. By Bill Brewer The Church’s building blocks come in all shapes and sizes. One in particular made its way from a Tennessee Valley marble seam to Rome, where Pope Francis blessed it …
Purple Hearts Reunited
Chattanooga veterans finally recognized for meritious service in World War II with OLPH ceremony By Emily Booker Veterans Day had a different feel this year for Jim Dorris and Bo Cline. After 70 years, the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga officially received the Purple Heart medals …
Praying for Perspective: Coming to terms
Writing too soon about the loss of a best friend By George Valadie I got the call on the 18th. Pat’s younger brother was on the other end of the line. “Hey George, just wanted to let you know that Pat’s in the hospital. He wasn’t feeling that well and …
