Traditional regalia phased out July 1 in favor of blazer, tie, slacks, and beret; swords can stay By Mickey Conlon/Catholic News Service A long-standing tradition ends this summer as the Knights of Columbus discard the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of its fourth-degree members. July 1 marked the end of …
A lifelong call to service
Alive in You Camp inspires nation’s Catholic teens to get involved in service projects — away and at home By Alyssa Neuhoff In Mass, readings talk about helping those around us. We are taught to give to those less fortunate and encouraged to be a Good Samaritan. While serving in …
Bishop’s Appeal on target for new record in 2019
Parishioners continue their generous support for Diocese of Knoxville’s service organizations and community initiatives By Jim Wogan The annual Bishop’s Appeal, the most crucial source of financial support for the ministries of the Diocese of Knoxville, is heading for a record-setting year in 2019 with commitments of $2.7 million pledged …
Transfiguring icons
Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words By Bishop Richard F. Stika Come up the mountain to me! — Deuteronomy 10:1 The call of Moses by God to ascend Mount Sinai to enter into closer communion with Him reminds us that prayer, like climbing …
Bishop announces new pastoral assignments
A retirement and several moves affect many parishes around the Diocese of Knoxville By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika recently announced new pastoral assignments for the Diocese of Knoxville and a priest retirement. Parishes announced the changes in May, and they took effect (unless noted otherwise below) on July …
Hal Emitt Sr., architect of Sacred Heart Church, dies
A funeral Mass was celebrated July 11 for retired Knoxville architect Harold “Hal” Emitt Sr., who died July 7. He was 94. Father John Dowling was the celebrant of the funeral Mass at Holy Ghost Church, where Mr. Emitt was a longtime member. Mr. Emitt, who worked for the Baumann …
Funeral Mass for Father Camillus Blazak held
A funeral Mass was celebrated June 15 for Father Camillus Walter Blazak, 92, of Signal Mountain, who died on June 11. The Mass was held in the St. Augustine Chapel on the Alexian Brothers campus in Signal Mountain. Interment followed in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Ala. Father Blazak, a retired …
Cardinal Rigali to represent U.S. Catholic Church at International Eucharistic Congress
Cardinal Justin Rigali, who is in residence in the Diocese of Knoxville, will represent the Catholic Church for the United States at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary, in 2020. The appointment was made by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. As preparation for …
Lawsuit alleging abuse filed against diocese
From staff reports Bishop Richard F. Stika issued a letter to clergy and staff of the Diocese of Knoxville on July 19, making them aware of a lawsuit filed by attorneys for Michael Boyd, a resident of Blount County, claiming that Mr. Boyd was a victim of sexual abuse inside …
Father David Boettner blesses new stained-glass rose window in cathedral to mark 25th anniversary
Parishioners of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus raised money for a new rose window of stained glass that was installed to mark Father David Boettner’s 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Boettner, rector of the cathedral and a vicar general for the diocese, …
Praying for perspective: A journey of a hundred years begins with a few missteps
By George Valadie By the time you read this, another Father’s Day celebration will have come and gone. Believe it or not, I’m actually hoping for some socks. I could hardly believe it after doing the math. This will make 42 Sundays I’ve gotten to celebrate as a dad. Didn’t …
Joining the Church family
Bishop Stika celebrates Father Mark Schuster’s ordination to the priesthood, a first for new Sacred Heart Cathedral By Dan McWilliams The priestly ordination of Father Mark Schuster was certainly a family affair. Family members of the ordinand filled four pews at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus …



