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 …
Bishop Stika installs new acolytes
Bishop Richard F. Stika installed 24 men in the Diocese of Knoxville as acolytes on Oct. 10 at All Saints Church, bringing them one step closer to being ordained into the permanent diaconate. Accompanied by their wives and family members, the men stood before Bishop Stika, who accepted their petition …
White Mass held at the Church of Divine Mercy
Invoking the blessing of the Holy Spririt and the wisdom of St. Luke upon those serving in the health-care profession, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a White Mass for medical professionals in the Diocese of Knoxville Oct. 17 at the Church of Divine Mercy. Bishop Stika told the congregation, numbering …
Once upon a time: Re-examining the ‘lost’ sacrament
With all the discussion going on these days about the sacrament of confirmation, remarks are in order about the “lost” sacrament of initiation. By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Our bishop will soon promulgate the time for the sacrament, with instructions for its celebration. The pastor historically has been the key person …
He dwells among us: Gaining from our loss
With Thanksgiving upon us and Advent quickly approaching, I want to offer a few thoughts on something that affects everyone in one way or another: dealing with a loss. By Bishop Richard F. Stika I recently had the great with a number of remarkable individuals who know what it means …
The Francis Effect
Diocese of Knoxville sees pope’s U.S. impact firsthand By Jim Wogan The images will last for decades. But Catholics around the world and within the Diocese of Knoxville are praying the real impact of Pope Francis’ six-day visit to the United States goes beyond that. Starting with his arrival from …
Living the readings: A perfect slice of life
We receive wisdom when we’re in unity with God By Father Joseph Brando October turns green leaves into orange and red and playfully blows them to the ground so that we can hardly tell up from down. That’s the joy of fall. Earth and sky fuse together. October is the …
St. Joseph-Madisonville holds baby-bottle drive
Sanctity of life activities at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville will mean more money for sanctity of life activities at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. St. Joseph the Worker parishioners recently have raised $973 for Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Centers through the baby-bottle fundraising drive it holds twice …
Blessed Teresa hosts second Royalty Carnival
By Dan McWilliams Through its second annual Royalty Carnival, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville played host to several hundred guests Sept. 5. The carnival was a big success in raising money for Blessed Teresa’s new church building. The festival took place on the site of the future church, …
‘Francis Effect’ seen through the eyes of a cardinal
Cardinal Justin Rigali, who concelebrated Mass with Holy Father, shares insight into historic U.S. papal visit By Bill Brewer If Cardinal Justin Rigali had only three words to describe Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, they would be “magnificent,” “challenge,” and “encounter.” The pope encountered large crowds of …
He dwell among us: I have a place for you
In the Sacred Heart of Jesus, no one is orphaned, and all find their true home By Bishop Richard F. Stika Thirty-six years ago, I was a young seminarian, and several of my classmates and I drove from St. Louis to Chicago for St. John Paul II’s fi rst visit …
St. Mary-Oak Ridge volleyballers win KISL event
The Knoxville Independent School League (KISL) held its annual volleyball tournament at St. Joseph School in Knoxville, with the finals being held Oct. 2. The St. Mary varsity volleyball team from Oak Ridge took first place in the regular season and swept the tournament, securing its third consecutive championship. “We …
