Notre Dame names new wrestling head coach

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga has recently named Rocco Mansueto as the new head wrestling coach. “The Notre Dame community is extremely excited to have someone the caliber of Rocco Mansueto who will mentor our young men and women in the classroom and continue the great tradition of the …

Adult confirmation Mass to be diocesan tradition

Bishop Stika presides at first celebration for 54 parishioners who never received holy sacrament as youth By Dan McWilliams A new tradition began in the diocese Sept. 13 at Sacred Heart Cathedral as Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the first Mass of Confirmation for adults. “We gather this day to …

NDHS awards honor Dr. Boaz, ‘65 hoops team

Dr. Lonnie Boaz, a 1975 graduate, and the entire 1965 basketball team, the first to play an inter-racial high school game of any kind in Chattanooga, were honored by the Notre Dame High School Alumni Association on July 23 at the annual Alumni Awards reception that kicked off Alumni Weekend. …

WMOF a spiritual experience for all who were there

From papal Mass to Catholic masses, Philadelphia turns into the city of peace, humility and love By Emily Booker Whether priest or parishioner, Catholics traveling to Philadelphia for the  World Meeting of Families – as well as those at home in the Diocese of Knoxville – were touched by witnessing …

St. Mary-Oak Ridge dedicates Guadalupe statue

St. Mary Church and School in Oak Ridge celebrated Mass on Sept. 13 with a special blessing and dedication of a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The statue from Mexico was donated by Tomás and Bertalilia Léon of St. Mary Church in Jackson, Tenn. Sister Mary Rebekah, OP, middle …

Johnson City parish rededicates adoration chapel

By Murvin H. Perry St. Mary Parish in Johnson City dedicated its newly renovated perpetual-adoration chapel on Aug. 16. More than 150 parishioners joined in procession from the church to the newly redone chapel after the 10 a.m. Mass to witness the dedication ceremony. Refreshments were served in the gathering …

Pope Francis’ message on faith, family hits home

In their words: The home is seen as a place to heal spiritual, physical, emotional wounds By Suzanne Erpenbach News that Pope Francis would be coming to the United States, partly to be present for the World Meeting of Families, excited people across the world. The Diocese of Knoxville responded …

Knoxville Catholic captures 2015 Irish Bowl, 35-17

Players, coaches, fans wait out a long lightning delay in the latest edition of the annual rivalry By Jim Wogan At first it looked like a blowout. Then it looked like a washout. After all that, the 2015 Irish Bowl had the look and feel of an outright entertaining game …

World Meeting of Families: one heavenly pilgrimage

In their words: Once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Pope Francis becomes a divine adventure for which thanks is given By Luis Gabriel Velasco Mindful that “we are pilgrims, not tourists,” a diverse group of 72 Diocese of Knoxville parishioners embarked on a most heavenly adventure Sept. 23 to see Pope Francis. …

Pope wows youth at World Meeting of Families

In their words: High school senior and recent Catholic convert witnesses pivotal moments in teens’ faith By Rhetta Botts Young people love Pope Francis. From his grandfatherly appearance to his undeniable love for serving the poor, “Papa Francisco” has captured the hearts of millennials. It is easy to say that …

Pope Francis’ address makes an impact on Congress

East Tennessee delegation in attendance for first appearance ever by a pope before a joint session By Bill Brewer For six days in September, Pope Francis was the hottest ticket in Philadelphia, New York and Washington. And for a congressional delegation living within the Diocese of Knoxville, the Holy Father’s …

Cardinal celebrates first marriage Mass of 2015

By Bill Brewer August, the second most popular month for weddings behind June, is apparently popular for marriages, too – at least in the Diocese of Knoxville. Some 65 couples attended the first marriage Mass of 2015 on Aug. 29 at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville, where they renewed their …