American citizenship is dream come true for Chattanooga priests

Father Kuzhupil, Father Okere complete naturalization process with official ceremonies in U.S. District Court By Bill Brewer Father Joseph Kuzhupil and Father Bartholomew Okere are living the heavenly dream, but now they’ve found another one to add to it. The American dream has come alive for the two priests in …

He dwells among us: Evil without its makeup

By Bishop Richard F. Stika Decades ago, people on another continent shocked the world, saying, “We did not know” regarding the atrocities they chose to ignore. And before that, our own country enshrined as the law of its land the slavery of those we deemed less than human. Yet today, …

Growing the lay apostolate

Catholic Bible School is at the heart of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Hispanic evangelization By Bill Brewer August just wasn’t the same for Gladys and Juan Herrera. They missed the excitement of starting a new school year, reconnecting with classmates and all the possibilities that new learning brings. But after …

Praying for perspective: Kindred spirits among life’s graduates

By George Valadie For those who begin this autumn with school-age children, you have automatic membership in a club of kindred spirit. Public or private, Christian or non-denominational, kindergarten or high school – it’s all the same; you join the club of moms and dads who hate the dastardly teacher …

Baby, we’re back in business

The Catholic Charities Pregnancy Help Center in Chattanooga has some news, and it wants the world to know: It’s back, it’s updated and it has big plans for the future. With the help of two grants, the center reopened in May at 859 McCallie Ave. after two years of inactivity. …

Once upon a time: Beginning steps on the journey to heaven

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Newspapers are filled these days with “back to school” news about youngsters’ beginning steps as they begin pre-K, or kindergarten, or any of the other early steps we all take, which, in retrospect, were tiny steps indeed. But at that moment, “the first time through” involved …

Irish Fest brings out the Irish in everyone

If the weather, crowd size, and smiles are a barometer, then the 2015 edition of Irish Fest on the Hill at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville was a rousing success. More than a thousand people gathered in the 400 block of West Vine Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 8, for fellowship, …

Holy Ghost hosts Bishop Johnston for 25th ordination anniversary

Former Diocese of Knoxville priest and chancellor celebrates Mass with Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali By Dan McWilliams Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. returned home June 30. The bishop, who for seven years has led the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau, Mo., celebrated Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville to mark …

Sacred Heart athletes make Junior Olympics

Track-and-field participants qualify for AAU games at Norfolk State University in Virginia By Dan McWilliams Sacred Heart Cathedral School will be well-represented at the AAU Junior Olympics this month at Norfolk State University in Virginia. Six track-and-field athletes from SHCS qualified for the Aug. 1-8 nationals through district and regional …

Old Holy Ghost Church to get new life through Home Campaign

Past remains vital to parish’s future as proceeds from fundraising effort go to restore original building By Jim Wogan Holy Ghost Church is one of East Tennessee’s most identifiable Catholic landmarks and is a vital place for worship and fellowship. For nearly 90 years, the massive limestone structure and its …

Ladies of Charity takes time out for some Summer Shenanigans

Event serves as fundraiser, launch of capital campaign to upgrade Knoxville office/warehouse facility By East Tennessee Catholic staff The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville set aside their work aprons June 28 and opted for an evening of shenanigans — all for a good cause. And what a night it was …