French priest and author gives five days of reflection in diocese on cultivating a deeper relationship with God By Bill Brewer The more the prayer is simple, the better it is. That succinct lesson underscored Father Jacques Philippe’s Lenten retreat for the Diocese of Knoxville, providing spiritual sustenance for those …
Sacred Heart Parish mourns death of John T. O’Connor II
A funeral Mass for longtime Sacred Heart Cathedral parishioner and Diocese of Knoxville attorney John T. O’Connor II was celebrated Feb. 14 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father David Boettner was the Mass celebrant, with Monsignor Bob Hofstetter, Father Arthur Torres, and Father Marcin Gladysz …
Funeral Mass celebrated for Fr. Michael Jennings
Diocese of Knoxville priest served several parishes from 1986-2013 By Dan McWilliams Father Michael Jennings, who served for many years as pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman and St. Henry in Rogersville, died Friday, Jan. 25, in Rogersville. He was 76. Michael Thomas Jennings was born Nov. 3, 1942, in …
Trail Life USA program for boys is new to DOK
By Dan McWilliams There’s a new organization in the Diocese of Knoxville that falls under the Scouting umbrella. Trail Life USA now has a troop based out of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Trail Life is a Christian-based program for boys, similar to the Christian-based American …
Bishop presents Scout awards at annual Mass
By Dan McWilliams Youth and adults were honored March 9 at the annual Bishop’s Scouting Mass and dinner at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Boy and Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life boys attended the 5 p.m. vigil Mass. “To all those involved in …
Community service is the focus of Catholic Charities dinners
Fundraisers held in Knoxville, Chattanooga to raise awareness of CCETN programs in East Tennessee By Emily Booker The annual Catholic Charities of East Tennessee dinners, held in Knoxville and Chattanooga, enhanced their content this year with additions of a silent auction, live music, and dancing. But the most substantial change …
Jake Renfree of KCHS wins indoor nationals, earns state and national honors
Knoxville Catholic High School senior Jake Renfree, days after winning state and national runner-of-the-year honors, won the New Balance Indoor Nationals in early March with a personal-record time of 4 minutes, 6.39 seconds. Jake won the boys 1-mile run by a margin of .29 seconds over Cole Sprout of Highlands …
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful: Let’s truly celebrate Easter
Whatever prayers you’ve taken on for Lent, continue them for Easter as acts of thanksgiving By Bob Hunt So, how’s your Lent going? We’re in early April now, so by this time our Lenten commitments, much like our New Year’s resolutions come the first week of February, have either proven …
Incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney to be in Diocese of Knoxville
The incorrupt heart of St. John (Jean) Vianney, a major relic of the patron saint of parish priests, is coming to the Diocese of Knoxville on May 23 as part of its pilgrimage to the United States. The Knights of Columbus, who are entrusted with the relic on its national …
Marriage Enrichment: Call to Love conference spiritually uplifting
One participant says, ‘Our marriages are the fire, the warmth, and the light of God’s love in the world’ By Marian Christiana Our first Call to Love Marriage Conference was held March 23 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sixty-four couples participated in this bilingual event. …
A gift of the fullness of the priesthood
Bishop Richard F. Stika marks a decade of his episcopate as he becomes the diocese’s longest-serving bishop By Bill Brewer In celebrating the 10th anniversary of his ordination and installation as the third bishop of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika recalled one of the first questions he was asked by …
Fourth Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament set
By Dan McWilliams The fourth annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High School, set for Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27, will feature an NAIA conference final-four tournament as well as plenty of prep and youth action. “Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in East Tennessee and the entire country,” …