Cardinal Rigali named an episcopal delegate

In a degree dated April 10, Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali an episcopal delegate. The ministry of the episcopal delegate is one of service to the bishop and is someone who serves as a representative of the bishop, acts as his liaison, and offers pastoral concern …

Diocesan marriage tribunal to be established by July 2020

In a decree dated April 10, Bishop Richard F. Stika announced his intent to establish a marriage tribunal for the Diocese of Knoxville by July 2020. Bishop Stika has said the diocese is now large enough to handle its own marriage cases and should form its own tribunal to review …

Praying for perspective: Carrying the cross

Do we share our personal stories or hide them away? By George Valadie It’s got to be about a month now at least, and it probably felt really good to get back to work. The holiday weekend seemed so long ago now; you know how it is. There’s all that …

He dwells among us: Keeping death before us

Do not neglect the beauty and comfort of a Catholic funeral Mass By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Go to Joseph!” (Gn 41:55) These words of urgent counsel were spoken by Pharaoh to those seeking relief in ancient Egypt from the great drought and famine that afflicted the land. In this …

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He dwells among us: The sharpest sword

Blessed Mother recommends the rosary most to instill the peace of Christ in our hearts, homes, world By Bishop Richard F. Stika World crises in 1917 may not be all that different from ours today—wars, genocide, revolutions, divisions. But yet the best means for obtaining the peace so desperately needed …

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Understanding the sacraments: The Word of God in the liturgy – a closer look

The performance character of and the sacramentality of the Word are two aspects not fully appreciated today By Father Randy Stice In a previous column, I introduced the new Lectionary Supplement and briefly discussed aspects of the Word of God in the liturgy. In this column, I would like to look …

St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic to start serving Sevier County residents

By Jim Wogan The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, a 10-wheeled mobile medical ministry operated by the Diocese of Knoxville, will begin serving residents living in fire-ravaged areas near Gatlinburg starting in late April. “We are trying to meet the needs of the population that’s been there all along, but invisible. …

Living the readings: Out of the darkness

The Lord is with us—in the Kingdom all is light by Father Joseph Brando Spring brings the earth to life. The air is warmer; the grass is greener; the sunsets are later; and our lives become more enjoyable. However, it isn’t merely the movement of stars and planets that makes …

 Haiti mission is a labor of love for Diocese of Knoxville parishioners

Catholic medical community, parishes, donors making a difference in country hit hard by poverty, lack of resources By Emily Booker A pregnant woman rides a donkey down a dirt path. An elderly woman sits in the shade while her children and grandchildren work the fields. A group of men carry …

Our Lady of Fatima Parish hosting 28th annual Knoxville Diocesan CCW Convention

The 28th annual Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention is set for May 4-6 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. Thursday’s schedule includes the memorial Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika, a banquet, and keynote speaker Jeff Gardner of the Picture Christians Project. Friday’s events include …

Praying for Perpective: Being a ’90 percenter’ during Lent

This Lenten journey has been fairly successful, but sometimes during the season we cut deals with God and seek middle ground by George Valadie Baseball season is upon us. Bishop Richard F. Stika is a Cardinals fan; I’m all about the Braves. I hate to admit it, but of late …