In this Year of Mercy, let’s tear down the walls of fear dividing us from God and neighbor By Bishop Richard F. Stika With the Easter season we again rejoice in the words, “Christ is Risen!” For by His death and resurrection, the walls of sin that separated us have …
The presence of Jesus in our midst
Priests, deacons, religious, faithful gather together at Chrism Mass for Holy Week celebration By Dan McWilliams The priests, deacons, religious, and faithful from throughout the diocese who filled Sacred Heart Cathedral, the holy oils, the banners from every parish, the music—all combined to make the Chrism Mass on March 22 …
Praying for perspective: Coming to terms with Lent and a tattletale conscience
By George Valadie It happened to me just last week. I’d love to say it was the first time ever, but I’d be lying. I messed up and ate meat — on a Friday. I swear it was just an accident, perhaps the sort that has happened to you at …
Bishop Stika welcomes new members into the Catholic Church
By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika greeted more than 100 newcomers to the Catholic Church on Feb. 13 in the Rite of Election ceremony for the Chattanooga and Five Rivers deaneries held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “A total of 244 catechumens and candidates from …
Pilgrimage to Shroud of Turin stokes teacher’s scientific fire
By Bill Brewer Looking around Dr. Kelly Kearse’s classroom at Knoxville Catholic High School, you can almost hear the big bang when faith and science collide. There are the chemical equations on the white board waiting to be balanced. There is the periodic table of elements on the wall. And …
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Missionary Spirit: Evangelizing Sisters of Mary share their African-influenced ministry with East Tennessee
By Bill Brewer Pope Francis’ 2015 trip to Africa held special meaning for five women religious serving in the Diocese of Knoxville. As the pontiff traveled to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic Nov. 25-30, celebrating Mass, ministering to the poor, meeting with government leaders and blessing all those …
Sharing the bread of life
By Bill Brewer If she had lived in the 1700s, Marie Noe’s vocation may have been town crier. As a modern-day resident of Claiborne County, Mrs. Noe wants the public to know that people are going hungry here. Hunger is no game in this Appalachian county, where residents living paycheck to …
Once upon a time: Getting from ashes to Easter
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Every parish has some. Packed away in a box or two, there is a supply of bunting and other material used to drape the doors of the parish church in gold and white when the pope dies. In civil matters, the bunting may be red, white …
Merciful like Joseph
On our pilgrim journey of life, call upon the help of St. Joseph as your guide By Bishop Richard F. Stika What would you think if you had a dream involving seven healthy cows and seven well-developed ears of corn, followed by a vision of seven gaunt, emaciated cows and …
Home Campaign enters home stretch as Wave 3 gets underway
By Jim Wogan Diocesan parishioners have heard a lot about the 2016 Bishop’s Appeal in recent weeks. But for many parishes around the diocese the Home Campaign is getting equal attention. While the annual Bishop’s Appeal supports the lives of thousands of people each day through essential ministries, the Home …
Bishop Stika recommends Msgr. Humbrecht, Fr. Reed for papal designation
By Jim Wogan While Catholics across the world have been called on by Pope Francis to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy, two priests from the Diocese of Knoxville will receive a special mandate from the Holy Father in Rome to further spread merciful works. Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor at Holy …
Diocesan contingent braves blizzard to attend national March for Life
Weather doesn’t deter pro-life supporters, including presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, from Washington rally By Jim Wogan When Kari Lopez heard the weather forecast, she didn’t waver. After months of planning to attend the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Kari wasn’t about to let a little snow get in …