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 …
Marriage enrichment: We are pilgrims, not tourists!
Remembering what our ‘mission’ is, we must take Pope Francis’ words to heart By Marian Christiana I have just returned from the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, and I want to share a bit about our pilgrimage. Seventy-two pilgrims from our diocese traveled together by bus to all three …
Bishop dedicates Chancery’s St. Joseph Courtyard
“What do we do now?” In marking the Diocese of Knoxville’s 27th anniversary on Sept. 8, Bishop Richard F. Stika recalled when he welcomed Cardinal Justin Rigali to the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 1994. After being formally introduced as the seventh archbishop of St. Louis, then-Archbishop Rigali turned to …
Bishop Stika assigns deacons to new diocesan parish posts
Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced the appointments of five deacons to parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville. Deacons Gaspar DeGaetano, Gary Brinkworth, Dan Alexander, Bob Lange and Joel Livingston Jr. received assignments to different parishes over the summer. Deacon Lange resumed serving at St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport on …