St. Mary Parish escaped the firestorm, and reaches out to help those who did not By Bill Brewer Photography by Stephanie Richer St. Mary Parish was ground zero in the wildfires that devastated parts of Sevier County on Nov. 28, 2016. And while flames reached to within yards of the …
Praying for Perspective: Remembering the handing-out of report cards
By George Valadie You could tell we had just sent them out because the office phones were ringing incessantly. They always do on “report card” day. Technology has vastly changed how all that happens these days. Our teachers enter grades into a computer program, and magic does the rest. Parents …
He dwells among us: Awakening love
Christ provides the only answer that truly satisfies the ‘why’ of suffering By Bishop Richard F. Stika It is said that “sadness is looking at oneself,” whereas “joy is looking at God.” I must admit, though, in looking back upon this past year, with its many tragedies, from the deadly and …
Fleeing the flames on foot: At age 82, the Hullanders outran the Great Smoky Mountains firestorm
By Bill Brewer Rains have finally fallen on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering much-needed relief to an area parched from months of drought and now scarred from the perfect firestorm. But the rainfall was a day late and several inches short for scores of victims of the fires, …
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‘It looked like Armageddon’: David and Debbie’s prayer-filled escape from the raging fires
By Bill Brewer Photography by Stephanie Richer David and Debbie Reed’s home in the Norton Creek area of Sevier County is hallowed ground. You don’t have to look much farther than the name the couple gave their property in 2003, “Bella Lisieux.” But just how sacred “Beautiful (St. Thérèse of) …
Annual rosary held to mark All Saints Day at Calvary Cemetery
By Bill Brewer More than 50 people attended the annual All Saints Day rosary at Calvary Cemetery in East Knoxville. The rosary this year was said on Sunday, Nov. 6, with Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, leading the prayer. Among the priests joining Father …
Marriage enrichment: Christmas peacemakers
Advent is upon us, and no doubt we all are busy preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ with our loved ones. This Advent I would like to challenge you to join me in preparing for Christmas by becoming a peacemaker. A simple definition of peacemaker is a person who …
KCHS sports staying in Division I; NDHS opts for Division II
By Dan McWilliams The diocese’s two high schools reached an athletics crossroads this fall when they had to decide whether to remain in Division I, the non-financial-aid division, or move to Division II. Each high school made a different choice. Knoxville Catholic High School opted to stay in Division I, …
Deacons incardinated into Knoxville Diocese
Bishop Richard F. Stika joined deacons of the Diocese of Knoxville and their wives on Oct. 8 for a day of reflection and prayer at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Two of the deacons who currently serve our diocese were incardinated during a Mass celebrated …
Union County group honors Father Pawelk
Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, pastor of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, has been named the 2016 Man of the Year by the Union County Business and Professional Association. Father Pawelk was honored at the group’s annual banquet Nov. 5. …
New Sacred Heart Cathedral receives a generous golden gift
New York artisan ascends 14 stories to cover metal cross in gold leaf as part of special gilding process By Jim Wogan Anne Domenech is an artist with absolutely no fear of altitude. For four days in October, Ms. Domenech found herself suspended in a crane basket nearly 14 stories …
Living the readings: A Christmas change of life
Prepare for, rejoice in, and live out the holy season message By Father Joseph Brando We are approaching one of the great highlights of the year. If we can look at the entire calendar from afar, we can see Christmas and Epiphany shining out and giving us hope. In a …