Prayer between husbands and wives can enhance matrimony by emphasizing listening, forgiveness My husband and I recently attended a Celebration of Life service for the father of a close friend. Our friend’s father, Chester R. Cecil Sr., had been married to his wife, Barbara, for 67 years. The eulogy given …
God is always present with those who suffer, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The fragility of human life is part of its beauty and is something people only really learn by being close to, sharing with and caring for those who are suffering, Pope Francis said. “Even in suffering, no one is ever alone because God — in his …
Bishop Stika celebrates fifth anniversary
On the fifth anniversary of his ordination and installation as the Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 19, which also is the feast day for St. Joseph. Joined by parishioners, Chancery staff, Religious Sisters of Mercy and Dominican sisters, …
Father Ragan Schriver honored at Emerald O’ccasion
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s 29th annual fundraising dinner was indeed an Emerald O’ccasion as some 500 supporters of the social-service agency joined in celebrating former executive director Father Ragan Schriver. The 2014 event, held March 13 at the Knoxville Marriott hotel, was planned as a tribute to Father Schriver, …
Some 240 faithful take part in diocesan Rites of Election
More than 200 soon-to-be Catholics participated in this year’s Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates, an important step on their journey to joining the Church. “There were roughly 240 combined—catechumens and candidates,” said Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, director of the diocesan Office of …
Love offering: St. John Neumann students donate hair to aid cancer patients
“I want to donate my hair because I want to make a tribute to my grandma and my neighbor and all others who were diagnosed with cancer.” “I’m in fourth grade and I am donating my hair because I want to give it to people who don’t have any from …
Catholic Day on the Hill issues include school vouchers, immigration
NASHVILLE — School vouchers were a popular subject in meetings Bishop Richard F. Stika and Memphis Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, had with Gov. Bill Haslam and legislators at the 17th annual Catholic Day on the Hill in Nashville. Catholic Day on the Hill offers a chance for the faithful …
Archbishop Kurtz named to Vatican congregation
By Marnie McAllister Record Assistant Editor With an announcement made by the Vatican Feb. 19, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz made history for the Archdiocese of Louisville. He is the first, or possibly the second, leader of the archdiocese to serve as a member of a Vatican congregation. Pope Francis appointed …
40 Days for Life to be part of Lenten observance
Parishioners and groups in the Diocese of Knoxville are encouraged to take part in the sixth annual 40 Days for Life campaign as part of their Lenten observance. The 40 Days for Life campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, in front of Planned Parenthood’s East Knoxville clinic at 710 …
St. Stephen Church hosts Family Honor workshop
Some Chattanooga Deanery families have taken advantage of a program aimed at preparing and empowering parents, the primary educators of their children, and church leaders to evangelize about the truth and meaning of God’s gift of sexuality. St. Stephen Catholic Church in Chattanooga hosted a unique chastity program Feb. 7-8 …
Celebrating the consecrated life
Bishop Richard F. Stika presided Feb. 9 at a Solemn Vespers held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in prayerful commemoration of the World Day for Consecrated Life. The evening prayer included exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Assisting the bishop were Father Joe Reed of Sacred Heart and cathedral Deacons …
Catholic schools exhibit a flair for education
Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Knoxville showcased the talents of students, faculty and parents who exhibited flairs in a variety of areas—from singing, dancing and playing instruments, to fashion design, cooking and even stand-up comedy. And there were volleyball, basketball and dodge ball feats thrown in for good …