New Day program offers the promise of healing and hope amid bereavement after a loss The East Tennessee Catholic When a tubal pregnancy in 1997 derailed her world, Rita Reali needed support from her faith community. But not everyone was helpful. And some were outright inconsiderate. “Week after week, I’d …
Joseph Wenther Jr
Joseph Fredrick Wenther Jr., age 83, passed away on April 14 in Knoxville. Mr. Wenther was born on May 29, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to parents Joseph and Thelma Wenther. He graduated from high school and completed more than three years of college. In 1967, he joined the U.S. …
Elisa DellaSantina
Please join us in mourning the loss of Elisa DellaSantina, 48, the most caring and loving woman to grace us with her presence. Mrs. DellaSantina was born in Chicago and dedicated her life to the service of the Catholic Church and the caring of her family. Her love for each …
Discovering a love for God
Catechists prepare young hearts, minds through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd By Emily Booker During the summer as many families were enjoying a break and vacations, catechists in the Diocese of Knoxville were planning ahead, preparing to bring young hearts to Christ. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd trainings for both …
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It’s all gift
‘The finest response we can offer God in return begins with gratitude’ By Bishop Mark Beckman One of the moments of my daily morning prayer that has become increasingly significant through the years is the time I spend in silent stillness with the Lord. One particular awareness during that time …
Meeting, exceeding the standards
Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools reorganizes as reaccreditation approaches By Bill Brewer The 2026-27 academic year and a new superintendent are ushering in a reorganization of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Catholic Schools. The current year promises to be a challenging one as the schools office manages significant enrollment …
Dr. Stephen Harris
Dr. John Stephen Harris, known to family and friends as Steve, devoted physician, husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of his community, passed away peacefully on July 19 at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. He was 78. Dr. Harris was born in Jonesboro, Ark., and spent his early …
KDCCW hosting event for women with entertainer ValLimar Jansen
KDCCW hosting event for women with entertainer ValLimar Jansen The East Tennessee Catholic Father Joe Brando, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Knoxville who served the Church in East Tennessee for nearly 50 years before his death in 2021 at the age of 78, continues to give to an …
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Schools hit the lottery, but we hold the winning ticket
New federal legislation in 2027 opens the door for taxpayers to transform student lives By George Valadie Dangit!! I was sure we would win!! So, it’s another Sunday morning in the Valadie house. Getting ready for Mass, bagels, and Diet Coke, catching up on overnight news and west coast scores, …
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A leap of faith
Martha Mundine settles into role as superintendent of Church schools in East Tennessee By Bill Brewer For Catholics, many decisions are based on faith. Then there are the leaps of faith that can help define a person and their vocation. Martha Mundine made such a leap earlier this year when …
Student surge
Enrollment up at Diocese of Knoxville schools amid Church growth in East Tennessee By Bill Brewer The early numbers are in, and the results reveal an exciting, healthy trend in Catholic education in East Tennessee. Student enrollment is up again at Diocese of Knoxville schools as the 2026-27 academic year …
St. Francis of Assisi parishes are designated Jubilee pilgrimage sites
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend have been designated as official pilgrimage sites for the Franciscan Jubilee, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus, the passing into eternal life of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226. The Jubilee Year is …