A diamond in the faith community

St. Mary gala is a testament to Oak Ridge school’s legacy and future By Dan McWilliams The community of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge turned out in full May 3 for a Diamond Anniversary Gala. The 75th-anniversary event in the school gym, attended by 160, paid a well-deserved tribute …

May Crowning highlights St. Mary School jubilee

Giving honor to Mary, the patroness, who has been with the school from the beginning By Gabrielle Nolan A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was adorned with a crown of flowers at a special all-school Mass on May 2 at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. The May Crowning …

Graduates put an exclamation point on high-school careers

The Diocese of Knoxville’s two high schools, Notre Dame in Chattanooga and Knoxville Catholic High School, bid congratulations and farewell to the class of 2025 last month, with commencement ceremonies held in Blaine Stadium at KCHS on May 16 and at the Chattanooga Convention Center on May 17. During the …

Pilgrims of hope

Jubilee Year is focus of KDCCW Convention at St. Mary-Johnson City By Emily Booker Women from across East Tennessee made a pilgrimage to the northeast corner of the state for the biennial Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (KDCCW) Convention April 24-26 at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, hosted …

For the beauty of our earth

Bishop Beckman celebrates the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ By Emily Booker One of Pope Francis’ enduring legacies will be his focus on care for creation, wise stewardship of resources, and upholding human dignity. This year marks a decade since the release of his encyclical Laudato Si’ or “Praise Be …

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Summer’s rest

Imagine when life was simpler and being together was divine By Bishop Mark Beckman Imagine a time when life was uncluttered and we rested with the Lord awhile. In our busy, fast-paced world, we all need a chance to find some genuine rest at times. Even Jesus recognized this fundamental …

Centenarian Mary Harris has super faith

Alexian Village resident is oldest in state and second oldest in United States By Bill Brewer Mary Harris stands out at Alexian Village, where she is a popular resident with many well-wishers at the Signal Mountain retirement community. You could even say she stands out in Tennessee, the United States, …

‘A day of great blessing’

Bishop Beckman ordains Renzo Alvarado, A.J. Houston to the priesthood By Dan McWilliams The presbyterate in East Tennessee grew by two on June 7 after Bishop Mark Beckman ordained Deacons A.J. Houston and Renzo Alvarado Suarez to the priesthood at a packed-to-overflowing Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. …

10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ prompts global events

Programs to honor encyclical are planned at parishes around the Diocese of Knoxville By The East Tennessee Catholic “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Catholics around the world are marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking …

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Seventh Knights Cup raises more than $11,000

Ten youth teams from around the area play in the daylong lacrosse tournament at Knoxville Catholic By Dan McWilliams Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center in Knoxville again benefited from the Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament. The seventh annual event, held April 26 at Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine …

Plaque at St. Mary-Gatlinburg honors Father Brando’s bequest to Legacy Clinic

St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg placed a plaque in honor of former pastor Father Joe Brando in its family life center to recognize the late priest’s bequest of funds to the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, whose mobile medical van now visits St. Mary monthly. “We certainly appreciate Father Brando’s leadership …

Micah Scheetz named new head coach of KCHS girls basketball program

Knoxville Catholic High School announced May 8 that Micah Scheetz will be the new head coach of the Lady Irish basketball team, a program with two state championships to its name. A decorated former player, Ms. Scheetz brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. Most …