We live in time and eternity as Christ offers us eternal life By Father Joseph Brando It may seem strange to many that the liturgical calendar begins with our preparation and celebration of the birth of the Messiah whereas our daily calendar (which is a Christian product) begins on the …
St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic salutes volunteers at appreciation luncheon
By Dan McWilliams The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic held its second annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 2 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Several dozen volunteers attended a Mass and the luncheon, with many of them recognized at the latter event, including Mass celebrant Father Bill …
Dominicans professing include one from Oak Ridge
Five young women recently made their perpetual profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. Among those making final profession was Sister Scholastica Niemann, OP, a former member of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. Sister Scholastica is the …
He dwells among us: Making our way home
The doors of mercy are open wide to receive us as we enter this Jubilee Year By Bishop Richard F. Stika Imagine what would have happened if the innkeeper in Bethlehem, instead of turning Mary and St. Joseph away, had welcomed them into his home and said, “Tell me about …
Upon this Rock
Pope Francis blesses dedication stone for new Sacred Heart Cathedral and prays for Church’s foundation in East Tennessee. By Bill Brewer The Church’s building blocks come in all shapes and sizes. One in particular made its way from a Tennessee Valley marble seam to Rome, where Pope Francis blessed it …
Purple Hearts Reunited
Chattanooga veterans finally recognized for meritious service in World War II with OLPH ceremony By Emily Booker Veterans Day had a different feel this year for Jim Dorris and Bo Cline. After 70 years, the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga officially received the Purple Heart medals …
Praying for Perspective: Coming to terms
Writing too soon about the loss of a best friend By George Valadie I got the call on the 18th. Pat’s younger brother was on the other end of the line. “Hey George, just wanted to let you know that Pat’s in the hospital. He wasn’t feeling that well and …
Bishop Stika installs new acolytes
Bishop Richard F. Stika installed 24 men in the Diocese of Knoxville as acolytes on Oct. 10 at All Saints Church, bringing them one step closer to being ordained into the permanent diaconate. Accompanied by their wives and family members, the men stood before Bishop Stika, who accepted their petition …
White Mass held at the Church of Divine Mercy
Invoking the blessing of the Holy Spririt and the wisdom of St. Luke upon those serving in the health-care profession, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a White Mass for medical professionals in the Diocese of Knoxville Oct. 17 at the Church of Divine Mercy. Bishop Stika told the congregation, numbering …
Once upon a time: Re-examining the ‘lost’ sacrament
With all the discussion going on these days about the sacrament of confirmation, remarks are in order about the “lost” sacrament of initiation. By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Our bishop will soon promulgate the time for the sacrament, with instructions for its celebration. The pastor historically has been the key person …
He dwells among us: Gaining from our loss
With Thanksgiving upon us and Advent quickly approaching, I want to offer a few thoughts on something that affects everyone in one way or another: dealing with a loss. By Bishop Richard F. Stika I recently had the great with a number of remarkable individuals who know what it means …
The Francis Effect
Diocese of Knoxville sees pope’s U.S. impact firsthand By Jim Wogan The images will last for decades. But Catholics around the world and within the Diocese of Knoxville are praying the real impact of Pope Francis’ six-day visit to the United States goes beyond that. Starting with his arrival from …