Monsignor George Schmidt is among those recognized during the annual Alumni Weekend Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga held its annual Alumni Weekend festivities in July. Monsignor George Schmidt of the class of 1962 received the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Notre Dame. In memory of the late Jim Phifer, …
Pope says laypeople share responsibility for Church
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS)—As Catholics prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, all Church members need to make a renewed effort to ensure laypeople are aware of their responsibility for the Church and are allowed to exercise it, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Co-responsibility requires …
Living the readings: Getting your hands dirty
By Father Joseph Brando Divine law supersedes human tradition, motivates from within The theme of September’s five Sunday Liturgies comes from the opening Gospel. In that passage (Mark 7:1-23), Jesus is asked why his disciples eat their food with dirty hands. Jewish tradition had a strong emphasis on cleanliness; and …
Know how to assist spouses who grieve
By Marian Christiana In May, a dear friend of ours lost her 15-month battle with cancer. Eileen and her husband, Paul, had been married for 30 years. We have been friends with Paul since we were teenagers and we continue to try to support him as much as possible. Sometimes …
From my window: Being the hands and feet of Christ
A lesson on being Christ to each person we meet. But how do we achieve this? In the Gospels, Jesus tells us how to help the needy, the widow, the orphan, and the poorest. He demonstrated it by performing miracles and by his teachings. But he addresses it directly in …
Understanding the sacraments: How many sacraments?
By Father Randy Stice The final number was finally set after a centuries-long discernment process involving many suggestions How many sacraments are there? Two? Five? Seven? Eight? Twelve? Each of these answers has been proposed at some point by someone. This question was only answered after a long process, as …
Most Catholics share bishops’ liberty concerns
WASHINGTON (CNS)—A majority of Catholics say they share the U.S. bishops’ concerns about the federal contraceptive mandate and other government restrictions on religious liberty, and the percentage of Catholics who say they are satisfied with the bishops’ leadership has increased sharply in the past 10 years. Catholics who attend Mass …
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Once upon a time: Women religious and school days gone by
One young student recalls the influential role sisters played in local Catholic education Many times people ask me when we’re talking about history just how deacons, brothers, sisters, third orders and associates fit into the picture of the growth and vitality of our Church. We look at all these things …
Catholic Charities of ET launches phone counseling center
Research showing that the effectiveness of counseling via telephone equals face-to-face counseling sessions has led Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to start a phone-based counseling service. The service, which began Aug. 1, is targeted to a large, underserved clientele, according to Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, of Catholic Charities, who …
In praise of modesty: Diocesan schools update dress code
Students, faculty get revised rules on appropriate attire; all eighth-graders to wear gowns at graduation “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a …
Donors give diocese 50-acre retreat center
Christ Prince of Peace facility to serve as gathering place for parishioners to learn about faith Anonymous donors have given the Diocese of Knoxville a retreat center located between Benton and Etowah, developed over the past 40 years as the Priory of St. John the Apostle, and 50 acres of …
Growing the diocese — Mission Possible
St. Mary parish life center, new missions, other projects are the face of expansion St. Mary Parish in Athens has come a long way from the late 1960s when parishioners gathered for Mass in a converted funeral parlor and later in a former restaurant on Congress Parkway that served as …
