To Easter glory, the good news of Christ’s resurrection lifts us all By the time March begins, Lent already has completed 40 percent of its lifespan. Deep into this time of relearning the basics of our faith and intensifying our relationship with God, the Sunday Liturgy of the Word continues …
Parishes set Lenten penance services
Here is a list of remaining Lenten penance services around the Diocese of Knoxville: Chattanooga Deanery 7 p.m. Eastern Time, except as noted. March 5—St. Jude, Chattanooga; March 6—Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy; March 7—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland; March 12—St. Stephen, Chattanooga; Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg, 6:30 p.m. CDT; …
Marriage enrichment: Make significant days a family affair
Holidays, feast days are ways parents can establish traditions that can be handed down to children Recently, a dear friend of mine gave me a gift of Irish-themed kitchen items. She gave them to me because she knows that I love St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day has been an …
Understanding the sacraments: Penance–a mystagogical catechesis
Mercy is stronger than sin for penitents who undergo conversion through the action of the Holy Spirit The purpose and effect of the sacrament of penance is to heal our relationship with God. “Indeed, the sacrament of reconciliation with God brings about a true ‘spiritual resurrection,’ restoration of the dignity …
Church affairs continue even without a pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS)—When Pope Benedict XVI officially left office at 8 p.m. Feb. 28, most of the top-level Vatican officials lost their jobs, but that does not mean the majority of Vatican employees get a vacation. Although Catholics inside and outside the Vatican love to complain about its unwieldy bureaucracy, …
Once upon a time: Holy Mother Church blessed with great popes
The best pontiffs have made significant contributions through teaching, acts of initiative, wisdom I love popes, especially holy and great ones with which Holy Mother Church, the body of Christ, has been blessed during the modern times of pontificates beginning with Blessed Pius IX (1846-1878) and continuing to the present: …
‘Walking with the Lord’ is a secret to marriage success
Rhoda and Bob Whitaker couldn’t have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in a more fitting way—at Mass where Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the marriages of parishioners of all ages. Bishop Stika presided at the Mass Feb. 9 at St. Mary Church in Athens, where couples were recognized for their …
Diocese of Knoxville plays role in papal succession
Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement Monday that he will resign effective Feb. 28 took the world by surprise, prompting Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali, who is in residence in the diocese, to meet with East Tennessee media representatives and brief them on the pontiff’s decision. …
Pope announces resignation, citing health reasons
VATICAN CITY —Saying he no longer has the strength to exercise ministry over the universal church, Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning at the end of the month after an eight-year pontificate. “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the …
KISL basketball: A true underdog story
St. John Neumann School’s boys varsity basketball team claimed the 2012-13 Knoxville Independent School League tournament championship in the large school division, defeating Episcopal School of Knoxville in the championship game. The Mustangs, who finished second in the KISL regular season, were led by tournament most valuable player Joseph Fluker, …
Blue Mass recognizes public safety workers
Knoxville police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians were on hand Feb. 8 as Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at a Blue Mass in recognition of the public safety community. A Knoxville Police Department honor guard, surrounded by Knights of Columbus, stood in place at Sacred Heart Cathedral as the …
KCHS student athletes sign scholarship papers
Ten Knoxville Catholic High School student athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 6 to continue playing sports in college. It was the first day that high school seniors can accept athletic scholarships to play at a Division I school. The 10 students signed letters allowing them to pursue academic and …