James Allen “Jim” Willard, 74, of Soddy-Daisy passed away on July 23 at his residence. Mr. Willard was a native of New York who lived in Massena, N.Y., for many years. He moved to Soddy-Daisy 18 years ago. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a …
Edward ‘Ed’ Juhascik
Edward “Ed” Anthony Richard Juhascik, born on March 2, 1945, in Pittsburgh, passed away in Knoxville with his loving sister, Elaine Oliver, by his side. Mr. Juhascik attended North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, studying history. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for …
Diocese holds first sensory-friendly Mass
The liturgy in the KCHS chapel provides a ‘calming experience’ without music, bells, or microphones By Dan McWilliams The Diocese of Knoxville’s new Special Friends ministry sponsored its first sensory-friendly Mass on July 25 in the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School. The liturgy did not make use of music, …
Children of Fátima
Faith-filled youth showed the world God has a place in heaven for everyone By Bee Goodman God does not discriminate. He called upon David, a young shepherd boy, to defeat Goliath and later become the king of Israel. Christ didn’t seek out perfect people; He surrounded himself with tax collectors, …
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‘The power of God at work’
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 …