The Church offers beautiful teachings to assist us in making difficult medical decisions By Bishop Richard F. Stika How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful. –Psalm 116:15 “The person in affliction is sacred.” This ancient proverb speaks to a beautiful truth that the …
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful: Flannery O’Connor and the power of God
The drama of life is made tangible by the reality of death by Bob Hunt Flannery O’Connor has long been my favorite author, with her bizarre characters and weird stories that shed light on the brokenness of the human condition and the potential for redemption. The light she shines is …
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Priest from Poland joins diocese to lead Masses for Polish community
Father Marcin “Martin” Gladysz has joined the priest staff at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Father Gladysz arrived in Knoxville over the holidays and began serving at Sacred Heart on Jan. 7. Bishop Richard F. Stika announced that Father Gladysz will begin celebrating monthly Mass …
Diocese of Knoxville seeks state permission to exhume Father Ryan remains
Lawsuit would clarify state law on disinterment for the cause of sainthood By Daniel Jackson / Courthouse News Service Faced with no clear statutory procedure in Tennessee to exhume the body of a priest it hopes to canonize, the Catholic Church has asked a court in Chattanooga to cut through …
The Legacy of St. Mary’s
Mobile clinic has ‘arrived’ as it marks fifth anniversary delivering free medical care in East Tennessee Story by Bill Brewer Photography by Stephanie Richer The Diocese of Knoxville ended 2018 mourning the loss of East Tennessee’s first Catholic hospital, the former St. Mary’s, that closed Dec. 28. But the healing …
Praying for perspective: Hoping to remain resolute in 2019
Will convenience help or hurt the wallet, waistline, and way of life? By George Valadie Happy New Year! How’s the new you coming? On my end, I’ve never been much for making a bunch of resolutions. In fairness, I should restate that; I’ve never been good at keeping a bunch …
He dwells among us: Four Herods
The culture of death assaults life, the conscience, the Church, and common good By Bishop Richard F. Stika Within the seasons the Church celebrates in its calendar that mark the mystery of our redemption—from the birth of Christ to His Passion and resurrection, to the beginnings of the infant Church …
A Chaplain’s Last Wish
Father Frank Brett, whose bequest will help Diocese of Knoxville students, will be buried with fallen chaplain brother By Dan McWilliams The legacy of Father Frank Brett lives on in East Tennessee after two of his nephews presented a check for $265,000 from the late priest’s estate to go toward …
Indie couple gets ‘Gosnell’ movie made against all odds
Hollywood balks at getting behind pro-life project, producer tells Tennessee Right to Life supporters By Bill Brewer Hollywood is always quick to embrace a true-life drama rich in pathos, conflict, interesting characters, and suspense … or so it would seem. But when Irish journalists/producers Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer were …
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St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation grants total $7.5 million since 2011
By Jim Wogan It’s a striking coincidence that in the same month the former St Mary’s Hospital will close its doors after providing medical services in East Tennessee for nearly 90 years, the foundation created in the wake of its sale in 2011 has announced grants that now total $7.5 …
Marriage enrichment: Find your own George Bailey in your life
The lives of the writer’s family would be been much different if not for the faith of an older sister By Marian Christiana Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus. It is one thing to be prepared to welcome Jesus but quite another …
Youth Mass participants bring ‘vibrancy and energy’
Awards are presented, and the new Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council members are commissioned By Bill Brewer “Do not be afraid” is the message Diocese of Knoxville teen leaders received Oct. 28 when they gathered at St. Albert the Great Church for the annual diocesan Youth Mass. However, Mass celebrant …
