By Bill Brewer On a day when thousands of pro-life supporters in hundreds of cities across the country joined hands in praying for an end to Planned Parenthood abortions, Bishop Richard F. Stika joined the pastors of two Protestant churches in leading an ecumenical prayer service for the sanctity of …
He dwells among us: Evil without its makeup
By Bishop Richard F. Stika Decades ago, people on another continent shocked the world, saying, “We did not know” regarding the atrocities they chose to ignore. And before that, our own country enshrined as the law of its land the slavery of those we deemed less than human. Yet today, …
Growing the lay apostolate
Catholic Bible School is at the heart of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Hispanic evangelization By Bill Brewer August just wasn’t the same for Gladys and Juan Herrera. They missed the excitement of starting a new school year, reconnecting with classmates and all the possibilities that new learning brings. But after …
Praying for perspective: Kindred spirits among life’s graduates
By George Valadie For those who begin this autumn with school-age children, you have automatic membership in a club of kindred spirit. Public or private, Christian or non-denominational, kindergarten or high school – it’s all the same; you join the club of moms and dads who hate the dastardly teacher …
Baby, we’re back in business
The Catholic Charities Pregnancy Help Center in Chattanooga has some news, and it wants the world to know: It’s back, it’s updated and it has big plans for the future. With the help of two grants, the center reopened in May at 859 McCallie Ave. after two years of inactivity. …
Once upon a time: Beginning steps on the journey to heaven
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Newspapers are filled these days with “back to school” news about youngsters’ beginning steps as they begin pre-K, or kindergarten, or any of the other early steps we all take, which, in retrospect, were tiny steps indeed. But at that moment, “the first time through” involved …