Each fall, the Council of Catholic Women at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City gathers to fill 60-70 quart mason jars with dry ingredients for a hearty meal of bean soup. These “Soup Jars of Love” are then given to the St. Thomas Friendship Kitchen committee to distribute …
Father Valentin Iurochkin incardinated into diocese
The native of Russia says he now ‘belongs permanently’ to the Church in East Tennessee By Dan McWilliams Father Valentin Iurochkin, a native of Russia, has traveled the world in his time in the seminary and the priesthood, but now he can officially call East Tennessee his home. Bishop Richard …
Father Giraldo celebrates his 25th anniversary
‘The Almighty has done great things for me,’ says the Colombia-born priest on his silver jubilee By Dan McWilliams Surrounded by the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi in Townsend, whom he has led for five years as their pastor, Father Antonio Giraldo celebrated his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination …
Cathedral Concert Series is a connection between Church and great masterpieces
By Diana Salesky The connection between the Catholic Church and great musical masterpieces is strong and centuries long. The list of composers whose works were inspired by their faith or promoted by their religious duties is lengthy and august. Johann Sebastian Bach, a converted Catholic, gave us the cornerstones of …
Changing the culture
Cathedral minister attends international conference focused on discipleship By Emily Booker What is the meaning of life? Who is God? Will believing in Jesus make me happy? If someone on the street were to ask you those questions, how would you answer? And do you think your answers would lead …
East Tennessee parishes commemorate Veterans Day
By Bill Brewer Parishes across the Diocese of Knoxville participated in Veterans Day observances the week of Nov. 11, with congregations recognizing those now and once serving in the military as well as remembering veterans who have died. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at St. Therese Church in Clinton …
Hispanic youth create a wall of faith, hope, and love
Sr. Imelda Quechol’s vacation Bible school taught students to embrace their ‘desert’ journey By Bill Brewer Hispanic members of Sister Imelda Quechol’s vacation Bible school class have embraced a wall and what it can represent, although this wall is very different than the one that comes to mind for many …
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Father Schuster installed as St. Alphonsus pastor
Bishop Stika presides and also blesses a bell that will go in the Crossville parish’s new church By Dan McWilliams Parishioners of St. Alphonsus in Crossville received a double kindness when they attended Mass on Oct. 9 as Bishop Richard F. Stika formally installed Father Mark Schuster as their pastor …
Blessing Box installed at Our Lady of Fatima
The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa recently installed a Blessing Box on the church grounds. Father Adam Royal, spiritual adviser and parochial vicar at Our Lady of Fatima, blessed the box before the September general meeting. Funding for the Blessing Box was made …
Knights volunteer for Special Olympics bowling event
On Sept. 9, Knights of Columbus Council 8860 provided a team of six parishioners and Knights from St. Henry Parish in Rogersville to work as volunteer coaches for the Special Olympics at Warpath Bowling Center in Kingsport. Christy Thacker, Area 32 Coordinator for the Special Olympics, said that this event …
Supporting Catholic-run small business in the Tri-Cities
Faithful parishioners have started successful operations on little more than a wing and a prayer By Casey Keeley Small businesses have been the backbone of the U.S. economy since the country’s early years. In recent years, however, owners have been struggling to stay in business. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic …
Our Lady of Perpetual Help celebrates milestone
Chattanooga parish and school hold events to mark 85th anniversary By Jim Wogan The list is long and illustrious, but Father Arthur Torres did a good job reciting from memory the names of some of the pastors who have served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish during its 85 …
