Handmaids of the Precious Blood celebrate historic anniversary

A year isn’t a long period of time. But for the Handmaids of the Precious Blood, it has brought about an entirely new chapter of life. On May 6, Bishop Richard F. Stika, accompanied by fellow priests Father Jerry Daniels, Father PJ McGinnity, and Father Hoan Dinh, celebrated a Mass …

U.S. study gives Diocese of Knoxville high rank for converts

The rest of the country is learning something Diocese of Knoxville priests and parishioners already know – adults are joining the Church in ever increasing numbers. A report issued by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University just before Easter said the diocese is tied …

He dwells among us: The Great Witness

We are one team in the great common witness made up of many movements that further the Church I think people like to join groups perhaps because they want to help others and to be a part of something greater than themselves. I remember my excitement when I first joined …

Vouchers, immigration among issues for Catholic Day on the Hill

Bishop Stika, Bishop Steib meet with Gov. Haslam, legislators on issues affecting state’s Catholics     School vouchers were a popular subject in meetings Bishop Richard F. Stika and Memphis Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, had with Gov. Bill Haslam and legislators during the 17th annual Catholic Day on the …

Diocesan students take part in 40 Days for Life rosary

Students from St. Joseph School in Knoxville and St. John Neumann School in Farragut joined Bishop Richard F. Stika March 13 in praying for the sanctity of life and an end to abortion in front of Planned Parenthood’s East Knoxville clinic at 710 N. Cherry St. Bishop Stika led the …

Cathedral Mass marks fifth anniversary of Bishop Stika’s ordination

Bishop reflects on first five years leading Diocese of Knoxville, praises strong example set by St. Joseph On the fifth anniversary of his ordination and installation as the Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 19, which also is the …

Diocese presents Knoxville Police Dept. with St. Michael the Archangel statue

The Knoxville Police Department is now in possession of a statue of the patron protector of police officers — courtesy of Bishop Richard F. Stika and the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Stika on Feb. 27 presented the 3-foot-tall metal likeness of St. Michael the Archangel to Police Chief David Rausch, …

Bishop Stika celebrates fifth anniversary

On the fifth anniversary of his ordination and installation as the Diocese of Knoxville’s third shepherd, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on March 19, which also is the feast day for St. Joseph. Joined by parishioners, Chancery staff, Religious Sisters of Mercy and Dominican sisters, …

Father Ragan Schriver honored at Emerald O’ccasion

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s 29th annual fundraising dinner was indeed an Emerald O’ccasion as some 500 supporters of the social-service agency joined in celebrating former executive director Father Ragan Schriver. The 2014 event, held March 13 at the Knoxville Marriott hotel, was planned as a tribute to Father Schriver, …

Some 240 faithful take part in diocesan Rites of Election

More than 200 soon-to-be Catholics participated in this year’s Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates, an important step on their journey to joining the Church. “There were roughly 240 combined—catechumens and candidates,” said Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, director of the diocesan Office of …

Catholic Day on the Hill issues include school vouchers, immigration

NASHVILLE — School vouchers were a popular subject in meetings Bishop Richard F. Stika and Memphis Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, had with Gov. Bill Haslam and legislators at the 17th annual Catholic Day on the Hill in Nashville. Catholic Day on the Hill offers a chance for the faithful …

Celebrating the consecrated life

Bishop Richard F. Stika presided Feb. 9 at a Solemn Vespers held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in prayerful commemoration of the World Day for Consecrated Life. The evening prayer included exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Assisting the bishop were Father Joe Reed of Sacred Heart and cathedral Deacons …