Holy Family’s exile points to people today fleeing from violence, poverty who also find that there is ‘no room in the inn’ By Bishop Mark Beckman Of all the feasts celebrated by Christians, it seems Christmas has most captured the imagination of Western civilization. In recent centuries our world has …
How the Grinch stole Hattie’s hearts
St. Joseph 3rd-graders rally around classmate’s fundraiser for Children’s Hospital By Bill Brewer There aren’t any hearts two sizes too small in the third grade at St. Joseph School: only hearts three sizes larger. How can you tell? Just look at the Grinch-themed Christmas tree the students in Jenifer Ingram’s …
Marriage enrichment: Christmas peacemakers
Advent is upon us, and no doubt we all are busy preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ with our loved ones. This Advent I would like to challenge you to join me in preparing for Christmas by becoming a peacemaker. A simple definition of peacemaker is a person who …
Living the readings: A Christmas change of life
Prepare for, rejoice in, and live out the holy season message By Father Joseph Brando We are approaching one of the great highlights of the year. If we can look at the entire calendar from afar, we can see Christmas and Epiphany shining out and giving us hope. In a …
Praying for Perspective: The Christmas story and common ground
The times may be different, but relating to Mary and Joseph is easier than you would think By George Valadie Season’s greetings! A year or so ago, when The East Tennessee Catholic and I began talking about writing this column, I had but one idea to offer and it was …
Nativity story has implications for current issues occurring globally
VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Nativity story, like the whole story of Christ, is not merely an event in the past, but has unfolding significance for people today, with implications for such issues as the limits of political power and the purpose of human freedom, Pope Benedict writes in his third and …
Diocesan schools schedule Christmas season events
Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to sing praises to God and give to those in need. The children of the diocese plan to do just that this Christmas season in the many school programs and service projects being held across East Tennessee. For more details on each school’s events, …