More than 370 realize it was not ‘you who chose me but I who chose you . . . to bear fruit that will remain’ By Dan McWilliams Virtually every Catholic school teacher, principal, and counselor in East Tennessee attended the annual Diocesan Professional Development Day—aka in-service—on Feb. 18 at …
Education Freedom Act passes legislature
The legislation was backed by Tennessee’s Catholic bishops, parents, and organizations By Bill Brewer School choice will soon be available to students in East Tennessee and across the state as the General Assembly in Nashville approved the Education Freedom Act on Jan. 30 during floor votes in the House and …
Annual Catholic Schools Week begins Jan. 26
All 10 schools in the diocese will celebrate their parishes, communities, families, and more in themed days By Dan McWilliams All eight elementary and both high schools in the Diocese of Knoxville will be celebrating the 51st annual Catholic Schools week, which runs from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. The …
Bishops back new school choice bill
Lawmakers to take up Education Freedom Act; special session called By Bill Brewer Education savings accounts, which already are in place in Hamilton, Davidson, and Shelby counties, are again at the top of Gov. Bill Lee’s legislative agenda, this time for the 2025 General Assembly. And the bishops of Tennessee …
Bishop Beckman gets to know DOK students
The diocese’s shepherd visits both high schools and four elementary schools during August and September By Dan McWilliams Bishop Mark Beckman made several school visits in August and September as he traveled to Notre Dame High School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and St. Jude School, all in Chattanooga, …
A commitment to faith
Funeral Mass celebrated for Dr. Aurelia Montgomery, longtime school leader By Bill Brewer Dr. Aurelia Montgomery, a veteran educator who served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools during her long, distinguished tenure in the Diocese of Knoxville, died on April 8 following a brief illness. She was 88. …
‘Teaching Jesus to our students’
It’s not just a job; it’s a ministry; educators encouraged to keep up the good work By Gabrielle Nolan Nearly 370 Catholic school educators and administrators representing all 10 Diocese of Knoxville schools gathered on Feb. 20 at Sacred Heart Cathedral School for their annual professional-development day. The event included …
A celebration of faith and education
Diocese of Knoxville campuses participate in Catholic Schools Week By Gabrielle Nolan Spelling bees, talent shows, and pep rallies. Tournaments, dress-up days, and special Masses. Fun events and programs such as these marked the 50th anniversary of Catholic Schools Week, which was celebrated Jan. 28–Feb. 3 across the country. The …
Witnessing the culture
Schools superintendent gets acquainted with students, faculty at all 10 campuses By Gabrielle Nolan Mary Ann Deschaine, the new superintendent of Catholic schools, made the journey to all 10 Diocese of Knoxville schools at the beginning of the school year to get better acquainted with diocesan students and their teachers. …
Crunching the data
Deacon David Duhamel armed with information as he leads schools’ sustainability By Jim Wogan Deacon David Duhamel is aware of the expectations that come with his new job. Among the lessons that came with battlefield leadership and a 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the accomplishment of earning …
Former diocesan superintendent looks forward to a school-setting return at KCHS
By Bill Brewer It’s back to where it all began for Dr. Sedonna Prater. And that is an answered prayer. As the 2023-24 academic year starts, Dr. Prater transitions from superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville to vice president of academics at Knoxville Catholic High School. And while …
New superintendent eager to start the academic year
By Jim Wogan Mary Ann Deschaine, a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, was announced as the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Knoxville on May 31. She served as superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw, …
