Planning the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress

25th Jubilee Year begins with historic celebration Sept. 13-14 at Sevierville Convention Center A special birthday is just one reason to celebrate a Eucharistic Congress, as the Diocese of Knoxville will do Sept. 13-14. So as the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress draws near, plans are being finalized for 5,000 faithful …

Diocesan faithful taking an active role in immigration issue

Diocese of Knoxville parishioners are planning additional activities to encourage members of Congress to adopt immigration reform legislation that the Senate passed in June. Lourdes Garza, director of the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, said more activities are planned once Congress returns from its summer break. In May, parishioners held …

Understanding the Eucharistic Congress as historic event nears

More than 5,000 people expected to attend Diocese of Knoxville’s September jubilee anniversary kickoff By Deacon Sean Smith Eucharistic Congress is a gathering of Catholic clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Congresses bring people together from a wide area, and …

Pope Francis presents Diocese of Knoxville with blessing

One of new pontiff’s first acts is to sign papal document for Cardinal Rigali as gift to Bishop Stika and the diocesan faithful As Pope Francis establishes the 265th pontificate since St. Peter following his March 13 ascension from the College of Cardinals, where he served as Archbishop Jorge Mario …

Diocesan parishioners respond to selection of Pope Francis

Hispanic community already feeling impact with the election of first Holy Father from the Americas The impact of Pope Francis’ election is being felt around the world, and in the Diocese of Knoxville parishioners are reacting with excitement to the new pontiff and his interaction with the faithful. Deacon Bill …

Solemn Vespers highlights World Day for Consecrated Life

Bishop Stika leads service to give thanks, celebrate those who practice evangelical counsels  The program for a Vespers at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Feb. 10 in commemoration of the World Day for Consecrated Life listed 10 orders of women religious and eight religious institutes and societies of men represented in …

Diocesan youth take part in national March for Life

WASHINGTON — Gray skies, blowing snow, and sub-freezing temperatures didn’t deter two busloads of parishioners and youth from the Diocese of Knoxville from taking part in the national March for Life in the nation’s capital on Jan. 25. This year’s gathering of pro-life supporters was especially poignant because it is …

Solemn Vespers to mark World Day for Consecrated Life

Service is opportunity to give thanks, celebrate those who practice evangelical counsels Bishop Richard F. Stika will preside at Solemn Vespers Sunday, Feb. 10, at Sacred Heart Cathedral to mark the diocesan celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life. The service begins at 4 p.m. The celebration of World Day …

Order of Holy Sepulchre growing with help from diocese

New members taking an active role in supporting Christians in the Holy Land The Diocese of Knoxville’s presence in one of the oldest holy orders in the world continues to grow with the recent installation of five new members into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Monsignor …

Top speakers headline Eucharistic Congress that kicks off Jubilee year

The Diocese of Knoxville’s yearlong 25th anniversary jubilee will kick off Sept. 13-14 with a family weekend that includes a Eucharistic Congress for all the diocesan faithful featuring some of the most influential personalities in the U.S. Catholic Church—a lineup called “almost miraculous.” The two-day celebration will take place at …

Chattanooga schools combine resources to streamline fundraising effort

CHATTANOOGA — Chattanooga’s Catholic schools, deciding to “work smarter instead of working harder,” have taken a unique approach to raising funds for programs and activities. The three schools, Notre Dame, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Jude, decided last year after several years of discussion and planning to give …

Archbishop Kurtz takes active role at synod

The Record and Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — To evangelize means to help people understand that God himself has responded to their questions, and that his response — the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ — is available to them as well, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Our role in …