Praying for perspective: Twelve minutes a day

That’s the average time a parent and child spend talking, and a parent regrets making it hard for his kids to share their feelings By George Valadie I can’t believe it, but I’ve just gotten started in my 58th year in the world of education. And though perhaps not diverse …

Praying for Perspective: The man on the curb in front of the Krystal

A weekend visit to the fast-food eatery leads to fretting over the circumstances of a seemingly homeless person By George Valadie I love weekends, especially when our Friday night games have gone well and all the students have made it home safely. After these many years, with our girls now …

Praying for Perspective: Remembering the handing-out of report cards

By George Valadie You could tell we had just sent them out because the office phones were ringing incessantly. They always do on “report card” day. Technology has vastly changed how all that happens these days. Our teachers enter grades into a computer program, and magic does the rest. Parents …

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 …

Praying for Perspective: Celebrating Notre Dame High School’s storied presence

By George Valadie Happy birthday, ol’ girl! We salute you. We salute your age, your impact, you unending and uplifting spirit. After all, who even gets to be 140 years old these days? Few institutions, traditions or inventions (think 8-tracks) — have that sort of life. Moreover, who or what leaves …

Praying for perspective: Do you say the Our Father or really pray it?

By George Valadie It was a Sunday morning not all that long ago, though I can’t recall which one. I remember it because of the Gospel that day, you know the one where Our Lord taught his apostles how to pray using the words that we now know as the Lord’s …

Second annual Irish Bowl kicks off high school football

East Tennessee’s two Catholic football teams kick off their seasons tonight in Chattanooga when Notre Dame hosts Knoxville Catholic in the second annual Irish Bowl. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Bishop Richard F. Stika and Sister Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, superintendent of Catholic Schools, will be at the …

Catholic schools exhibit a flair for education

Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Knoxville showcased the talents of students, faculty and parents who exhibited flairs in a variety of areas—from singing, dancing and playing instruments, to fashion design, cooking and even stand-up comedy. And there were volleyball, basketball and dodge ball feats thrown in for good …