A history of the Paulist Fathers in Knoxville

By Dan McWilliams Before the Paulist Fathers assumed care of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville in 1973, the city’s oldest parish—founded in 1855—stood in danger of closing as its downtown neighborhood was beset with urban blight, and the number of Mass-goers had been dwindling for more than 15 years. IC’s St. …

Paulists celebrate 50 years in Knoxville

Religious order remains committed to ministry in East Tennessee By Gabrielle Nolan On March 9, the members of Immaculate Conception and St. John XXIII parishes had two reasons to celebrate. Not only were the Paulist Fathers marking 50 years of service in the Diocese of Knoxville, but the order also …

Father Charles J. Brunick, CSP

Father Charles J. Brunick, CSP, entered eternal life on Feb. 26. Father Brunick died at the Paulist Motherhouse in New York City after a struggle with cancer. He was 80. Father Brunick had been a member of the Paulist community for 60 years and a priest for almost 54 years. …

‘A very unique assignment’

Diocese of Knoxville’s Patrick Murphy-Racey becomes affiliate deacon for Paulist Fathers By Gabrielle Nolan Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey would describe his work within the Church as “a very unique assignment.” Ordained in 2007 with the Diocese of Knoxville’s first deacon class, Deacon Murphy-Racey is assigned to St. John XXIII Catholic Center …

New Paulist priest finds hidden joys in ministry

Fr. Richard Whitney ‘juggling’ first year of priesthood, service on UT campus    By Gabrielle Nolan Paulist Father Richard Whitney describes his first year of priesthood as a “whirlwind.” “I don’t know that I’ve ever known time to fly by so happily before or in my life,” the 53-year-old priest said. …

 St. John XXIII Parish (finally) marks 50th anniversary

By Jim Wogan It took longer than expected, but parishioners of St. John XXIII last month finally marked the 50th anniversary of their parish’s dedication—52 years after it happened. The COVID pandemic stalled the original plans for the Catholic community’s jubilee by two years, but the delay didn’t mask the …

Following GPS during the holiest of seasons

Does God’s Plan for Salvation include you? IC Lenten ecumenical service offers a map to penance By Bill Brewer In the holiest spirit of neighborly ecumenism, downtown Knoxville churches celebrated the Lenten season leading into Easter by sharing each other’s faith practices, and Immaculate Conception Church was at the forefront. …

Paulist Fathers name next president for four-year term

Father Constanza will succeed Father Andrews, who served at St. John XXIII in Diocese of Knoxville The Paulist Fathers have announced the election of Father René Constanza as the next president of the missionary society of Catholic priests. In June, he will succeed Paulist Father Eric Andrews, who is completing …

Fr. Donahue installed as Immaculate Conception pastor

Bishop Richard F. Stika installed Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville on March 7. Father Donahue previously served in the diocese as pastor of St. John XXIII Parish on the University of Tennessee campus. During that time, he also served as a police chaplain. …

Distressed kayaker rescued by Paulists during lake outing

Seminarians, priests at retreat aboard floating Tiki bar are lifesavers on New York’s Lake George Catholic News Service/Catholic News Agency This is a typical story about Paulist Fathers, a floating Tiki bar, and a kayaker. It all started when Greg Barrett, a captain for Tiki Tours, offered the Paulist Fathers—two …

Paulist Fathers hold funeral Mass for Fr. Wilfred Brimley

The Paulist Fathers are mourning the death of brother Paulist priest Father Wilfred Anthony Brimley Jr., who passed away May 5 at the age of 92. Father Brimley, who died from natural causes at Marion Manor Residence in South Boston, formerly served at Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville. The Paulist …

Paulist Fathers mark bicentennial of founder Fr. Isaac Hecker

Immaculate Conception, St. John XXIII schedule events to celebrate as cause for sainthood moves forward                  By Bill Brewer The Paulist Fathers at Immaculate Conception and St. John XXIII parishes are marking the bicentennial of founder Father Isaac Hecker’s birth with a number of events as the Paulist priest’s cause …