Seminarian Gerald Stults is taking the first steps toward religious life

By Casey Keeley If you are a college-aged Catholic in the United States, then chances are you’re familiar with the name Father Mike Schmitz. For those less familiar, this priest is the campus minister at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and has a prominent online ministry. Father Schmitz works …

Three men called to Holy Orders in Diocese of Knoxville

Bishop Richard F. Stika has called to Holy Orders three transitional deacons to become priests of the Diocese of Knoxville at a Mass of Ordination on June 10 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. “This is a joyous time for me personally and for all the …

Transitional deacon ordained in Mexico City

Bishop Stika presides at special Mass for Renzo Alvarado Suarez, who will join diocese By Beth Parsons Celebrations occurred across several countries as the Diocese of Knoxville gained a new transitional deacon. On Jan. 22, Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez was ordained by Bishop Richard F. Stika at Seminario Hispano de …

Summer schooling

Diocese of Knoxville seminarians share experiences away from formal studies By Jim Wogan Summer was anything but a vacation for the men studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville. Sure, there were allowances for personal adventures and time to reconnect with family and friends during their break from …

Chosen to serve

The Diocese of Knoxville welcomes three new transitional deacons as it celebrates a triple ordination  By Gabrielle Nolan Three Diocese of Knoxville seminarians are one step closer to priesthood after being ordained to the diaconate on Sunday, May 29, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in …

Paraclete bookstore makes contribution to educate seminarians 

By Jim Wogan The Paraclete Catholic Books and Gifts store, a ministry of the Diocese of Knoxville, made a significant contribution to the life of the Church in January. Store manager Sara Lauer and business consultant Deacon Walt Otey presented Bishop Richard F. Stika with a check for more than …

Seminarians on the path of priestly formation

Diocese of Knoxville has 13 men studying for the priesthood at several seminaries By Jim Wogan Walking the grounds of the St. Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary in southern Indiana is, to stretch a cliché, more than awe inspiring. Its impressive architecture, its stunning statuary and art, and peaceful hillside location …

Diocesan seminarians receive the ministry of acolyte

Eighteen priesthood students at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind., including three from the Diocese of Knoxville, received the ministry of acolyte on Feb. 18, in the seminary’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. The seminarians receiving the ministry from the Diocese of Knoxville were Joseph Austin, …

A Joyful Witness

How the Bishop’s Appeal transforms lives in the Diocese of Knoxville Story by Jim Wogan Photography by Stephanie Richer In early February, Bishop Richard F. Stika’s voice boomed across the Diocese of Knoxville with a message for all parishioners. “It is a joy to be with you on this feast …

Seminarians learning that priestly vocation is a bilingual one

Students spending summers between seminary terms mastering the Spanish language ahead of ordination By Bill Brewer Pase la sal y la pimienta por favor. Chances are Robbie Bauman, Joseph Austin, Andrew Crabtree, and Neil Blatchford recognized the request and passed the salt and pepper. Lunch at St. Meinrad Seminary is …

The joy of priesthood

Kentucky retreat offers seminarians a chance to share discernment experiences Story by Jim Wogan Photography by Stephanie Richer Back when he was first considering holy orders, it’s doubtful Mark Schuster knew that the path to the holy priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville would include a side trip to a …

Funeral Mass held for diocesan seminarian Jeff Emitt

Diocese of Knoxville seminarian Jeff Emitt died July 16 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61. Mr. Emitt was a longtime member of Holy Ghost Church, where he had played guitar for Sunday evening Masses. He also was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus prior to joining the seminary. …