A celebration of history at St. Mary-Athens

A potluck dinner marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the parish’s first church     By Dan McWilliams St. Mary Parish in Athens used a significant anniversary to celebrate its history at a potluck dinner Oct. 15 in the family life center. “The recent party was to commemorate the 50th …

Keeping vigil

40 Days for Life campaign kicks off with visit to St. Mary-Athens by founder Shawn Carney, Knoxville vigil By Bill Brewer As the Diocese of Knoxville joins Catholic dioceses across the country in sponsoring the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil this month, 40 Days for Life founder Shawn Carney …

Athens Knights provide new ultrasound machine for Full Circle Medical Center

The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative aims to help abortion-minded women choose life by viewing their unborn children on ultrasound machines. Lawrence Roussell Knights Council 8396 at St. Mary Parish in Athens, with help from a pious benefactor, pooled monies raised from a pancake breakfast with a matching grant from …

Abby Johnson film arrives Unplanned in Diocese of Knoxville

Catholic protagonist of popular book and movie delivers pro-life message at St. Mary Church in Athens         By Emily Booker The movie Unplanned made an unscheduled appearance at Athens’ movie theater this spring. And it was a one-night sensation when the film’s real-life champion, pro-life author and speaker Abby Johnson, brought …

St. Mary in Athens celebrates golden anniversary

Bishop Stika calls the active parish in McMinn County ‘a bright star in the history of our diocese’                      By Dan McWilliams St. Mary Parish in Athens, which originally celebrated Mass in a funeral-home chapel, marked its 50th anniversary last fall in its modern building on Madison Avenue. Bishop Richard F. …

‘Walking with the Lord’ is a secret to marriage success

Rhoda and Bob Whitaker couldn’t have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in a more fitting way—at Mass where Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the marriages of parishioners of all ages. Bishop Stika presided at the Mass Feb. 9 at St. Mary Church in Athens, where couples were recognized for their …