The East Tennessee Catholic Magazine has been recognized by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada with a first-place award for its coverage of immigration in the Diocese of Knoxville. The September 2019 issue of the magazine, with its cover story “Understanding the Exodus,” was named Best Special Issue for 2019 by the Catholic Press Association. In …

El obispo Richard F. Stika y la Dra. Sedonna Prater, superintendente de escuelas de la Diócesis de Knoxville, han anunciado un regreso al aprendizaje en sito en las 10 escuelas católicas de la diócesis para el año académico 2020-21, que comenzará el lunes 3 de agosto. “Estamos entusiasmados por comenzar nuestro año escolar y abrir nuestros salones a estudiantes y profesores”, …

Bishop Richard F. Stika and Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville, have announced a return to on-site learning at all 10 Catholic schools in the diocese for the 2020-21 academic year, which will begin on Monday, Aug. 3. “We’re excited to begin our school year and open our classrooms to students and faculty,” Bishop Stika …

The Mass of Ordination for seminarian Matthew Donahue to the Transitional Diaconate on Monday, June 19, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church has been postponed until further notice. This decision was made by Bishop Richard F. Stika following his announcement that he will self-quarantine for fourteen days after the possibility that he may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. …

I was pleased to see the U.S. Supreme Court make a ruling this week which protected, for now, the status of young immigrants who are living, learning, and working in this country under the program we know as DACA—Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This program has given families who have been living with uncertainty, an opportunity for peace of mind, …

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Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued new directives regarding meetings and gatherings on diocesan and parish property. The new procedures take effect immediately and come as federal, state, and local health authorities continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic. The new procedures allow for meetings to now include a maximum of 50 participants with the stipulation that safe distancing remains in …

I pray that the events of the last couple of weeks will force all of us to reflect on how God can guide us through injustice, tragedy, turmoil, and anger if we listen to Him. The horrific images of the death of George Floyd on May 25 were repulsive. The indifference and lack of respect on display around Mr. Floyd …

Bishop Richard F. Stika, working with Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul rector Father David Carter, has authorized the addition of a Traditional Latin Mass to the Basilica’s regular Sunday Mass schedule on a weekly basis. This Extraordinary Form Mass will be offered at 11:30 a.m. each Sunday. A monthly Latin Mass was introduced at the Basilica five years ago. …

In response to the continued monitoring of the coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Richard F. Stika has authorized updates to the way parishes can now administer the sacraments of the Catholic Church. The new directives cover the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, reconciliation, RCIA, weddings, and funerals. The decree is to take effect May 30-31 when public Masses resume in the Diocese of …

Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a list of mandatory procedures that will be implemented by parishes for the safe resumption of public Mass celebrations in the Diocese of Knoxville on the weekend of Pentecost, May 30-31. Public Masses were suspended in the diocese on March 20 due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. “During this unprecedented time in history where we …

El obispo Richard F. Stika ha publicado una lista de procedimientos obligatorios que serán implementados por las parroquias para la reanudación segura de las celebraciones públicas de la Misa en la Diócesis de Knoxville el fin de semana de Pentecostés del 30 al 31 de mayo.

Bishop Richard F. Stika has expressed his desire to resume public Masses at all of the parishes and mission churches in the Diocese of Knoxville the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, May 30-31. “I understand how much our parishioners want to return to their churches, see their priests, and once again have a personal connection with the sacraments. However, there are …

El obispo Richard F. Stika ha expresado su deseo de reanudar las Misas públicas en todas las parroquias e iglesias misión en la Diócesis de Knoxville el fin de semana del domingo de Pentecostés del 30 y 31 de mayo.

In advance of Holy Week, Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a special pastoral letter to parishioners of the Diocese of Knoxville encouraging participation in video streaming of live Mass webcasts and the Act of Spiritual Communion. Additionally, Bishop Stika is asking parishioners to pray the Station of the Cross on Friday, April 3 and Good Friday, April 10. Read …

The halls are quiet, and classrooms are empty, but Catholic schools in the Diocese of Knoxville are back in session—just in a new, safe way. In response to the coronavirus pandemic and need for social distancing, all ten Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools have moved to at-home learning for all students. Due to staggered spring break schedules, at-home learning began …

El 23 de marzo 2020 el Obispo Stika emitió un decreto para apoyar al clero y a los feligreses durante la celebración del domingo de Ramos y la Semana Santa. El decreto ordena que no habrá celebraciones ni reuniones públicas durante la Semana Santa (tanto dentro como fuera de las iglesias, en el carro, etc). Las Misas las celebrará el …

Bishop Richard F. Stika said that the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery offices will be closed to the public, effective March 24, after continuing concerns over the potential spread of the coronavirus. Bishop Stika announced his decision Monday night. While the Chancery is closed to the public, it is not suspending operations. Some diocesan employees may continue to work on-site should …

On March 23, 2020, Bishop Richard F. Stika issued a decree to assist the clergy and the faithful in the spiritual celebration of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. You can read the full decree here. The decree mandates that there shall be no public gatherings (inside or outside churches, in cars, etc.) during Holy Week. Masses shall be celebrated without …