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. …
El Obispo Stika emite directrices para la reanudación de las Misas públicas – extiende dispensa
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. Las misas públicas fueron suspendidas en la diócesis el 20 de marzo debido a …
Bishop Stika issues directives for resumption of public Masses- extends dispensation
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 …
La Diócesis planea reanudar las Misas en Pentecostés
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. “Entiendo cuánto quieren nuestros feligreses regresar a sus iglesias, ver a sus sacerdotes y una vez más tener una conexión …
Diocese aims for Pentecost weekend to resume public Masses
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 …
Bishop Stika issues pastoral letter in preparation for Holy Week
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 …
Coronavirus prompts diocesan schools’ shift to at-home learning
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 …
Obispo emite Decreto sobre las Liturgias de la Semana Santa
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 …
Diocese of Knoxville Chancery closed effective March 24
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 …
Bishop issues decree on Holy Week liturgies
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 …
Statement from St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic
From St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic: Considering all that is happening in our world related to COVID-19, we wanted to reach out to everyone. Please know we are committed to the safety of our patients, volunteers, and staff. At this time we are still seeing patients. However, in order to protect everyone, we have made some changes. Before your appointment, please …
All public Masses suspended in the Diocese of Knoxville
Effective March 20, the public celebration of Masses in the Diocese of Knoxville will cease until concerns over the spread of the coronavirus subside. Priests and deacons of the diocese were notified by Bishop Stika of his decision late March 16. Bishop Stika has requested that all small adoration chapels in the diocese be closed but that all churches remain …
Catholic Charities takes steps in connection with COVID-19 pandemic
As a result of the ongoing concern with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Lisa Healy, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, has announced the following steps to ensure the health and safety of the many clients who reside at or use their facilities: All buildings will be closed to outside visitors, including volunteers and interns. At the HUD properties …
Pastoral message from Bishop Stika on the coronavirus and diocesan procedures
The Gospel of Matthew (14:26-33) teaches us that faith in Christ, even when things seem impossible or hopeless, can lead to deeper trust. It was Peter’s lack of faith that prevented him from walking on water, and it was Jesus who rescued him. Without question, due to the coronavirus, we are living through unusual circumstances. The lives and health of …