Bishop Richard F. Stika will commemorate the most sacred week of our liturgical calendar with the following celebrations and services at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Tuesday, April 16: Chrism Mass. Click here for video of the Chrism Mass. Maundy Thursday, April 18: Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper and Washing of the Feet, 7 …
Statement from Bishop Richard F. Stika regarding fire at Cathedral of Notre Dame
Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville expressed shock and disappointment today at the destructive fire that broke out in the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Bishop Stika said he will reach out to the Archdiocese of Paris with prayers and offers of support from the Diocese of Knoxville as France works to rebuild the centuries-old …
Abby Johnson shares pro-life message at St. Mary Church in Athens
Abby Johnson spoke at the Full Circle Luncheon at St. Mary Church in Athens on April 11, on creating a culture that values all human life, including children in the womb. Ms. Johnson is a pro-life author and speaker. The movie “Unplanned,” in theaters now, is based on her story as a former Planned Parenthood worker turned pro-life advocate. Ms. …
Dr. Sedonna Prater appointed superintendent of Catholic schools
Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville has named Dr. Sedonna Prater as the new superintendent of Catholic schools effective April 10, 2019. “Dr. Prater is going to be an excellent leader for our Catholic schools,” Bishop Stika said. “She cares deeply about educating students the right way, and it only takes a few minutes with her to …
Bishop Stika administers sacrament of confirmation across diocese
Bishop Richard F. Stika has been administering the sacrament of confirmation to hundreds of youth at nearly every Diocese of Knoxville parish this spring. Last year, confirmations were held at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in celebration of the new cathedral and the diocese’s 30th anniversary. This year, Bishop Stika is visiting and celebrating Mass at …
Incorrupt heart of Saint John Vianney to visit Diocese of Knoxville in May
The incorrupt heart of Saint John (Jean) Vianney, a major relic of the patron saint of parish priests, will visit the Diocese of Knoxville on May 23 as part of its pilgrimage to the United States. The Knights of Columbus, entrusted with the relic on its national tour of the U.S., will be working with Bishop Richard F. Stika to …
Lenten Season 2019
Lent is the season of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and alms spiritually which prepares us for the glorious celebration of Easter. We are challenged to pause and reflect during this period. How can we grow closer to Christ and better serve Him? List of Lenten Penance Services in the Diocese of Knoxville Guidelines for fasting and abstinence Understanding the …
Lenten fasting and abstinence guidelines
Ash Wednesday Masses and penance services are held at all parishes throughout the Diocese of Knoxville. Please remember that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence for most Catholics. Please continue reading for additional information. Fasting and Abstinence Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during …
Pope appoints new Memphis bishop
Bishop Richard F. Stika issued a statement this morning on the appointment of Bishop David P. Talley as the new bishop of the Diocese of Memphis. “Cardinal Justin Rigali and I offer our prayers and best wishes to Bishop Talley on his appointment by Pope Francis today as the Bishop of Memphis. I have known Bishop Talley for quite some time …
Bishops issue joint statement on Tennessee ‘Heartbeat Bill’
The following joint statement was issued by Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Memphis on Feb. 26, 2019: We believe that the sanctity of human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception to …
Cardinal Rigali to celebrate Masses at cathedral Feb. 5 and 6
While our priests attend Study Days in Gatlinburg during the first week of February, many parishes will have communion services in lieu of daily Mass. If you are in the Knoxville area, Cardinal Justin Rigali will be celebrating morning Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Tuesday, Feb. 5, and Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 …
Polish Masses begin Feb. 3 at the cathedral
Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that Father Marcin “Martin” Gladysz will begin celebrating a monthly Mass in Polish at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The first Mass will be celebrated Sunday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. Masses in Polish are scheduled for the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. although some dates may …
Bishop Stika released from hospital
After spending one night in the hospital following a heart catheterization procedure, Bishop Richard F. Stika was released from Parkwest Medical Center this morning and returned to the Chancery for a brief visit. “I feel good, and I am grateful for the prayers I received and the great care that was provided to me while I underwent this procedure,” Bishop …
Bishops speak out against execution
Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville, who is currently serving as the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Memphis, today issued this joint statement on the scheduled execution of David Earl Miller by the state of Tennessee: For …