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Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued updated COVID-19 safety procedures for parishes with an eye toward restoring the Sunday Mass obligation on Pentecost weekend. 

Effective Nov. 28-29, Bishop Richard F. Stika reissued guidance of proper protocols to remain in place at Masses during the COVID-19 threat. Bishop Stika also reminds the faithful that their obligation to attend Mass is currently dispensed.

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. …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health department officials, and in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Diocese of Knoxville has closed all 10 of its Catholic schools through April 13, and will institute at-home learning for students. Due to staggered spring break schedules, at-home learning will begin for Chattanooga area Catholic schools on …

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 …

Special statement from Bishop Richard F. Stika on Mass dispensation; Masses available to view on websites

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 …

After closely monitoring recent developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a directive to all pastors, priests, and deacons that they institute the following precautions at Mass celebrations in the Diocese of Knoxville. The directive includes suspending the distribution of the consecrated wine, knowing that one receives the fullness of Communion of Jesus Christ in …