Bishop Richard F. Stika issued a letter to diocesan clergy and staff on Friday, July 19, making them aware of a lawsuit filed on July 18 by Mr. Michael Boyd in Knox County Circuit Court and naming the diocese as a defendant. The diocese is unable to offer additional comment until new information brought to light in the lawsuit can …
‘Remembering those who have gone before us’
As parishioners throughout the Diocese of Knoxville marked Memorial Day by remembering loved ones who have died, including those who were killed in service to the country, a Memorial Day Mass was celebrated at Calvary Cemetery on May 25 in Knoxville to honor all those who have gone before us. Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, served …
Bishop Stika celebrates annual Red Mass
By Dan McWilliams Attorneys, judges, and other members of the legal profession joined Bishop Richard F. Stika for the annual Red Mass on Oct. 8 at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Knoxville. The Red Mass is a centuries-old tradition in the Church, Bishop Stika – dressed in red vestments for the liturgy – said. “The color red designates the Holy …
The Season of Change
Those of us who are former members of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville joined current members in receiving a letter in the mail this weekend. In that letter, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, OP, V.G., who has been Vicar General of the Diocese of Knoxville since its foundation in 1988, informed all of us who have been associated with Holy Ghost over …
A Monsignor Moment
Pope Francis recently made some big waves in the proverbial finger lake of the Catholic blogosphere and social media community when it was announced earlier this month that the Vatican will now limit the awarding of the title “Monsignor” outside of the Roman Curia to those diocesan priests who may be nominated by their bishops who are over the age …