About the Diocese of Knoxville

The Diocese of Knoxville was established on Sept. 8, 1988, out of the eastern counties of the Diocese of Nashville. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Richard F Stika as the third bishop of Knoxville in 2009.

The Catholic population of the diocese is estimated at approximately 70,000 Catholics, which represents about 2.8% of the total population of the area, and the diocese covers about 14,242 square miles. The diocese includes 50 parishes and one mission.

The Catholic Church’s presence in East Tennessee dates back at least 180 years, with the oldest parishes being Immaculate Conception in Knoxville and the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga (both established in 1852).

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, principal patroness of the Diocese of Knoxville is celebrated on Sept. 8 and St. John Paul II, secondary patron of the Diocese of Knoxville is observed as an obligatory memorial on Oct. 22.