News - March 2020 RSS Feed

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

El Evangelio de Mateo (14: 26-33) nos enseña que la fe en Cristo, incluso cuando las cosas parecen imposibles o sin esperanza, puede conducir a una confianza más profunda. Fue la falta de fe de Pedro lo que le impidió caminar sobre el agua, y fue Jesús quien lo rescató. Sin lugar a dudas, debido al coronavirus, estamos viviendo circunstancias …

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

In June 2019, at the direction of Pope Francis, metropolitan archbishops in the United States approved the implementation of a plan which will now allow for the reporting of allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, or misconduct by bishops through an independent, third-party entity. Victims will now be able to report claims specifically against bishops through the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting …

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 …

In light of the rapidly unfolding events and uncertainty concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Catholic Charities of East Tennessee feels it is prudent to postpone tonight’s (March 12), CCETN benefit dinner in Chattanooga. We are making this decision based on the love and concern for all of our supporters who were planning to attend tonight’s event. Catholic Charities of East …

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 …

Bishop Richard F. Stika has requested that parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville take up two special collections to benefit the victims of the Middle Tennessee tornadoes that struck on March 3. Those interested can also contribute online. “Our parishioners have always responded generously and come to the assistance of victims of natural disasters, whether it is in …