Diocese to support Middle Tennessee tornado victims
Bishop Richard F. Stika has requested that parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville take up two special collections to benefit the victims of the tornadoes that struck across Middle Tennessee on March 3. You can also donate online. Bishop Stika has reached out to Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville and he also asked for prayers for those who lost their lives and family members, as well as for those who lost property, and for all of the first responders and safety crews involved in the rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
Rite of Election welcomes catechumens, candidates
Bishop Stika celebrated the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Feb. 29 and March 1. The Rite of Election is an important step for catechumens and candidates preparing to enter the Church at Easter. The Church formally ratifies the catechumens and candidates readiness to be received into full communion. 
Bishop Stika's prayer intention for March
Please pray this month for the strength and recovery of those who are ill. May God lift their bodies and spirits to better health and provide all caregivers with the grace and knowledge they need to offer comfort and wellness.  
Bishop issues directive as precaution against COVID-19
After closely monitoring recent developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Bishop Stika has issued restrictions as precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 during Mass. These restrictions, similar to ones that were implemented during the flu season, will remain in effect until such time that Bishop Stika deems appropriate. Read the full statement here.
Diocese celebrates second anniversary of
Sacred Heart Cathedral dedication
On March 3, the diocese celebrated the second anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Click the image above to view clips from the dedication Mass held March 3, 2018.
CCETN seeks volunteers for St. Patrick's Day parade
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is seeking volunteers for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Cel-O'Bragh-tion in Knoxville on March 14. All proceeds from the parade go to Catholic Charities. Volunteers are needed to run festivities at the block party, including selling t-shirts and drink tickets as well as crowd control and answering questions. Additionally, there is a need for a few floaters to help with parade check-in and along the parade route. Volunteer opportunities are in two-hour slots, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here for more information and to volunteer.
Two-night retreat focuses on Dead Sea Scrolls
Dr. John Bergsma, full professor of theology at Franciscan University of Stebenville, will be speaking at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on March 9-10 at 7 p.m. in the cathedral hall. Dr. Bergsma will speak on about “The Passion Through Jewish Eyes: Understanding the Triduum in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” The Dead Sea Scrolls are the only surviving Jewish writings from the lifetime of Jesus. He will help us journey through the three sacred days, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, bringing the Gospel accounts to life in light of the culture of the time.
There will be a presentation in Spanish in the Shea Room at the same date and time, hosted by Father Rafael Ramirez.
Called & Gifted workshop on charisms offered in Morristown March 14
Have you wondered “How can I follow Jesus’ plan for my life, in this time and place?" Join Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, and Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute for the one-day Called & Gifted workshop on charisms and discernment at St. Patrick Church in Morristown on March 14. Cost is $50 and covers workshop materials and lunch. Click here to register. 
Lent by Light for Women March 22
Women of the diocese are invited to Lent by Light at St. John Neumann School in Farragut on Sunday, March 22, from noon to 3 p.m. Guest speaker JoAnn Crouse, board member of Walking with a Purpose, will share how prayer is life giving. Event is free but seats are limited. Contact Carolyn Krings (865-386-1459 or kringsck@icloud.com) to register or serve as a table hostess. 
Reclaim Fatherhood: Retreat for men set for March 28
A retreat for men of all ages will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to noon, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. The day will begin with breakfast and close with Mass. International speaker Jimmy Mitchell will discuss authentic manhood and raising virtuous young men. More information can be found hereThis event is sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Please contact Beth Parsons for more information. 
Steven Ray to lead mission at St. Thomas the Apostle 
Best-selling author, world traveler, and Catholic convert Steven K. Ray never set foot in a Catholic Church until 1994. In March, Mr. Ray will share his story of how he became Catholic and will offer tools for explaining and defending the faith during a special mission at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Mission 2020: Living the Catholic Life… Defending Our Faith will take place March 29-31. There is no charge to attend.

Summer camps for youth
Information on several summer youth camp opportunities is now available:
Covecrest Lifeteen Summer Camp June 1-6
REACH God Camp for incoming 7th and 8th graders June 22-25
DISCOVER God Camp for incoming 5th and 6th graders June 25-27
Live the Great Adventure Camp for middle schoolers July 13-17

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 8.
Clocks spring forward one hour, so make sure you make it to church on time!
Visit these other diocesan sites 
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