News and Events

The First Session of the Tribunal of the Diocese of Knoxville for the Inquiry that will examine the life, Christian virtues, heroic offering of life, reputation for holiness and signs of intercessory power of Fr. Patrick Ryan took place Sept. 28, 2020 at the Basilica. Bishop Stika was the celebrant, with Bishop Spalding of Nashville as the primary concelebrant, Cardinal Rigali and many other clergy in attendance. The session began with sung Mid-Morning Prayer (Office of the Dead), continued with the swearing in of officials for the tribunal; commentary on the Life of Fr. Patrick Ryan by Dcn. Gaspar DeGaetano, Diocesan Postulator; and presentation of documents for the archive. The events continued with a sung Mass for the Dead for a Priest, offered for Fr. Patrick Ryan. At the conclusion of that Mass, the officials of the new Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Knoxville were sworn in, and Fr. David Carter was re-installed as pastor of The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. The Gloria Dei Schola sang the service and the Mass as well as an interlude of sacred motets, and the Basilica's recently completed pipe organ was played in full.

For 2020, Fr. Carter has named two recipients of the Servant of God, Fr. Patrick Ryan Award: Adam Foster and Guadalupe Morales. Please read the Parish Awards page to learn why they were chosen. The Servant of God, Fr. Patrick Ryan Award is given each year to members of the parish who exemplify the theological virtue of charity in imitation of the heroic witness of Fr. Patrick Ryan. Inspired by his example to that same measure of charity toward all our brothers and sisters in need, the recipient of this award has been recognized for selfless service, especially towards the poor and needy.

Learn to read and sing the sacred music of the Church! Online beginner lessons and in-person classes Fridays at 4:30 starting Oct. 2. Open to youth grades 2-12 whose voices have not changed. For more info and to register, visit our Jubilate Deo Youth Schola page and contact Maria Rist at music@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Accept God’s ways for your marriage. Strengthen, renew, and rekindle your marriage sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on October 16-18 or November 13-15. This is a virtual experience, so no overnight stay in a hotel. Right from the comfort of your home. You can get more information or apply online at GATN-wwme.org or by calling 678-242-WWME.

Their food pantry at OLPH is most in need of: canned tuna, vegetables, and fruit, cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, pasta and spaghetti sauce. Please place non-perishable food items in the basket in our Basilica church vestibule.  

Join Catholic Charities of East Tennessee in a virtual fundraising vent to support its Columbus Home Children’s Emergency Shelter, a place to call home when there is nowhere else to go. Columbus Home Children’s Emergency Shelter meets the unique needs for a stable, nurturing environment for children awaiting a custody decision.