Your gift not only funds many of the operations of the Diocese of Knoxville, it funds services that are of great help to the ministries here in our parish, including: Religious Education programs, Campus Ministry, Youth Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Tribunal, and Catholic Charities. Each Appeal gift enables the diocese to build up the kingdom of God throughout East Tennessee. Please answer Bishop Stika’s request and make a commitment to the annual appeal.
Effective Feb. 12, 2024, Fr. Michael Hendershott will be coming to the Basilica on a temporary assignment to serve as our Parochial Vicar. He will also take up the sacramental responsibilities at the Catholic Student Center on campus. In order to facilitate this move, our beloved Fr. Valentin Iurochkin, who has been with us since December 30, 2019, has been asked to become the Parochial Vicar of Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. (Click to read Fr. Carter's full letter to parishioners.)
Mrs. Pamela Mahoney Rudd, longtime Basilica parishioner, passed away in her home January 24, 2024, around 10pm, in the company of her family. Her death followed a brief bout with brain cancer, that was diagnosed in early December, 2023. Pamela is survived by her husband, Robin Rudd, her six grown children, and fourteen grandchildren. She was the oldest of eight siblings, including the Basilica's late maintenance supervisor, John Mahoney. Pam's funeral arrangements will be announced here as soon as they are available. Please pray for her, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet. [Click for more info.]
It is traditional for parish priests to bless chalk for each family so that they may mark the names of the three Magi over their doors, in the blessing of homes as a witness of their faith and protection against evil. After Mass on the weekend of Jan. 6 & 7, 2024, you can pick up blessed chalk in the vestibule, and take it home for a traditional Epiphany House Blessing. Click to see the instructional flyer.