Diocese of Knoxville

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The Diocese of Knoxville, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the eastern portion of Tennessee in the United States. Established on July 8, 1988, by Pope John Paul II, it was created from the Diocese of Nashville to serve the growing Catholic population in East Tennessee. Led by Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier since 2023, the diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Louisville and oversees 35 parishes across 15 counties, with a notable commitment to vocations that has produced numerous priests and religious in a predominantly Protestant region.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Knoxville

Diocese: Diocese of Knoxville
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Louisville
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Louisville
Country:United States
Region:Tennessee
Bishop:Erik T. Pohlmeier
Website:https://dioknox.org/
Newspaper:https://www.tneastcatholic.org/
Catholic %:5.0%
Elementary Schools:12
High Schools:4
Deaneries:5
Priests:75
Existence:1988–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Nashville
Catholic Hospitals:2
Rating:3.8
Chancery Address:7160 Regency Drive Knoxville, TN 37919

Establishment

The Diocese of Knoxville was canonically erected on July 8, 1988, by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution Ad aptius consulendum, carved from the eastern portion of the Diocese of Nashville.[1][2] This division addressed the rapid growth of Catholicism in East Tennessee, a region with increasing Catholic immigrants and converts amid the Bible Belt's Protestant majority.

History

The diocese's territory was originally part of the Diocese of Nashville, established in 1837. By the late 20th century, population growth and missionary needs prompted its creation as Knoxville.[3]

Key milestones include the dedication of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2001 and boundary adjustments in 1999 when Monroe County was transferred from the Diocese of Chattanooga (now Diocese of Chattanooga).[4] Under Bishop Richard Stika (2009–2023), the diocese expanded vocations programs, though his tenure included controversies leading to resignation.[5]

Geography

The Diocese of Knoxville covers 15 counties in East Tennessee, spanning approximately 10,000 square miles (26,000 km²):

  • Anderson County
  • Blount County
  • Bradley County
  • Campbell County
  • Claiborne County
  • Cocke County
  • Grainger County
  • Jefferson County
  • Knox County
  • Loudon County
  • Monroe County
  • Morgan County
  • Polk County
  • Roane County
  • Sevier County

It falls within the Ecclesiastical Province of Louisville.[6][4]

Mother church

Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville serves as the mother church. Completed in 2001 in a contemporary Romanesque style, it features a prominent dome and seats over 800 worshippers.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier has led the diocese since his installation on March 3, 2023. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tulsa in 1995, he previously served as rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and emphasizes evangelization and priestly formation.[8][4]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Anthony J. O'Connell 1988–1998 First bishop; transferred to Diocese of Palm Beach.
Joseph E. Kurtz 1999–2007 Promoted vocations; appointed Archbishop of Louisville.
Richard F. Stika 2009–2023 Oversaw cathedral completion and growth; resigned.
Erik T. Pohlmeier 2023– Current bishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[4]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates 3.8 (slightly conservative), with Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes (about 10%), a strong pro-life emphasis alongside social services like refugee aid, and Bishop Pohlmeier prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and traditional devotions such as Eucharistic adoration.[9][10]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers about 10,492 square miles (27,170 km²), serves 52,000 registered Catholics (5% of total population of 1.1 million), and includes 35 parishes and 17 missions.[11][4]

Religious Communities

Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia operate Aquinas College and staff parishes, focusing on education. Address: 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN (convent nearby).[12] Nashville Dominicans

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus support numerous councils aiding charities and pro-life efforts across parishes.[13]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Knoxville
Diocese of Knoxville

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The diocese comprises 35 parishes organized into 5 deaneries: Knoxville, Chattanooga, Chattanooga North, Tri-Cities, and Upper East Tennessee. It serves diverse communities including Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Appalachian Catholics, with historic churches like Holy Ghost in Knoxville.[14]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 12 elementary/middle schools and 4 high schools, educating over 3,000 students:

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Catholic School Knoxville Elementary https://allsaintseagles.net/
Catholic High School of Knoxville Knoxville High School https://chsknox.org/
Holy Ghost Catholic School Knoxville Elementary https://holyghostknox.org/school
Notre Dame High School Chattanooga High School https://notredamehs.com/
Sacred Heart Cathedral School Knoxville K-12 https://shcschool.org/
St. Albert the Great Catholic School Knoxville Elementary https://saintalbertthegreat.org/school
St. John Neumann Catholic School Knoxville Elementary https://sjncschool.org/
St. Joseph School Knoxville Elementary https://stjosephknoxvilleschool.org/
St. Mary School Oak Ridge Elementary https://stmaryschoolor.org/
St. Therese Little Flower School Chattanooga Elementary https://school.sttheresechatt.com/
Aquinas College Nashville (serves diocese) College https://aquinas.tn.edu/
Carson-Newman University (Catholic programs) Jefferson City University https://www.cn.edu/

For a full list, see List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Knoxville.[15]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee provides food, housing, and immigration services to over 10,000 people annually, including refugee resettlement.[16]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Joseph Kurtz, serving 1999–2007, later became Archbishop of Louisville and President of the USCCB (2013–2016).[4]
  • The diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Conference regional events, drawing thousands in 2018.[17]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Knoxville:


  • Did you know? Carved from the Diocese of Nashville in 1988 by Pope St. John Paul II, Knoxville became East Tennessee's own diocese to better serve its booming Catholic families amid the Smoky Mountains!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with its soaring dome, was dedicated in 2001 and hosts packed Masses, symbolizing the diocese's heartfelt devotion.
  • Here's something cool: In a Bible Belt state, the diocese has exploded with vocations, ordaining multiple priests yearly and boasting seminarians from humble Appalachian roots.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, installed in 2023, was once a seminary rector and loves promoting adoration—drawing youth to Eucharistic revivals!
  • Little-known gem: The diocese spans 15 counties including tourist hotspots like Gatlinburg, where Sacred Heart Parish welcomes pilgrims with mountain views and hospitality.
  • Fun fact: Dominican Sisters from nearby Nashville staff schools here, teaching with joy and producing top students at places like Catholic High School of Knoxville.
  • Did you know? Former Bishop Kurtz went on to lead the USCCB, putting Knoxville's faithful voice on the national stage for family and life issues.
  • Surprise! Chattanooga's Notre Dame High School, a diocesan gem, blends faith and football, fostering saints and scholars since 1965.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Knoxville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dknox.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dioknox.org/about/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Ad aptius consulendum". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19880708_ad-aptis-consulendum.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Diocese of Knoxville". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dknox.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "Bishop Pohlmeier Installed as Knoxville's Fifth Bishop". https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/bishop-pohlmeier-installed-knoxvilles-fifth-bishop. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Territory Map". https://dioknox.org/about/territory-map. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral". https://dioknox.org/cathedral. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop Pohlmeier Installed". https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/bishop-pohlmeier-installed-knoxvilles-fifth-bishop. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Liturgy". https://dioknox.org/worship/liturgy. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dioknox.org/respect-life. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Statistics". https://dioknox.org/about/statistics. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Dominican Sisters". https://nashvilledominican.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Knights of Columbus". https://dioknox.org/knights-columbus. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dioknox.org/parishes. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Schools". https://dioknox.org/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccetn.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "NCYC". https://dioknox.org/news/ncyc. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External Links

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