MONKOn Sunday, May 10th, Bishop Stika read the decree of Incardination that officially made Fr. Joe Reed a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Joe has served as associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the past two years and also serves as Chaplain of Sacred Heart Cathedral School and is Director of Vocations for the Diocese assisting Bishop Stika in fostering the formation of men who are preparing for the priesthood.

Fr. Reed is a Knoxville native. While in seminary he entered Conception Abbey where he was a Benedictine Brother for ten years before being ordained to the priesthood.

Fr. Joe’s statement via Facebook on the occasion of his Incardination: “Friends – Please keep me in your prayers today. I’ve been so blessed to have known many, many, incredible and holy men and women in monasteries [particularly Conception Abbey and the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration], parishes, seminaries and schools. I love the brethren and sisters I have come to know over the years and am better for having been formed by them all.

Pray that I may continue to grow in holiness and service as a priest and never lose sight of the gifts that God has given me in so many brethren, sisters, friends and formators.

Please pray also for countless vocations to the monastic life at Conception Abbey, the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and all religious orders, and to the priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville and throughout the Church.

Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, pray for us!”

Credits: Stephanie Richer Photography and DioKnox.org