Diocese of Knoxville
Katie Harkness
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Diocese of Knoxville
Hometown:
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
College of the Holy Cross, 2025
Psychology and Religious Studies, Architecture (minor)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
Outside of ministry, I love spending time outdoors. I especially love to go hiking, fishing, and ride four wheelers. When I am not outdoors, I enjoy reading books. Additionally, I enjoy traveling, whether it's visiting new cities, taking road trips, or exploring a new country.
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I knew I wanted to continue to study theology, but Echo stood out to me because it integrates academics and learning with hands-on parish ministry. I was drawn to the programs holistic approach of forming the individual intellectually, communally, spiritually, and personally.
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
At the Cathedral I will help coordinate adult OCIA, children's faith formation (Children's Liturgy of the Word, First Communion, and altar server training). I am also involved with liturgical ministry such as serving as a sacristan, altar server, and helping prepare for Masses with the Bishop. Additionally, I help with weddings and funerals.
What do you hope to do after Echo?
After Echo, I hope to pursue an MTS and eventually PhD in Theology. My goal is to integrate academic study with my pastoral experience. I am also discerning religious life, remaining open to wherever God may be calling me to serve.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Take time to carefully discern if Echo is the right fit for you. Talk to current or former apprentices! It was helpful for me to talk to a trusted mentor to help me discern this decision. Most importantly, take this opportunity to prayer and listen to God's calling.
Viviana Morales
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Diocese of Knoxville
Hometown:
San Diego, California
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
San Diego State University, 2025
Communication
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
Favorite hobbies consist of hiking, editing YouTube videos, content creation, working out, coloring, and I'm super adventurous and down for anything.
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I was drawn to Echo because of its unique blend of graduate theological education and hands-on ministry experience. I was also inspired by Echo’s strong sense of community and mentorship among peers and faculty. Ultimately, I saw it as a chance to deepen my faith while equipping myself to better serve the Church.
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
At my Echo placement, I’ll be helping with parish ministry and communication. A big part of my role is managing social media to share parish events, encourage engagement, and highlight community life. I’ll also support faith formation programs and assist the parish staff with different projects. Overall, I’ll be serving by helping people stay connected and grow in their faith.
What is the most significant thing you’ve learned in Echo?
The most significant thing I’ve learned in Echo is the importance of listening deeply to others’ stories and experiences. Ministry is not just about doing tasks but about building relationships rooted in trust and compassion. I’ve also realized how much growth comes from balancing study with hands-on service.
What do you hope to do after Echo?
After Echo, I hope to continue serving the Church by working in Catholic media. I want to use my skills in communication and storytelling to share the beauty of the faith in creative and accessible ways. My goal is to help people feel more connected to the Church through digital platforms. In doing so, I hope to inspire others to grow deeper in their relationship with God.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Be yourself and trust the process! Don’t stress about having all the answers. Echo is about learning and growing along the way. Show that you’re open to community life and being flexible in ministry. Most importantly, share your genuine passion for serving the Church.