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The Deacon's Bench

Like a lot of places, Boston is trying to lure people back to the confessional this Lent: In an effort to get the reluctant faithful back to confession, the Archdiocese of Boston is launching an unprecedented campaign – called “The Light Is On For You” – using radio spots and a website to promote special…

Looking for some ideas for your Lenten menu? Some cooks in suburban Washington can help you out: Bighearted and proud of her Eastern European heritage, Daria Parrell is a woman who likes to count her blessings. Among them: her ability to cook for a crowd. At this time of year, that amounts to 60,000 dumplings,…

“The Church does not claim that people with a homosexual orientation are ‘bad,’ or that their children are less loved by God. Quite the opposite. But what the Church does teach is that sexual intimacy by anyone outside marriage is wrong; that marriage is a sacramental covenant; and that marriage can only occur between a…

It seems their appearance on the hit talk show did wonders for them and their vocations: Since the show aired, the sisters have received positive feedback from all sides. Sister Maria Guadalupe reported that while traveling by plane, a flight attendant asked her if she had seen the “nuns” on Oprah. The question presented an…

The Associated Press takes a look at abortion and health care reform this morning, and concludes that the legislation being considered would signal a change on abortion — but what that means is, evidently, debatable: President Barack Obama’s health care bill would change federal policy on abortion, but not open the spigot of taxpayer dollars…

In fact, it’s the trailer for every Oscar winner. And it’s a very clever deconstruction that helps to explain what we were watching Sunday night. Enjoy.

…because, judging from this assessment, we need it: Mysticism is dying, and taking true religion with it. Monasteries have dwindled. Contemplative orders have declined. Our religious leaders no longer preach the renunciation of the world; our culture scoffs at the idea. The closest most Americans come to real asceticism is giving up chocolate, cappuccinos, or…

“I beg you, look for the words ‘social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes.”  — Glenn Beck, sane and sensible as ever. UPDATE:…

Pius XII has his boosters, and his critics. But he has at least one big fan from my own backyard — who also just happens to be Jewish: At home here on Long Island, he is Gary L. Krupp, medical equipment dealer, now retired after a career of ups and downs. He shares one car…

A controversial decision by the Catholic Church in Colorado is making headlines — and sparking protests: A crowd holding signs protesting the treatment of a student with lesbian parents exchanged smiles and waves with parishioners walking into a Boulder church for Sunday Mass. Before Mass started, church members citing their Catholic hospitality crossed the street…
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