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The Deacon's Bench

A very amusing, and very clever, dissection of a part of the mass that is often overlooked. A cheerful h/t to Bosco at The Naked Liturgist.

When was the last time you went to confession? This author, a college co-ed, has a confession of her own to make: it’s been a while: Gary Stern of the Journal News reported that in the wake of Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States, some seminaries have reported an unanticipated increase of inquiries to…

That was how George Clooney described him today, after learning of Pollack’s death yesterday at 73, from cancer. Everything Sydney Pollack did had intelligence and taste. And he was a terrific actor, as well as a gifted director. For my money, you won’t find a funnier farce than “Tootsie,” which Pollack directed and in which…

A few days ago I mentioned some of the debate raging over Ted Kennedy, and the conflicts some are facing when it comes to offering up prayers for him and his family. Now Elizabeth Scalia (a.k.a. The Anchoress) has provided a thoughtful — and no less controversial — essay over at Inside Catholic: The Kennedy…

Monday is the feast of St. Philip Neri, famous for his joyful spirit and sprightly sense of humor. “A joyful heart,” he said, “is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.” In tribute to his own unique spirituality, I offer the clip below, a five minute snippet from just about the funniest episode of…

Is chant making a comeback? Some seem to think so, and this item in the Dallas Morning News, from the Religion News Service, adds up the evidence: It doesn’t have much of a beat, the kids can’t dance to it, and it’s sung in a dead language. But Gregorian chant seems to be the hottest…

What his captain told Private James Ryan, of course, was contained in his dying words: “Earn this.” The beautiful conclusion of “Saving Private Ryan.” Lest we forget.

‘Tis the season. Wedding season, that is. This Sunday, I’ll be assisting at a wedding mass. Below is my wedding homily. I wish I could tell you some words of wisdom from the homily given at my own wedding, 22 years ago. But I can’t. I can’t remember a word of it. Chances are, you…

Twenty two years ago, on May 24, 1986, Siobhain Marie Meyer, throwing common sense aside, became my wife. Happy Anniversary, to the greatest partner, on the dance floor and in life.

A number of people noticed that Pope Benedict distributed communion on the feast of Corpus Christi to faithful who were kneeling. Is something up? Catholic News Service says, no: The four dozen people who received Communion from Pope Benedict XVI on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ received the Eucharist on the…
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