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The Deacon's Bench

If you’re wondering what’s up with the next generation of American Catholics, you might find one answer right here: College-aged Catholics are much less inclined to go to church or rely on authority figures than their elder counterparts, reports William d’Antonio, professor emeritus of sociology at UConn, in his new book “American Catholics Today: New…

How is your Lent going? Right about now is when the newness and fervor start to wear off. We’ve left the ashes in the bathroom sink – or maybe on the pillow. The things we gave up – chocolate, TV, deserts – are starting to look better and better. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.…

This has been making the rounds on the internet, and it’s classic: MCPF Stephen Colbert has a little smackdown with someone who is both creepy and funny.

A blogger over at Commonweal asked the question, and explains: The woman I plan to marry converted to the Roman Catholic faith as an adult ten years ago. She seems to have had an experience quite similar to the experience of the daughter described in this post. Among other things her faith seems to have…

What could be a better Valentine’s Day gift than to get married? Earlier this year, I posted a story about a mass wedding in Georgia. Well, they had something similar, on a much smaller scale, in my own backyard just last weekend. From the Brooklyn Tablet: The most romantic day of the year arrived early…

Students wait in DuSable Hall at Northern Illinois University, Thursday, February 14, 2008. Photo: CBS

With Lent upon us, more people will likely be lining up outside confessionals, to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A diocesan paper has posted this helpful guideline for the sacrament, which comes to us via CNS: Q. In a recent column you discussed a question from a lady concerned about confession without mortal…

Remember Schoolhouse Rock? (If you don’t…well, nevermind. But the name of this new website hearkens back to that 1970’s classic.) A pal just sent this my way, and it looks terrific: a new website for vocations that specializes in the monastic and consecrated life. There’s a wealth of information here, and some great videos. Take…

Happy Valentine’s Day! As a footnote: I was pleased to find that this remarkable piece of TV history has been preserved on YouTube: I think it’s the last time they ever sang this together, on David Letterman several years back.

Across the country, bishops have been weighing in on politics and faith during this election year. And my own bishop has just added his two cents, as reported by CNS: A “hierarchy of values” exists, which means not all political issues are of equal value, said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn. “Our faith must inform…
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