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The Deacon's Bench

This nails it: a sterling appreciation of the papal visit — and the papacy — from Ross Douthat: No doubt most of Britain’s five million Catholics do not believe exactly what Benedict believes and teaches. No doubt most of them are appalled at the Catholic hierarchy’s record on priestly child abuse, and disappointed that many…

A beautiful and heartbreaking story out of Canada: Brian Wood, a 33-year-old resident of Vancouver, B.C., was killed in an auto collision on September 3, when the driver of an oncoming SUV lost control of the vehicle and crossed the road into his lane. His wife, Erin Wood, said that Brian acted just in time…

The response appears to have been generally positive — but grudgingly so: British media Monday hailed Pope Benedict XVI for shedding his distant and authoritarian image on his historic state visit, but cautioned the Catholic Church still faced challenges in the nation. The pontiff succeeded in presenting himself as a lovable, elderly figure — a…

Some die-hards in Boston are refusing to surrender their church, even after six long years. The video below tells part of their story.

The President paid a visit to the Episcopalians — and went up for communion: On Sunday, President Obama and the First Lady — along with daughters Malia and Sasha — attended 9 a.m. church services at Washington’s St. John’s Episcopal Church. It marked the sixth time the president has attended services since being elected into…

A former colleague from CBS News sent this my way, with the note: “You probably know about this. Someone sent it to me.” Actually, no. This is the first I’ve seen it. But if you visit this site, named “Jesustoasters.com”, you will find out all about the item which makes the images below. It’s only…

Hot on the heels of this piece about a devoutly religious NFL player, a reader sent me this item, from Sunday’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, all about faith and football: Adoring fans carried star safety Troy Polamalu on their shoulders — passing him off, one to another, as though they could live through his efforts. Such adulation…

Ask yourself that question after reading this item about Ramadan and Muslim NFL star Husain Abdullah (a grateful diaconal bow to Scott Dodge for this gem): NFL practices this time of year are designed for maximum sweat production. Coaches are trying to build up stamina and endurance. Players push themselves to the limit, in pursuit…

I got an email today from a reader asking a question that pops up from time to time in the deacon world: “Are you aware of any websites that have text for Diaconate Ordination invitations?” Actually…no. The question came up three years ago for my own ordination, and no one in the diocese had an…

I suspect that could be said by any of the 80,000 or so who gathered in Hyde Park today to get a peek at the pontiff. But it was also said by a certain blogger and Vatican observer, in a different context. He’s right. And for proof, I offer the photographic evidence below. Meantime, the…
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