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The Deacon's Bench

Another election year is coming, and you know what that means. Yes, that’s right: another document from America’s bishops. After the communion controversy of 2004, will we have another “wafer watch” in 2008? The New York Times’ Peter Steinfels ponders what lies ahead: On the eve of every presidential election year since 1976, the nation’s…

I stumbled across this excellent reflection on deacons and it’s too good not to share. It’s by Archbishop John Vlazny of Portland, Oregon: “What can I do for you?” With those words Archbishop John Foley began his homily in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 4 as he prepared to ordain 21 men to the diaconate.…

Some curious news from north of the border, where Catholics are remaining Catholic, but choosing to be married in churches of another faith: Although they are still officially Roman Catholics, Alain Boisvert and Denise Hubert have decided to marry – in an Anglican church. It will be a second marriage for both. They didn’t like…

There’s an old joke: New York will be a great city — if they ever finish it. The city is constantly being dug up and paved over. Buildings are being torn down and rebuilt– and the older ones are always in a state of repair or renovation. You can’t walk down a city block without…

Because, after far too long of a wait, this has arrived. It’s gotten some nice write-ups, and a jolly mini-rave from the New York Times. I’m picking up mine tonight. I can’t wait. Yes. I know. I’m pathetic.

Gallons and gallons of ink have been spilled over how and why the new batch of cardinals was selected. But CNS has one of the most sensible evaluations yet: The tributes to Cardinal-designate Daniel N. DiNardo have been effusive since he was among 21 archbishops and two priests named cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI Oct.…

Halloween costume available for young girls this year, available at this website.

One of the Church’s most celebrated missionaries may be closer to being officially declared a saint. A newspaper in Hawaii breaks the news: Father Damien DeVeuster, the Belgian priest who served Hansen’s disease patients at Kalaupapa, Molokai, and later died of the disease, has moved closer to sainthood. A commission of five doctors scrutinizing an…

Some weeks back, I blogged about the stunning vocations video “Fishers of Men”. Now, it’s been honored with a Gabriel Award for communications excellence. You can watch the video below. Just click the ‘play’ button. The USCCB press release follows: Fishers of Men, the 18-minute DVD that is a major resource in a vocational recruitment…

The following item appeared in my parish bulletin last weekend. It got a lot of reaction, so I thought I’d post it here. Enjoy. This weekend marks my five-month anniversary as an ordained member of the Catholic clergy. Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? As the parish’s only deacon, and something of a…
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