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The Deacon's Bench

That was the happy e-mail message I received this morning from a newly ordained deacon across the river. The Archdiocese of New York welcomed 13 new deacons yesterday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They include — among others — a realtor, an air conditioning and heating contractor, a couple teachers or retired teachers, a retired cop…

God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our…

Louisiana has some new deacons. The Catholic Commentator has pictures and interviews with the men. Take a look at this pdf file for more. The diocesan website has details, too. Congratulations! Ad multos annos!

A sad story out of Tennessee, involving a volunteer at a Baptist church. God have mercy on us all.

Some observations during this month of weddings… The elements are simple, really. A videographer, with lights, who roams around. A photographer. About 60 guests. A small bridal party involving a maid of honor, best man, flower girl.  Sometimes, there may be others.  “Pachabel’s Canon” is the default processional music. A “unity candle” is probably involved…

Will Tom Hanks please report to Aisle 6? Here’s the picture of the weekend. Details here. The “Toy Story 3” star is filming a movie about working at Kmart, and posed for the picture below.   (The missus and I will be seeing the movie tonight; we have our 3-D glasses ready!)

Where were you on June 17, 1994? This week a documentary on ESPN asked that question, and offered a powerful answer. June 17, 1994 was one of the most dramatic days in modern history. Arnold Palmer played his last U.S. Open. In Chicago, the World Cup began, kicked off by Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton.…

Will the priest one day celebrate mass with an iPad? It’s now technically possible (though, perhaps, not liturgically correct). Check this out: iBreviary–the daily prayer book for iPhone–will become a full Roman missal for iPad, allowing priests to celebrate mass in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Latin. The Vatican-sanctioned application, created Padre Paolo Padrini, includes:…

The City of Angels welcomed its newest batch of deacons last weekend. From The Tidings: “Christ ordained that many ministries would be carried on in the Church,” noted Cardinal Roger Mahony in a prayer during the liturgy. “Today it is those many ministries done by the deacons, often together with their wives, which at one…

You may remember this story from last month. Well, it seems the pastor has changed his mind about the whole deal: A plan to sell a Roman Catholic convent on Staten Island to a Muslim group for use as a mosque is faltering in the face of community opposition. In a letter sent on Thursday…
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