The Blog
Explore the latest from the Deacon’s Bench.
After a year of Leo, what should we know? His biographer weighs in
TIME magazine recently sat down with Elise Ann Allen, who has known and written about the man we now call
Diocese of Springfield announces plans for shrine dedicated to Ven. Augustine Tolton
From the diocesan website: Fundraising efforts are underway right now to establish The Shrine for Father Augustine Tolton at St.
A great American is laid to rest
His name is Lt. Col. Jerome Paull. But my wife knew him as "Uncle Jerry." He was her godfather, one
Become a Partner
Like what you see? Help keep the lights on and support The Deacon’s Bench. Become a patron at my Patreon page and get exclusive early access to homilies, book excerpts, essays, articles and more.
Choir
$3 or more PER MONTH
Thank you for helping keep the lights on! You will receive daily Catholic news headlines, “The Church Bulletin,” delivered to your inbox every morning (M-F), pulling together interesting Catholic links, news and commentary from around the world.
Sodality
$10 PER MONTH
Previous tier benefits plus:a signed copy of A Deacon Prays (Ave Maria Press). Makes a great ordination gift! Just leave me your address when you sign up.
The Patron’s Bench
$20 PER MONTH
All previous tier benefits plus: A signed copy of The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer (Word Among Us Press).Just leave details and your mailing address when you subscribe.
Like the Bench? Browse the Books!
Befriending St. Joseph: Finding Faith, Hope and Courage in the Seven Sorrows Devotion
A Deacon Prays
The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer
The Busy Person’s Guide To An Extraordinary Life
A Stranger and You Welcomed Me
The Handy Little Guide to Fasting
From the Archives
Other articles you may find interesting
Msgr. Robert Coll, creator of ‘Rice Bowl,’ dies at 95
From OSV News: The priest who created Rice Bowl — which became Catholic Relief Services‘ annual
The Cancer Chronicles: Ben Sasse and ‘a touch of grace’
This is remarkable — and unexpectedly inspiring. Take the time to watch this "60 Minutes"
Pope Leo meets, prays with Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury
From Vatican News: Pope Leo XIV held an audience on Monday with the Archbishop of
Pope Leo’s ordination homily: ‘Keep the door open! Let people in, and be prepared to go out’
This is great, the conclusion of the Holy Father's homily today at the Mass where
Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Leo to meet, pray together
From RNS: Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally will travel to Rome this weekend to meet
Meet the newest diocesan staff member: ‘Maria,’ an AI fundraiser
“Technology, when used wisely, becomes a tool of evangelization. Today, our mission field includes the
Pope Leo speaks out on war, same-sex blessings, executions in Iran
From Vatican News: Pope Leo XIV has concluded his long Apostolic Journey in Africa. Aboard
No, ‘Exultet Rolls’ are not what you have with your Easter dinner
H/T to the always-interesting Amy Welborn for uncovering this from the Medieval manuscripts blog: The
The Cancer Chronicles: ‘I’m down one organ — packing lighter than ever’
Rick Steves, from YouTube Now that an important medical diagnosis has entered my life, I'm
Contact Deacon Greg
REACH OUT FOR SPEAKING REQUESTS OR QUESTIONS!