Persecution watch: California cathedral vandalized with swastikas, ‘white power’ graffiti
From CNA: A Catholic cathedral in California was defaced overnight, with swastikas, an upside-down cross, and other messages spray-painted on
Ordination update: 27 new deacons for Chicago
The world's largest Catholic diaconate — counting more than 500 active deacons — just got a little bigger. The press
What do colleagues think of Amy Coney Barrett? ‘She’s mind-blowingly intelligent’
Another side of the soon-to-be nominee for the Supreme Court, from the local paper: “If she’s being considered by a
Florida pastor urges prayer, forgiveness after man tried to burn down Catholic church
From CNA: Police are searching for a man who broke into a Catholic church in Florida on Friday and tried
The next justice on the Supreme Court could be the daughter of a deacon
I posted this item two years ago, but today seems a good time to revisit it: This comes from an
We’re all in this together: Homily for September 27, 2020, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Earlier this month, Lane Unhjem was working the fields of his farm in North Dakota. He was driving a combine,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/25/20
Powerful Vatican cardinal resigns amid scandal (AP) The powerful head of the Vatican’s saint-making office, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, resigned suddenly
Bransfield: ‘I do not wish to do battle with my successor’
From CNA: Retired West Virginia Bishop Michael Bransfield told CNA Thursday that he is retired, wants to stay retired, and
BREAKING: Retired Archbishop John Myers of Newark has died
Details: Catholic Archbishop John J. Myers has died at age 79. Bishop Daniel Jenky of the Diocese of Peoria announced
Cardinal Tagle recovers from coronavirus
Details: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the head of the Vatican’s evangelization congregation, has recovered from the coronavirus, the Philippine bishops’ news service
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for Rockville Centre
A grateful diaconal bow to my friend Father Michael Duffy (he's the bearded one in the back row), rector of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/24/20
President Trump promises to sign order protecting babies born alive (CNS) President Donald Trump said Sept. 23 he would sign
‘The pope’s favorite nun’ named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
Details: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/23/20
In battleground states, Catholics are pivotal swing vote (AP) For decades, Roman Catholic voters have been a pivotal swing vote
In new video, Father Altman stands by his message denouncing Catholic Democrats
Details: In a new video, Father James Altman of La Crosse said he stands by his messages from a past video that Catholic
Vatican reaffirms euthanasia as an intrinsic evil
Details from CNA: In a new document released Tuesday, the Vatican’s doctrinal office reaffirmed the Church’s perennial teaching on the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/22/20
Vatican releases letter condemning euthanasia (Vatican News) On Tuesday, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced the publication
EWTN poll: Biden leads Trump among Catholics, but Trump ahead among ‘most observant’
From The Hill: Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden holds a 12-point lead over President Trump among likely voters who identify as Catholic, according to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/21/20
Church begins canonization process for Father Gabriel Richard (The Detroit News) The Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit has started
‘We Are Essential; Free the Mass’: WATCH San Francisco Catholics march
Details: Led by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Joseph Cordileone, hundreds of Catholics marched in San Francisco Sunday, demanding city health
Another Catholic for the Supreme Court?
Photo: Tom Tracy/Florida Catholic President Trump announced Saturday that his nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Buffalo
This image (and more) can be found at the Facebook page for Buffalo Deacons. They were ordained Saturday at Buffalo's
‘Let us not become the evil we despise’: Archdiocese calls for group to withdraw award to AG Barr
This is quite extraordinary: the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, led by Archbishop John Wester, has issued a very public rebuke
Pastor invites men to volunteer for firearms training for the ‘physical defense of the parish’
It's happening in South Bend, Indiana. From NCR: The pastor of a church in what was once the city's Polish
Ordination update: 1 new deacon for Palm Beach
The story, from Deacon Deacon Martin Serraes, Episcopal Delegate for Permanent Deacons: Bishop Gerald Barbarito ordained Deacon Michael McDonald (second
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/18/20
Amarillo disavows statements by Father Pavone (CNA) The Diocese of Amarillo has spoken out about election-related comments from Fr. Frank
Diocese of Amarillo issues statement on Father Frank Pavone
From the diocese's website: Recently Father Frank Pavone has posted a variety of messages and statements in regard to the
WATCH: My conversation with Deacon Bill Ditewig
Here's something new and different: a little experiment I'm calling "The Deacon's Mic." You could consider this the pilot episode
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/17/20
Address of bishop to seminarians: include everyone in your ministry (Chicago Catholic) "We have a great pastoral challenge before us.
Variety: Netflix cancellations surge in ‘Cuties’ backlash
This is pretty remarkable: A campaign waged against Netflix over “Cuties” and the film’s sexualized portrayal of children produced a surge in
Jolt: Another priest discovers he was invalidly baptized
And once again, the one performing the invalid baptism was a deacon. From CNA: In the second known instance in
Growth ministry in Texas: Disaster Spiritual Care
An excellent and creative idea! From CNS: When people see their homes destroyed by flood or other disaster that forces
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/16/20
In pastoral letter, bishop urges effective communication of the Gospel (Catholic Herald) At a time when all people are yearning
Boom: diocese opens $20 million seminary
From The Charlotte Observer: With a blessing and the sprinkling of Holy Water, Charlotte Catholic Bishop Peter Jugis on Tuesday
‘God so loved the world that he also gave us Mary’: Homily for Our Lady of Sorrows
Today's feast also happens to be the feast of my parish, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Here's part of a
Great moments in journalism: a photo caption for the ages
Eagle-eyed reader Paul Stockell noticed this, from a story about the installation of the new bishop of Cleveland in the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/15/20
SF Catholics plan processions to 'free the Mass' (CNA) The Archbishop of San Francisco has called Catholics to participate in
New law in Australia requires priests to break seal of confession or face jail
Details: A new law requires priests in the state of Queensland to break the seal of confession to report child
‘Love never fails’: Homily at the memorial Mass for a man who died too young
Bobby Heyer died last month at the age of 24. Bobby was an altar server at our parish for several
‘O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree…’
Today marks the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. What better time to crank up the volume and hear
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/14/20
Archbishop urges people to return to Mass, says it is a grave sin to miss it (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Milwaukee
Ordination update: 35 new deacons for Harrisburg
Bishop Ronald Gainer ordained a YUGE class on Saturday at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. The new deacons, from the
‘Come back to Mass!’
What's your parish doing to encourage people to come back? One place in South Carolina has taken to social media
How is the pandemic affecting clergy?
As the months of the pandemic have dragged on, we've heard a lot of stories about how people are coping,
Cardinal Tagle tests positive for COVID-19
Details, from NCR: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the head of the Vatican's powerful evangelization office and a close collaborator of
‘We are being lied to’: Priest in homily calls COVID-19 man-made, part of a conspiracy
Pray for this priest and his flock. Details: A Minnesota Catholic priest said in a homily Sunday that COVID-19 was
In a first, Franciscan Friar of the Renewal is named a bishop
Via CNA: Pope Francis Friday appointed three auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Chicago, including one of the founders of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/11/20
Pope names new auxiliaries for Chicago (Vatican News) Pope Francis appointed Fathers Jeffrey Glob, Kevin Birmingham, and Robert J Lombardo,
Father Altman: ‘This might be the last livestream of the holy sacrifice of the Mass I can give’
The priest who has provoked considerable attention on social media made that announcement at the end of Mass on Thursday.
Bishop issues statement on ‘fraternal correction’ of Father James Altman
UPDATE: Father Altman made a statement about his circumstances at the end of Mass Thursday. Watch it here. Many are
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/10/20
Tabernacle stolen from Canadian cathedral (CNA) The Bishop of St. Catharines, Ontario is pleading for thieves to return the consecrated
History: Royal Australian Navy welcomes its first permanent deacon
From Down Under, and The Catholic Weekly in Australia: The Royal Australian Navy welcomed its first permanent deacon with the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/9/20
Navy says Catholic Masses on bases will continue (San Diego Union-Tribune) Roman Catholic services will continue on board Southern California
UPDATE: Navy changes course, says Catholic Masses on bases will continue
From The San Diego Union-Tribune: Roman Catholic services will continue on board Southern California Naval bases at least for the
‘It is difficult to fathom’: More on Navy’s decision to cancel priest contracts
BREAKING: Late Tuesday, the U.S. Navy announced Roman Catholic services will continue on board Southern California Naval bases at least
Traveling mercies, Charlie Wilson
I was saddened to learn over the weekend that another CBS News legend had passed: the great Charlie "Mongo" Wilson.
Pope Francis praises dialogue in new collection of conversations with ‘pious agnostic’
Details from CNA: A book publishing conversations between Pope Francis and Carlo Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food organization,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/8/20
Pope greets athletes promoting human dignity (Vatican News) Pope Francis greeted athletes taking part in the “We Run Together” initiative,
Urban lectio for Labor Day: ‘God has created me to do Him some definite service’
"God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has
Shock: Bishop-elect of Duluth resigns over abuse allegation
From CNA: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Bishop-elect of Duluth, Minnesota, Michel J. Mulloy, after an accusation
WATCH: In powerful video, archbishop whose own father was murdered argues against the death penalty
From CNA: In 1948, Fred Naumann was the assistant manager of a St. Louis liquor store. One night, a week
Navy ends Catholic Masses at bases
We all know there's a shortage of priestly vocations — but some places are feeling the effects more dramatically than
Ordination update: 1 new priest, 13 new deacons for Albany
From The Albany Times Union: Charles Onyeneke was ordained into the priesthood during a ceremony Saturday at Albany’s Cathedral of
Report: Growing number of Catholic schools are shutting down forever
And the pandemic continues to take a toll: In more than four decades of coaching girls’ basketball at Lebanon Catholic
Pope Francis prepares a new encyclical, to be signed October 3
From CNS: Pope Francis will travel to Assisi Oct. 3 to sign an encyclical on the social, political and economic
Trump to give Presidential Medal of Freedom to Notre Dame’s Lou Holtz
Via The Washington Post: President Trump announced during a news briefing that former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who
Pope Francis reveals why he said ‘no’ to married priests
From The Tablet in the UK: Pope Francis decided against giving the green light to married priests after the Amazon
Meet America’s new needy
“Just because I have a car doesn’t mean I have enough money to buy food.” A sobering piece of news
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/4/20
Benedict surpasses record of oldest pope (Rome Reports) As of Sept. 4, Benedict XVI becomes the oldest pope in history.
‘If I lock myself in my room fearing the virus, my ordination as a missionary priest is useless’
You may remember this story from April, about a priest in the U.S. peddling from house to house to visit
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/3/20
Pope announces day of prayer, fasting for Lebanon (CNS) Pope Francis has asked Catholics and all people of goodwill to
Here’s something you don’t see every day: Confirmation using the Extraordinary Form
Fr. Z. posted pictures on his blog and his Latin Mass Society site, noting: His Excellency Most Reverend Donald J.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/2/20
Another Catholic newspaper stops publication (The Buffalo News) The Western New York Catholic newspaper, which chronicles the Diocese of Buffalo,
Deacon presides at roadside funeral services: ‘This is a traumatic way to say goodbye’
"As the church we have to be here to help people and accompany them in their grief.” From CNS: Deacon
Whatever happened to Martin Gugino?
You may remember him as the elderly man who was injured during a protest in Buffalo back in June. Now
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/1/20
Border guards stop Catholic archbishop at border of Belarus (CNA) Border guards blocked a Catholic archbishop from returning to Belarus
You’re invited: join me for a deacon webinar on preaching
Brother Silas Henderson, from the Jordan Ministry Team, has generously asked me to do a little something on that little
The sacraments have left the building: how some churches are coping with COVID
An interesting slice of Catholic life, via Religion News Service: Catholic churches in California have been resuming baptism, First Communion
Ordination update: 22 new deacons for St. Louis
That's a big class! Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos! I haven't been able to find details yet about
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/31/20
Unsealed archives gives fresh look at Pope Pius and the holocaust (The New York Times) In an article published in The Atlantic on
Two brothers, both bishops: meet the Parkes
“In the history of the Catholic Church in the United States, we are the 11th combination of brothers that are
‘The priest must forego engagement in forms of active politics…in order to remain the man of all’
This was recently brought to my attention, and it is worth reading: a timely excerpt from "The Directory for the
Ordination update: 3 new deacons for Cleveland
From the Diocese of Cleveland website: Five years of preparation -- a year of aspirancy and four years of education
Ordination update: 4 more deacons for San Bernardino
Last week, I posted on the ordinations in San Bernardino. Now, an update, from Rich Herbst: The Diocese of San
How’d they do that? Recreating Fatima for ‘Fatima’
An interesting behind-the-scenes piece from, of all places, Variety: Director Marco Pontecorvo shot his film “Fátima” entirely on location in Portugal, not
Chalice desecrated by ISIS on display in Spain
"This chalice was used by the jihadists for target practice." From CNA: As part of an effort to remember and
A message for our time: ‘God loves each of us as if there were only one of us’
"Never doubt this, whatever may happen to you in life: at every moment, you are infinitely loved." — Pope Francis
After delay, Albany announces ordinations: 1 priest, 13 deacons in September
The press release just landed in my in-box: Ordination to the priesthood and diaconate for the Roman Catholic Diocese of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/28/20
Weekly public General Audiences with pope to resume (Vatican News) The Prefecture of the Pontifical Household announced on Wednesday that
Meet me in St. Louis: the new Archbishop Mitch Rozanski, son of Baltimore
This is a nice profile of the new archbishop of St. Louis, Mitchell Rozanski, from the Catholic Review of Baltimore:
Makers of sacramental wine, altar bread suffering during pandemic
Here's a struggling industry that hasn't gotten much attention during the pandemic, but attention must be paid. From CNS: With
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/27/20
Germany: over 1,400 youths accuse Catholic orders of sex abuse (DW) As the German Catholic Church seeks to acknowledge decades
Who can a Catholic vote for?
"Stop telling fellow Catholics they’re committing a mortal sin if they vote for So-and-so." — Michelle Arnold With election season
Maryland bishops issue letter marking 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote
This is something rare — and it's a little news from my home state — wherein a conference of bishops
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/26/20
Abby Johnson describes reality of abortion at convention (Politico) Abby Johnson, who quit her job running a Planned Parenthood clinic
‘We admit our error’: OCP issues apology for missal cover depicting Mormon icon
This development caused quite a stir yesterday: a leading Catholic music publisher evidently used a painting depicting a leading symbol
Catholic doctors write: ‘Guidelines to celebrate Mass safely are working’
Three Catholic doctors, including Deacon Timothy Flanigan, authored this piece, published online on the site Real Clear Science: Catholic churches
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/25/20
Suspect who punched woman at Mass identified (AP) Police say they have identified a suspect but charges have been deferred
WATCH: Cardinal Dolan’s prayer for the Republican National Convention
These are the words that opened the gathering Monday night, delivered from New York City. A moment of grace that
The new ‘Fatima’ movie: seeing is believing
My first thought when I saw the Virgin Mary was: "She's barefoot. And walking in mud." And for that reason
The critics of Pope Francis: ‘Adding more confusion to an already chaotic time’
My friend Deacon Bill Ditewig adds his voice — and what he has to say is worth hearing: No one
UPDATE: Who’s that on the cover of the OCP missal?
UPDATE: OCP has posted an explanation of this image on social media, which I've added at the end. The image
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/24/20
Woman attacks lector during Mass at Philadelphia cathedral (NBC Philadelphia) An investigation is underway after a suspect was caught on
VIDEO: Woman attacks lector during Mass at Philadelphia cathedral
The story, from NBC in Philadelphia: An investigation is underway after a suspect was caught on live video punching a
Must-read of the day: how to argue like a Christian
Anyone who spends any amount of time online needs to read this. Now. From Tom Hoopes at Aleteia: We who
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for San Bernardino — so far
I got this email late Saturday, from Rich Herbst in the bishop's office in San Bernardino: The Diocese of San
‘Strange and painful’: Detroit priest talks about the baptism that wasn’t
From the Archdiocese of Detroit, a new video featuring the priest at the center of a sacramental storm: Fr. Matthew
Alert: Detroit warns of possibly invalid baptisms performed by a deacon
This is an extraordinary letter from Archbishop Vigneron, posted on the Archdiocese of Detroit website: Dear brothers and sisters in
Ordination update: 14 new deacons for Paterson
Kudos to Brooklyn's own, Bishop Kevin Sweeney, who today ordained his first batch of deacons at his new perch in
The courage to speak: Homily for August 23, 2020, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
I don’t think anyone expected that the most powerful speech at the Democratic Convention last week would be delivered by
Public prayer at a convention: ‘The divine demand for human action’
Rabbi Lauren Berkin delivered one of the prayers at the end of the Democratic National Convention Thursday night, just ahead
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/21/20
'Terrified' Catholic school teachers in Chicago call for online teaching (Chicago Sun-Times) A group representing hundreds of teachers and parents
UPDATE: Bodies of missing Detroit priest, parishioner found
Details from The Detroit Free Press: The body of the Rev. Stephen Rooney, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in
When ‘sorry’ seems to be the hardest word: On apologies and Acts of Contrition
Earlier today, I posted the news that the disgraced former bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, Michael J. Bransfield, had written a letter
Diocese releases details of how Bransfield must make ‘personal amends,’ publishes his letter of apology
From the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston website Thursday morning, a letter from Bishop Mark Brennan: I wish to announce to the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/20/20
Pandemic creates unique challenges for deaf Catholics (Chicago Catholic) COVID-19 has forced people all over the world to adapt to
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for San Antonio
Photos from the Archdiocese of San Antonio Facebook page — and details (thank you!) from Deacon Roger Macias: Archbishop Gustavo
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/19/20
More new bishops than priests to be ordained in Ireland (The Independent) More new bishops will be ordained in Ireland
Cardinal Dolan to pray at GOP convention
Details: Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York will offer a prayer at the opening of the Republican National Convention next
Beat the clock: Santa Fe issues five-minute limit on homilies — and it comes with a threat
Do you think the people in the pews are complaining? From CNA: Priests in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe have
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for San Francisco
From Catholic San Francisco: Mary’s Magnificat highlights the revolutionary changes that Christianity brings into the world and outlines the path
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/18/20
Catholic community honoring priest still missing from boating accident (WTVG) Many hearts are heavy for Catholics in Monroe County after
Death of Brooklyn priest believed to be a suicide
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, of the Archdiocese of Military Services, announced the news to priests in a letter on Monday: As
Prayers needed: for Detroit priest, parishioner missing after boating accident
Details: Police are searching for a former Monroe priest and another man after their boat carrying nearly 15 passengers capsized
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Baton Rouge
A grateful diaconal bow to Paul Counce, for alerting me to this! From The Catholic Commentator: The new deacons are:
The Forgotten Ones: When a sister leaves religious life
"This was the most heartbreaking thing I was ever asked to do in my years of religious life." A part
VIDEO: After winning defamation suit, Detroit’s Father Perrone speaks out
From the Detroit Free Press: Father Eduard Perrone says he's been vindicated in a sex abuse case against him, and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/17/20
Cincinnati cathedral becomes a basilica (CNA) The Archdiocese of Cincinnati announced Saturday that Pope Francis has granted the title of
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Rochester
Photo: Jeff Witherow | Catholic Courier “I’m not doing this for me. I am saying, ‘Yes, Lord, I will serve
VIDEO UPDATE from Msgr. Charles Pope: ‘My Journey Through COVID’
The Washington pastor who has been battling COVID-19 has posted a new video with an update on his condition, expressing
‘Lord, help me’: Homily for August 16, 2020, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
If you were looking for just three words that summed up these times in which we live, they are here
CDC: one in four young adults has recently contemplated suicide
"It’s a reminder of who God is and what we are not. We have to trust in his providence to
Just another seminarian in Rome: Oscar Romero in 1942
The photo above was taken around the time of young Oscar Romero's ordination. He was born on this date in
Report: SC Catholic teachers required to sign COVID-19 waiver
"It's this or no job..." Details: Some S.C. teachers working at private Catholic schools returning to in-person instruction this month
Check this out: The Bench is getting a little bigger
Some exciting news: I'm launching a Patreon page to support The Deacon's Bench and give readers a few extra perks.
The man Maximilian Kolbe replaced at Auschwitz
Since today is the great saint's feast, here's something from the vault from 2015. The story of his martyrdom is
When a ‘Family Pastoral Service Team’ runs a parish
Not so very long ago, something like this would have been unthinkable, especially in a place like Italy. But this
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/14/20
The annual Assumption tradition: blessing the sea (CNA) For hundreds of years, Catholic parishes in coastal cities have participated in
Lives well-lived: some of the sisters who have died of COVID-19
Here's something rare for the secular press: profiles of six religious sisters who died from complications of COVID-19, from The
California church defies COVID-19 restrictions — and takes its case to court
"We open the doors because that's what we are." From CNN: To hear Pastor John MacArthur tell it, all Grace
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/13/20
Catholics react to Kamala Harris as Biden running mate (CNA) Catholics and pro-life organizations offered a range of reactions to
Mourning from afar: Grief ministry during a time of social distancing
How one diocese is doing it, from Catholic San Francisco: As people enter a fifth month of social distancing during
UPDATE: What led to the excommunication of Father Leatherby?
The Sacramento Bee has more background this morning about the excommunication of Father Jeremy Leatherby: Leatherby was suspended in 2016
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/12/20
Harris brings Baptist, interfaith roots to Dem ticket (AP) Kamala Harris, tapped on Tuesday as Joe Biden’s running mate, attended
Back to church: Sioux Falls become first diocese in U.S. to reinstate Sunday obligation
From CNA: Some Catholics in South Dakota will once again be obligated to go to Sunday Mass, after the Diocese of
Whatever happened to West Virginia’s disgraced ex-Bishop Bransfield?
The Washington Post's Michelle Boorstein decided to try and find out: More than a year after Pope Francis ordered ousted
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/11/20
Pope baptizes twins after surgery to separate them (CNS) Their heads encased in white bandages covering the wounds where they
Bishop: ‘Why I established a Personal Parish for Black Catholics’
"We're responding to the special needs of Black Catholics in our area." You may recall when this story out of
Divine inspiration: How one church in New Orleans is enforcing social distancing
This is great: from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, via Facebook:
On St. Lawrence: ‘He performed the office of deacon; it was there that he shed his own blood for the name of Christ’
Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Mattia Preti is in the Co-Cathedral of Valletta. Image by Lawrence OP / Creative Commons
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/10/20
Future of many Catholic schools in doubt (AP) As the new academic year arrives, school systems across the United States
Urban lectio: ‘Let’s be flexible while being deeply rooted’
Tree in Queens, New York, felled by Tropical Storm Isaias. "Trees look strong compared with the wild reeds in the
Los Angeles ordains new priests in historic outdoor ceremony
From The LA Daily News: Los Angles Archbishop José Gomez ordained eight new priests on Saturday, Aug. 8 in the
Sacramento priest excommunicated ‘by his own volition’ — UPDATED
It is extraordinary for a bishop to make a statement like this about one of his priests. From The Sacramento
Walking on water: Homily for August 9, 2020, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Gospel reminded me of a trip I made back in January to Minnesota. Believe it or not, the weather
Survey: Americans oppose religious exemptions from COVID restrictions
From Pew: A new Pew Research Center survey finds that U.S. adults overwhelmingly say houses of worship should be required
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/7/20
Trump claims Biden is 'against God' (CBS News) President Trump claimed Thursday that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden --
‘A pure soul’: Grieving the sudden death of a young Catholic, the son of a priest
Isaac Scharbach is shown in prayer while attending Mount St. Joseph High School in Irvington, Maryland. (Courtesy Mount St. Joseph/Catholic
CDF affirms once again: Changing the formula makes baptism invalid
"Modifying the form of the celebration of a Sacrament is a wound inflicted upon the ecclesial communion..." The Vatican has
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/6/20
Cardinal: 'The Church has a great duty' following Beirut blast (CNA)“Beirut is a devastated city. A catastrophe struck there because
NY Times: How families are finding God, grace, faith outside of church during pandemic
The paper looks at a number of religious traditions and finds we're all in the same boat: One of the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/5/20
Pope Francis prays for Lebanon (CNS) After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for
Stunning video: A Catholic church is rocked by an explosion in Beirut
This was during a televised liturgy Tuesday in Lebanon. Just watch below. Social media reports that the priest, incredibly, was
Billy Graham statue to replace that of white supremacist in U.S. Capitol
From RNS: A life-sized statue of the Rev. Billy Graham will be installed in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall collection sometime next
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/4/20
Masses canceled in Manila as COVID surges (UCANews.com) A Manila bishop has canceled all Masses and liturgical celebrations in 44
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Green Bay
Photo: Sam Lucero/The Compass From the Facebook page of The Compass: Bishop David Ricken ordained eight men to the diaconate
Great moments in journalism UPDATED: The Washington Post bungles Catholic Communion
In a story Sunday about Msgr. Charles Pope — the Washington, D.C. pastor battling COVID — Rebecca Tan of The
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/3/20
John Hume, Irish Catholic Nobel Peace Prize laureate, dies (Reuters) John Hume, a Roman Catholic architect of Northern Ireland's Good
Urban lectio: ‘You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow’
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year
UPDATE: Health warning issued to Msgr. Pope’s parishioners exposed to COVID-19
Last week, I posted the news that Msgr. Charles Pope had tested positive for COVID-19 and was under quarantine. His
Loaves and fishes … and sharing?
Once again, this weekend we encounter the Gospel describing the miracle of the loaves and fishes: how thousands were fed
‘Terrorism’: Crucifix in Managua cathedral attacked
From Vatican News: Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes, Archbishop of Managua, has described an attack on the city’s Catholic cathedral as
Diocese suspends payments to sex abuse victims, citing COVID-19
From The Philadelphia Inquirer: Citing financial losses resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden said Friday
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/31/20
Closure of Catholic schools is 'devastating' (NPR) Catholic schools in urban neighborhoods, often seen as an attractive option by low
What John Lewis carried: ‘The Seven Storey Mountain’ by Thomas Merton
"I think he figured that if Thomas Merton could find his way and keep his faith and believe in the
Prayer request: For Msgr. Charles Pope, who has tested positive for COVID-19
Many of you know Msgr. Charles Pope from his writings in the National Catholic Register and elsewhere. Thursday morning, a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/30/20
San Francisco priest tells flock: COVID is real, but news reports are 'largely unreal' (SFist.com) This week we learned of
Florida diocese will require parents to sign a COVID waiver when kids go back to school
From The Tampa Bay Times: As students prepare to return to classes, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg stands ready
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/29/20
Amid racism charges against Flannery O'Connor, Loyola University Maryland renames hall (Catholic Review) Thirteen years after he named a new
‘Trump’s ambassador to Catholics’: Kimberly Guilfoyle
“I couldn’t be more proud as a devout Catholic myself to be able to spread the message and the word
A bishop on his deacons: ‘Blessings to you, and you are very important to me’
This follows the ordination over the weekend in Madison, Wisconsin: a wonderful and vocation-affirming message from Bishop Donald Hying, posted
Ordination update: 3 new deacons for Madison
From my friend Deacon Jim Hoegemeier: On Sunday, July 26, for the first time since 2004, multiple men (20 ordained
A COVID-19 wedding calculator?
Well, yes. With the news that some members of a "covert" Catholic wedding in San Francisco now have COVID-19, maybe
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/28/20
San Francisco won't take action against archdiocese for hosting wedding (San Francisco Chronicle) It appears San Francisco officials won’t take
Notre Dame withdraws from hosting first presidential debate
From CNN: The University of Notre Dame announced Monday it will withdraw from hosting the first presidential debate in September
Catch this webinar: ‘Making Cyber Space Sacred Space’
This looks like something a lot of people will want to take part in — and with my good
Urban Lectio: ‘We are the times’
“Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/27/20
Church volunteer confesses to arson at Nantes cathedral (AP) French authorities detained and charged a repentant church volunteer Sunday after
Senator: He will only support SCOTUS nominee who says Roe v. Wade was ‘wrongly decided’
Photo: by Natureofthought/Wikipedia/Creative Commons From The Washington Post: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said
‘God loves all simple things…’
In the early 1970s Leonard Bernstein composed a dramatic oratorio, Mass, for the inauguration of the Kennedy Center for the Performing
R.I.P. Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, Catholic
Photo: Catholic New York The celebrated talk show host died this week at the age of 88. And from the
‘He goes and sells all that he has’: Homily for July 26, 2020, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
How much are you willing to give up for God? That’s really the question this Sunday — whether we realize
City of Ventura removes statue of St. Junipero Serra
Photo by Marianne Muegenburg Cothern/Flickr/Creative Commons One of those supporting the move was the city's public works director, Deacon Phil
Father Frank Pavone resigns as advisor to Trump reelection campaign
“I’ve been requested by the competent ecclesiastical authority not to have an official title/position on the advisory boards. So, as
‘Modernist ruin’: Former Catholic seminary in Scotland given away after years of decay
Photo of seminary chapel. (by Maccoinnich~commonswiki, Wikipedia/Creative Commons) Some news for devotees of ugly architecture, from the BBC: The ownership
SCOTUS rejects church’s challenge to shutdown restrictions
From The New York Times: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request from a church in Nevada to block enforcement of
Gallup looks at ‘Joe Biden and the Catholic Factor’
Photo: by Phil Roeder/Creative Commons license The polling giant has some interesting analysis today from one of its scientists, Frank
WATCH: Reunion of little girl and her parents after ‘accidental exile’ caused by the pandemic
This slays me. This little girl was visiting her grandmother in Ukraine when Israel sealed its borders, due to COVID-19.
Deacons find innovative ways to serve during the pandemic
Check this out, from Denver Catholic: Our eyes may be used to the men who assist the priest during the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/24/20
Attacks on Catholic statues seen as 'signs of society in need of healing' (CNS) A wave of recent attacks on
‘An act of self-harm’: Historic cathedral in Vietnam being demolished
From The New York Times: The historic Bui Chu Cathedral in Vietnam, a 135-year-old church considered by many an architectural
Can you get the coronavirus through holy water?
This video popped up on social media the other day, touting a "contactless" holy water dispenser, presumably helping to protect
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/23/20
Lawsuit: McCarrick ran beach house 'sex ring' (NJ.com) In a lawsuit, they charged other priests served as “procurers” to bring
Ordination update: 20 new deacons for Kansas City
Photo: Jenny Frazee/The Leaven From The Leaven: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said he is hoping that with the ordination of
Ordination update: 22 new deacons for Newark
It happened on July 11, the Feast of St. Benedict. In an unusual move, Cardinal Joseph Tobin ordained the men
Mary Magdalene’s witness: ‘Here’s what I can tell you: I was one way. And now I am completely different.’
Today marks the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. I was reminded of this beautiful scene in "The Chosen," when Nicodemus
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/22/20
Catholic, Orthodox churches to observe day of mourning for Hagia Sophia (CNA) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Tuesday
Lord, have mercy: Michigan convent loses 13 sisters to coronavirus
From CNN, via the Global Sisters Report: Coronavirus spread so quickly through a convent in Michigan that it claimed the
California county may remove St. Junipero Serra from official seal
From CNA: The Ventura County seal’s left side is dominated by an image of Serra, with a mission church in
Are they wearing masks at your parish?
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay This story out of Minnesota suggests the practice is far from uniform: Mask-wearing is
Planned Parenthood to remove Sanger’s name from NYC clinic
From The New York Times: Planned Parenthood of Greater New York will remove the name of Margaret Sanger, a founder
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/21/20
Catholic cathedral in Syria that survived missile attacks reopens (CNA) A Catholic cathedral that was repeatedly struck by missiles amid
New Vatican document discusses role of deacons in parishes — UPDATED
This piece of news got some attention Monday morning: The Vatican reiterated July 20 that Catholic parishes should normally be
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/20/20
Statue of Jesus beheaded in Florida church (AP) Someone beheaded a statue of Jesus Christ in the courtyard of a
Urban lectio: Love is possible
Sticker posted on a scaffolding in Queens. "Some people ask how it is possible to speak of good news when
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Tulsa
From the diocesan Facebook page: On July 18, 2020 at Holy Family Cathedral, Bishop David Konderla ordained seven men into
Philadelphia deacon blends spreadsheets, sacraments, service
Photo: Sarah Webb/CatholicPhilly.com A nice profile of a newly ordained deacon from CatholicPhilly.com: A longtime archdiocesan staffer, newly ordained as
Wheat among weeds: Homily for July 19, 2020, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Note: At my parish this summer, we're dealing with a hot hall, loud fans and uncomfortable folding chairs, plus masks
Fire breaks out at historic Nantes cathedral; arson suspected
From CNN: An arson investigation has being launched into a fire that broke out in a cathedral in the western
‘Unconstitutional abuse of power’: Churches sue California’s governor over ban on singing
From RNS: Three evangelical churches in California have sued Gov. Gavin Newsom for banning singing and chanting in places of
Auf Wiedersehen: German archdiocese plans to cut parishes from 1,000 to 40
Some jaw-dropping news, from CNA: A German archdiocese is pressing ahead with plans to dramatically reduce the number of its
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/17/20
Auxiliary / Vicar General of Chicago named bishop of Joliet (Vatican) The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks,
Jonathan Morris is engaged
Details from The Daily Mail: Fox News priest Jonathan Morris is engaged to be married, DailyMail.com can reveal. The Fox
Scorsese on life in lockdown: ‘It focused me on the essentials of my life’
The acclaimed film director spoke recently with Antonio Spadaro, S.J., for La Civiltà Cattolica about his experience over the last
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/16/20
A new bishop for Cleveland (Vatican News) The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Edward C. Malesic of the Diocese of
History: Archdiocese of Los Angeles gets its first basilica
From Angelus: When Father Tom Elewaut saw the name on his phone’s caller ID the night of June 30, the
We need this: some encouraging news on COVID-19 research
From Bloomberg, a profile of researcher Sarah Gilbert, who is making tremendous strides with the Oxford vaccine: At the end
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/15/20
Study: lead poisoning from Notre Dame fire worse than first thought (CNS) When the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris went
Where did the Payroll Protection Program money go? One priest explains.
An important read, from CNS: By some estimates, thousands of individual churches, schools, food pantries and other social service programs
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/14/20
Archbishop recovers from COVID, dies of strokes (CNS) A leading Bangladeshi archbishop died just weeks after apparently recovering from COVID-19,
So this is a thing now: clergy face masks
Look what I found on Etsy. Details: Masks are reversible and made with a black cotton/polyester blend outer layer (with
As COVID cases surge, California bans indoor church services, closes gyms, restaurants and more
Details: Bars and inside restaurant dining are banned throughout California, while indoor religious services, gyms and hair and nail salons
Panel rules charges against Detroit’s Father Perrone are ‘false and defamatory’
Some big news from The Macomb Daily: A Macomb County Sheriff’s detective’s claim that a suspended Detroit Catholic priest sexually
A message to a devastated mission: ‘Let us bear every hardship for the love of You and the salvation of souls’
From Angelus News, here is part of Archbishop Gomez's homily to the people of the San Gabriel Mission, after fire
Urban lectio: Devotion
These women were praying Sunday morning after Mass in the "Mary Garden" outside my parish in Queens. Several weeks ago,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/13/20
Man charged in arson attack on Florida Catholic church (AP) A man accused of setting a Florida church on fire
Meet the TV news anchor who became a priest
Wait. What?! From CNA: This Sunday, a Catholic priest will embark on a 320-mile, 5-day bike ride to recruit young
‘It truly is a loss for all of our history here in California’
An investigation is under way to determine what caused the fire that destroyed much of the San Gabriel Mission yesterday.
‘Shocking’: Far fewer persecuted Christians being admitted to U.S.
From The Washington Post: The number of Christian refugees admitted to the United States after fleeing persecution in their native
‘Heartbreaking’: fire destroys historic San Gabriel Mission
From The Los Angeles Times: A massive fire ripped through the 249-year-old San Gabriel Mission early Saturday, destroying the roof
Need a smile? Here. You’re welcome.
From those clever people at Anheuser-Busch, here's a rare new Budweiser commercial that is not debuting during the Super Bowl
Bishops respond to AP report on Paycheck Protection Program
St. Lawrence giving the wealth to the poor (by Palma Il Giovane, 1582). This item from the Associated Press got
Erdogan signs order allowing Muslim prayers in Hagia Sophia
It seems inevitable that this cherished landmark — originally a Byzantine Christian cathedral — will now become a mosque. From
A priest writes about ‘the unchurching of Catholics’ — and what to do about it
This is a sobering read, but one well worth your time, from my friend and former blog neighbor Msgr. Eric
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/10/20
Notre Dame spire to be restored to original design (BBC) The spire of Notre Dame cathedral, which was destroyed in
More COVID-19 casualties: 20 New York City Catholic schools to close
The announcement: The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York today announced 20 Catholic schools
‘What I missed most about being quarantined was serving at Mass as a deacon’
From The Hawaii Catholic Herald, Deacon Fred Carahasen describes an experience I think many deacons will recognize: Coming out of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/9/20
How SCOTUS ruling could affect cases of teachers fired from Catholic school over same-sex marriage (IndyStar) The ruling could hurt
NY Times: ‘New outbreaks of coronavirus are surging through churches’
Details: Weeks after President Trump demanded that America’s shuttered houses of worship be allowed to reopen, new outbreaks of the
‘Friends, Catholics must stop tearing each other apart online…’
This latest video from Bishop Robert Barron says something we all need to hear right now: We should be outraged
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/8/20
Supreme Court rulings side with religious employers (The New York Times) The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a Trump administration
Must-read: Dr. Fauci’s boss on the pandemic, vaccines and faith
A grateful diaconal bow to my friend Father Dan Pacholec, who posted this on Facebook. From New York magazine, here's
Sister who died of COVID-19 reportedly first nun in India to be cremated
Heartbreaking, via UCA News: Ashes of the first Indian Catholic nun to be cremated were interred in her congregation’s cemetery
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/7/20
Faith leaders ask Congress to increase overseas pandemic aid (CNS) Three dozen faith-based organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, have asked
We started having public Masses again. Here’s what happened.
After nearly four months, we resumed public Masses at my parish this weekend, and what a blessing it was. It
A few saintly deacons you may not have heard about
My friend Kevin di Camillo draws our attention to a few of them in the National Catholic Register: St. Ephrem
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/6/20
Serra statue destroyed at state capital (The Sacramento Bee) A statue of Junipero Serra, the Franciscan priest who helped to
The faith of Hamilton — and ‘Hamilton’
Like a lot of people with a pulse, I saw "Hamilton" this weekend. (Spoiler alert: everything you've heard is true.
The song goes on: Homily for July 5, 2020, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Note: This weekend, my parish resumes Sunday Masses for the first time in almost four months. The other day PBS
A cardinal’s homily at an ordination: ‘Don’t expect it to be easy’
Last weekend, Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ ordained 18 men — 2 priests and 18 deacons — from all around the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/3/20
California bans singing in churches (Sacramento Bee) Updated COVID-19 guidelines issued Wednesday by the state Department of Public Health require
Archdiocese of San Francisco ordered to halt indoor public Masses
Details from CNA: The Archdiocese of San Francisco is pledging to comply with the city and county public health orders
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/2/20
Tucson suspends public worship among COVID-19 surge (KOLD) the Diocese of Tucson once again suspended public worship in response to
What happened to Father Thomas Haake?
Some of you may have seen this on social media: @TaylorRMarshall please pray for Fr. Thomas Haake, he was
‘Junípero sought to defend the dignity of the native community…’
For today, the Feast of St. Junípero Serra, here's a flashback from five years ago: "The Church, the holy People
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/1/20
Georg Ratzinger, Benedict's brother, dies at 96 (Vatican News) Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of the Pope emeritus, has died,
Ordination update: 11 new deacons for Las Cruces
A grateful diaconal bow to shiny new Deacon John Eric Munson, who sent me this happy news: Ten men were
USCCB releases annual survey on the permanent diaconate
Some must-read material on deacons from the U.S. bishops this week: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on
Gun show at Catholic parish draws protest in Wisconsin
Details, via NCR: A retired Catholic school teacher is protesting how a small Catholic church in rural Wisconsin has been
Quote of the day: Pope Francis’s message to the Catholic Press Association
This is something remarkable: a message from the Holy Father to members of the Catholic Press Association, beginning a "virtual
SCOTUS opens door to funding religious schools
From CNN: In a ruling that will open the door to more public funding for religious education, the Supreme Court
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/30/20
Catholic high school investigating videos of students using racial slurs (The Hartford Courant) Two students at East Catholic High School
Urban Lectio: street evangelization
For the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, a prayer for all the evangelizers in our world, however they do
BREAKING: SCOTUS strikes down law on abortion restrictions
This is the story people will be talking about today. From The New York Times: The Supreme Court on Monday
Pope Francis: ‘They did not complain about Peter; they prayed for him…’
From the pope's homily for today, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul: It is pointless, even tedious, for Christians
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/29/20
Thieves steal chalices, crucifixes from New Orleans church (NOLA.com) Someone stole chalices, crucifixes and other religious objects from St. Francis
‘He’s gonna come down’: Clash over statue of St. Louis
From The St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Tensions flared Saturday atop Art Hill in Forest Park over the symbolism behind a statue
Priest asked grads to take off masks to sing. Now one of them has COVID.
From The Miami Herald: During the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School’s graduation mass June 15, school president Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón
Atheist, husband, father — and now, a Catholic priest
A remarkable journey: check out this profile of Deacon Peter Okahima, who will — as of Saturday June 27 —
Taking up your cross: Homily for June 28, 2020, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nobody ever said it would be easy. Last Sunday, you’ll remember, Jesus told his disciples to expect to be hated
‘Letter to a New Catholic’: A Black deacon’s thoughts on race, liturgy and the American church
Over the last few days, there's been some interesting reaction to this post about Pittsburgh creating a "personal parish" for
‘O say, can you see…’: A rendition of the National Anthem you have to see
Just in time for Independence Day, here's one of the simplest, purest, most heartfelt and most welcome renditions of the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/26/20
Miami archbishop: churches safe, despite COVID-19 spike (Vatican News) “The priests were still offering the people of God the essential
Bishops: clergy sex abuse claims tripled in 2019
From AP: U.S. Roman Catholic bishops said Thursday that the church tallied 4,434 sex abuse allegations against clergy in the
Survey: 43% of U.S. Catholics consider life ‘sacred’; most Americans do not believe life has intrinsic value
This is pretty astonishing, via Christian Post: Around six in 10 Americans do not believe that human life is inherently
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/25/20
Vatican releases new directory for catechesis (Vatican News) The long-awaited updated Directory for Catechesis was released in the Vatican on
Ordination update: 19 new deacons for Colorado Springs
They were ordained by Bishop Michael Sheridan on June 20 at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. You can read profiles of
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for La Crosse
Happy news, from the diocesan website: On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 10 a.m., Mr. Arturo Vigueras Estrada, Mr. Michael
Serra statue removed from San Luis Obispo Mission
From The San Luis Obispo Tribune: The Catholic Church abruptly removed a long-standing statue of Junípero Serra from the San
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/24/20
Update on condition of 75-year-old protestor Martin Gugino (NBC New York) The 75-year-old New York protester who fractured his skull when
Cross and graves vandalized at Catholic college cemetery
From CNA: A man has been arrested and charged with vandalism and assault after swastikas were painted on the graves
Trump threatens arrest, 10-year prison term for vandalism
From Newsweek: President Donald Trump warned protesters they face 10 years in prison after targeting a statue of Andrew Jackson, while the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/23/20
New Catholic bishop arrives in Alabama during pandemic (AL.com) Bishop Steven J. Raica has moved from Michigan to Alabama and
Beautiful: under COVID-19 lockdown, a priest visits Manila’s slums to minister to the poor
This may be the last thing anyone expected to see in The New York Times on Monday, but here it
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/22/20
Archbishop issues statement on Serra statue: 'What is happening to our society?' (Archdiocese of San Francisco) What is happening to
From police officer to deacon to priest
A great vocation story, from NJ.com: As a Jersey City policeman for 25 years, Stephen Sansevere answered many calls. But
For Father’s Day: Prayer to St. Joseph
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported
Deacon ordination postponed after candidate tests positive for COVID-19
From the Archdiocese of Newark: Please be advised that the ordination of 23 permanent deacons scheduled for Saturday, June 27,
Back to church in Brooklyn: Diocese announces plans to resume public Masses
It's taken a long time, but it's finally happening. The press release: The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn,
WATCH: Protesters topple statue of St. Junipero Serra
This happened in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQNHplU0kig The story from The Mercury News: Statues of Fr. Junipero Serra,
Pittsburgh establishes personal parish for Black Catholics
The announcement from the diocese: As a follow-up to a listening session on February 23, 2020, Bishop David Zubik is
Pope declares religious sister brutally killed in satanic ritual to be a martyr
I was unfamiliar with her, but this is a story more people should know. From CNA: Pope Francis declared Friday
His eye is on the sparrow: Homily for June 21, 2020, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In 1905, a Canadian-American writer by the name of Civilla Martin was traveling with her husband through Elmira, New York
Hero: priest donates kidney to help young mother
Great story, from The Criterion: Like many parents, Rebeca Barcenas had this one overwhelming prayer that she continually shared with
WATCH: A ‘virtual’ Stations of the Cross about racism
This is a remarkable undertaking: Bishops from throughout the state of California will release a video today reenacting the Stations
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/19/20
New bishop named for Duluth (Vatican Media) Pope Francis on Friday appointed Father Michel Mulloy as the new Bishop of
RIP, Jean Kennedy Smith
The last surviving sibling of JFK has passed. From The New York Times: Jean Kennedy Smith, a sister of the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/18/20
Shock: tabernacle stolen from North Carolina church (The Watauga Democrat) According to Boone Police, an unknown suspect or suspects entered
Is this the best TV commercial ever?
This has been around for a few years, but I didn't see it until today. It is an instant classic.
READ: Columbus Catholic School president responds to name change petition
Following up on this development from the other day, David J. Eaton has published the following in a local paper
On raising a future saint: ‘I was not the ideal model of a Catholic mother’
Here's something to give all of hope: an interview with the mother of Carlo Acutis, who will be beatified this
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/17/20
I'm trying something new: a morning roundup of Catholic news and commentary that may not be on everybody's radar. Take
Petition to change name of Columbus Catholic Schools
UPDATE: The school's president has responded to the petition. Read more here. Details: An online petition is calling for Columbus Catholic Schools
‘Cannonball killer’: West Virginia sees surge in COVID-19 cases linked to churches
From Yahoo news: Less than a month after President Trump urged churches to reopen, West Virginia has reported a significant number
Ordination update: 13 new deacons for Philadelphia
From archdiocese's Facebook page, a posting by Archbishop Nelson Perez: This morning [Saturday June 13] at the Cathedral Basilica of
‘We are a community, nourished by the body and blood of Christ’
From Pope Francis' Angelus address for Corpus Christi: First, the Apostle states that: “The cup of blessing that we bless,