How Jill Biden recovered her faith after saying ‘Goodbye’ to God
Photo: by marcn / Wikipedia / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. A powerful testimony, via CNN: In May 2015, emotionally hobbled
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/18/21
Andrew Cozzens named Bishop of Crookston (Holy See Bulletin) The Holy Father has appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston
Ordination update: 4 new deacons for St. Petersburg
This news was posted by Bishop Gregory Parkes on the diocese's Facebook page over the weekend: Congratulations to Deacons Frank Averill,
Reports: U.S. missionaries and their families kidnapped in Haiti
From BBC: A group of US missionaries and their family members, including children, are reported to have been kidnapped by
Sicily imposes three-year ban on godparents for baptisms — UPDATED
God parenting, church officials said, had fallen to earth as a secular custom between relatives or neighbors — many deficient
What’s wrong with this picture?
I happened to drop by the Diocese of Orange website today and — long story — wanted to see what
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/15/21
Confirmed: Biden to meet with Pope Francis this month (NCR) Pope Francis will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and
One Catholic’s mission to protect the Church from ‘the second child abuse crisis’: youth football
From The New York Times: Denny Doyle is a committed Catholic and a lifelong football fan, and he saw little
Reports: High profile former Anglican bishop to become Catholic priest
Hot on the heels of this news about Bishop Jonathan Goodall comes this report from Damien Thompson in The Spectator
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/14/21
Judge: Church Militant rally in Baltimore can go on (AP) Baltimore city officials can’t ban a conservative Roman Catholic media
Latino Catholics have high rate of vaccination against COVID. Why?
Some interesting background and context, from RNS: Throughout the different stages of the pandemic, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Call him ‘Blessed’: Pope John Paul I to be beatified
From CNA: Pope Francis has recognized a miracle obtained through the intercession of his predecessor Venerable John Paul I, who
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/13/21
Military archbishop: Catholic troops can refuse vaccine on religious grounds (Politico) The archbishop of the U.S. military said on Tuesday
Military archbishop: Catholic troops can refuse vaccine on religious grounds
From Politico: The archbishop of the U.S. military said on Tuesday that Catholic troops could refuse the mandated Covid vaccine
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/12/21
European court rules Vatican cannot be sued (CNN) The Vatican cannot be sued in European courts because it is a
Pope asks U.S. nuncio to stay on past retirement age, help plan Biden meeting
From CNS: Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the 75-year-old apostolic nuncio to the United States, said when he met Pope Francis at
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/11/21
Report: No, Pelosi wasn't heckled at Mass in Rome (NCR) U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was not heckled
The Synod begins
"That expression – 'We have always done it that way' – is poison for the life of the Church. Those
‘This is what I’m called to do’: Homily for October 10, 2021, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“All things are possible for God.” We’ve heard that before, haven’t we? It’s the message of the angel to
Pelosi and the pontiff
Vatican Media released this picture Saturday, showing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi having a sit-down with Pope Francis. No
Biden will nominate Joe Donnelly to be next U.S. Ambassador to Vatican
From Business Insider: President Joe Biden will nominate former Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly as the US ambassador to the Vatican,
CNN’s Father Edward Beck removed from his parish on Long Island
NCR's Brian Fraga has the story: A New York diocese's decision to effectively remove a priest who is a well-known
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/8/21
Most U.S. Catholics unaware of Latin Mass restrictions (Pew) Pope Francis’ decision to impose new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass in
Survey: Most U.S. Catholics don’t know about new limits on Latin Mass
Details: Pope Francis’ decision to impose new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass in July drew a strong reaction from Catholics in the United
‘Church shouldn’t just be on Facebook’
Some sage advice regarding television in the 1980s can also apply to social media today. From Bonnie Kristian in Christianity
Pope Francis to declare St. Irenaeus a Doctor of the Church
Details from CNA: Pope Francis said on Thursday that he plans to declare St. Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/7/21
Federal judge blocks Texas abortion ban (CNN) A federal judge in Texas issued an order Wednesday blocking the state's six-week abortion ban.
Judge pauses Texas abortion law, calling it an ‘offensive deprivation of an important right’
Details: A federal judge on Wednesday granted the Justice Department’s request to halt enforcement of the recently passed Texas law
Shock: Antisemitic graffiti found at Auschwitz
From The New York Times: Vandals sprayed antisemitic slogans and phrases denying the Holocaust in English and German on nine
Thank you, Baltimore!
I know I'm late getting to this, but I just wanted to give a quick shout-out and thanks to the
Anglican leader wears papal ring to Vatican
Fascinating piece of history, via Vatican Media: Wrapping up an interview with Vatican News, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby,
Pope Francis on sex abuse scandal: ‘This is a moment of shame’
From Reuters: Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was saddened and ashamed by the Catholic Church's inability to deal with
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/6/21
Pope expresses shame over Church's abuse (Vatican News) At Wednesday's General Audience, Pope Francis prays for victims of clerical sexual
Overturning Roe: ‘We are optimistic’
From The Texas Tribune: As the battle over Texas’ law that effectively bans abortions six weeks into pregnancy plays out
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Boston
Cardinal Sean O'Malley ordained seven new deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston last weekend! They are: Richard W. Ashburn, James
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Ogdensburg
From North Country Catholic: Through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, Bishop LaValley ordained
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/5/21
French report: 330,000 children victims of sex abuse (AP) An estimated 330,000 children were victims of sex abuse within France’s Catholic
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/1/21
Cardinal to become first to stand trial at Vatican (Crux) When the Vatican’s megatrial for financial crimes begins next week,
Guest post: 5 things you may not know about St. Francis of Assisi
Jon Sweeney has just published a new book about the beloved saint (and deacon!) from Assisi, whose feast we celebrate
Pray for Pelosi: Archbishop endorses ‘Rose and Rosary for Nancy’ campaign
From CNS: Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco is asking “all Catholics and others of goodwill” to join a
Chicago Tribune spotlights schools’ ‘competition of values’ between Church and flock
Details: Pope Francis has taken a more liberal view toward gay Catholics than his predecessors, endorsing civil unions and saying homosexual “tendencies” are not
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/30/21
Brooklyn bishop retires after 18 years (The New York Times) Pope Francis named a new bishop to lead the Roman Catholic
Worth your time: Bishop Robert Brennan’s homily to deacons
In November 2020, the man who will become the next bishop of Brooklyn ordained deacons in the Diocese of Columbus.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/29/21
Bishop Brennan of Columbus named new bishop of Brooklyn (Diocese of Brooklyn) The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has named the
BREAKING: Bishop Robert Brennan of Columbus named bishop of Brooklyn
“In the selection of Bishop Robert Brennan, the Holy Father has called upon a native New Yorker to return to
Ordination update: 15 new deacons for Richmond
Photo: Michael Mickel/The Catholic Virginian From The Catholic Virginian: Bishop Barry C. Knestout ordained 15 men to the permanent diaconate
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/27/21
Bishops' committee: transgender men 'unknowingly admitted' to seminary (NCR) A leader of the U.S. bishops' conference has written to Catholic
Cardinal Burke pens a ‘letter to those who are praying for me’
"My principal challenges, at the present, are regaining certain fundamental physical skills needed for my daily living, and overcoming a
Ordination update: Welcome, Deacon Ken Conklin of Knoxville
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville posted late Friday the news that he was going to ordain Ken Conklin as a
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Charlotte
Details from The Catholic News Herald: Bishop Peter Jugis ordained 12 men as permanent deacons during a two-hour Mass Sept.
What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? Now we may know.
Fascinating: A new scientific discovery in modern-day Tall el-Hammam is being touted as potential evidence of God's destruction of Sodom
Catholic Church apologizes for indigenous abuse in Canada
"We acknowledge the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community; physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural,
Prayer request for a deacon candidate in hospice care about to be ordained
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville posted the following news on Twitter Friday night: Tomorrow, I will ordain Ken Conklin as
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/24/21
Catholic leaders urge humane treatment of Haitian migrants (CNS) The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ migration committee and the head
Ordination update: 2 new deacons for Palm Beach
Following the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate Sept. 11, 2021, Bishop Gerald Barbarito, center, is flanked by the Diocese
And now, Florida
Via CNN: A Republican Florida state lawmaker on Wednesday introduced a bill that is modeled after a strict Texas law
‘The proposed legislation is nothing less than child sacrifice…’
"Indeed, HR 3755 is surely the type of legislation one would expect from a devout Satanist, not a devout Catholic."
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/23/21
John Garvey, president of Catholic University, stepping down (CNS) John Garvey, president of The Catholic University of America in Washington
Afghan woman gives Pope Francis her wedding ring as a reminder of her missing husband
Photo: Vatican Media A remarkable gesture, as reported by CNS: When Pary Gul, a Christian woman from Afghanistan, met Pope
Looking for quality Catholic television? There’s more than just EWTN
With the recent critical comments by Pope Francis about a "Catholic television channel" — evidently, a thinly-veiled reference to EWTN
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/22/21
Cleveland's retired Bishop Pilla dies (Cleveland.com) Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, a Cleveland native who helped start a national dialogue on
Lawsuits filed against Texas doctor who performed abortion
From The New York Times: A man in Arkansas and another in Illinois on Monday filed what appeared to be
Pope Francis: ‘There is a large Catholic television channel…’
“I personally deserve attacks and insults because I am a sinner, but the Church does not deserve them. They are
Vatican will require vaccine pass for visitors, employees
From CNA: The Vatican will require all visitors and personnel to show a COVID-19 pass proving they have been vaccinated,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/21/21
Vatican requires COVID vaccine pass for visitors, employees (CNA) The Vatican will require all visitors and personnel to show a
The Christian comedy of Norm Macdonald
From The New York Times, an appreciation of the comic, who died last week from cancer. The author is Matthew
Canadian archdiocese to require proof of vaccination for Mass
"At Masses next week, several volunteers are expected to be at the doors of each church to ask worshippers for full
Give me a break!
Really! Feel like you need a sabbatical? Take a number and get in line. We're all feeling it — stressed,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/20/21
Pro-life groups in states surrounding Texas prepare for increased abortion demand (OSV) As Texas’ “heartbeat law” gains national attention, pro-life organizations
Ordination update: 23 new deacons for Toledo
Holy Toledo! Bishop Daniel Thomas ordained the men Saturday at the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy
Remembering Yorke
A familiar presence in our parish died suddenly last week. Yorke Mizelle was active in a variety of ministries in
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/17/21
At Notre Dame, Clarence Thomas criticizes judges who veer into politics (AP) Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on Thursday criticized some
Survey: Catholics are most vaccinated religious group in the U.S.
From CNA: Catholics are the religious group most vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States, according to a new national survey by
From Detroit: Deacons’ wives, heart of the domestic church
Check this out, from Detroit Catholic: Behind every great man, there is a great woman, or so the saying goes.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/16/21
"Largest U.S. parish church" under construction in California (AP) It’s billed as the largest Catholic parish in the United States
‘Life matters even more than love’: First trailer for ‘West Side Story’
What strikes me here — and it was there in the teaser, too — is the prominent presence of Catholicism.
Pope on denying Communion: ‘What should a shepherd do? Be a shepherd.’
“No, I have never denied the Eucharist to anyone; to anyone! I don’t know if someone came to me under
Well, look at that: 400-year-old treasure discovered in a New York church
Amazing: A 100-year-old church in New Rochelle housed a 400-year-old treasure and no one realized it until a man stopped
Bishop restricts ministry of unvaccinated clergy
“We have to be promoting the common good, and this is the one of the ways that we do it."
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/15/21
Bishop: unvaccinated clergy may not minister in diocese (CNA) Priests of the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky who have not been
Lift High the Cross!
For today's feast, here's a fitting and glorious soundtrack. Below is a favorite rendition of mine, sung by the Plymouth
UPDATE: Woman arrested for smashing statues in Queens
A followup from this story from earlier this summer: A 23-year-old Forest Hills resident was hit with hate crime charges
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/14/21
Bishops: 95 attacks on Catholic churches since May 2020 (CNA) There have been at least 95 reported incidents of vandalism
Female Swiss Guards?
Maybe. From Reuters: The new barracks of the Vatican Swiss Guard, the elite and colorfully dressed corps that protects the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/13/21
Students sue Creighton over vaccine mandate (AP) Four students are suing Creighton University over its requirement to get vaccinated against
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Owensboro
Many thanks to (brand new!) Deacon Tony Carmona for sharing these details: The Diocese of Owensboro is pleased to announce
‘I will be in the stairwell of your final moments…’
A friend passed this on. She said her church sent it out in an email to parishioners: You say you
One of the most stunning artifacts of 9/11
Pages of the Bible were fused to a chunk of steel as the World Trade Center collapsed, to be found
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/10/21
Biden administration sues Texas over abortion law (CNA) The Biden administration on Thursday sued Texas over its new law prohibiting
USCCB releases updated ‘National Directory’ for deacons
From the bishops' website: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released the second edition of the National Directory for
Unvaccinated United Airlines staff with religious exemptions to be placed on unpaid leave
Details: Any United Airlines employee who has been given a religious exemption from getting a coronavirus vaccine will be placed on temporary, unpaid personal
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/9/21
Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican leaders release historic message on climate (CNA) Pope Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby, and Patriarch Bartholomew I
Cardinal Gregory: ‘The president is not demonstrating Catholic teaching’
“Our Church has not changed its position on the immorality of abortion, and I don’t see how we could, because
Report: Number of deacons in U.S. declines slightly
From CNS: The U.S. Catholic Church in 2020 had 18,075 permanent deacons serving in ministry, a decrease of 118 deacons,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/8/21
Vandals deface Catholic church with pro-abortion graffiti (The Washington Times) A Catholic church in Boulder County, Colorado, was vandalized Sunday with
Politico: Biden’s ‘private matter’ becomes a public clash with the Church
This is long, but worthwhile: from Politico, a very good dissection of Joe Biden's faith, and the public disputes that
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/7/21
Vatican releases Synod Preparatory Document (Vatican News) The General Secretariat for the Synod has published the Preparatory Document, along with
Cordileone: ‘You cannot be a good Catholic and support expanding a right to kill innocent human beings’
"Abortion is the most pressing human rights challenge of our time. Can we pastors speak softly when the blood of
‘Remember this: No matter what, your father loves you’
"Like the miracles Christ performed two thousand years ago, God continues to insert himself into the dirty details of life
For Labor Day: Thoughts from John Paul, Laborer-Pope
"I come from your midst. I come from the quarries of Zakrzowek, from the Solvay furnaces in Borek Falecki, and
Three Chicago priests step aside over ‘inappropriate’ relationships with adults
This is something rare and notable, via The Chicago Tribune: Three Roman Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago have
McCarrick pleads not guilty to sex assault charges
From AP: Former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the once-powerful American prelate who was expelled from the priesthood for sexual
Anglican bishop, former chaplain to Archbishop of Canterbury, to become Catholic
"I have made my decision as a way of saying yes to God’s present call and invitation, and not of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/3/21
White House dismisses question about Biden and abortion (Yahoo News) When a reporter asked at a White House press briefing
Pray ball! The umpires who pray
From The New York Times: The umpires dialed in at about 3 p.m. on a Friday, calling from places like
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/2/21
SCOTUS formally declines to block Texas abortion law (CNN) The Supreme Court formally denied a request from Texas abortion providers to
A bishop who gets it: ‘I want to give a big shout-out to our permanent deacons…’
This is great, from Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, WI. A grateful diaconal bow to the good bishop — and
Harvard Catholics: Atheist chaplain’s role will be ‘purely administrative’
The recent report in The New York Times got some lively reaction around the country — and CNA has this
Chatting about books and prayer and stuff on Facebook LIVE
Didja miss it? No worries. Thanks to the miracle of Facebook archives, Word Among Us has preserved my little conversation
Charges against Brooklyn’s Bishop DiMarzio found ‘not to have any semblance of truth’
“I repeat what I have said from the beginning. There is no truth to these allegations. Throughout my more than
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 9/1/21
Remains of first Korean martyrs recovered (AFP) The remains of the first Korean Catholic martyrs have been recovered, church officials
‘I inform you with profound sorrow that Fr. Danny took his own life …’
This is a message no bishop ever wants to write. It was released today by Bishop Michael Duca of Baton
Survey: Most White Americans who attend regular church services voted for Trump
From Pew: Similar to past elections, religion played an important role in the 2020 U.S. presidential contest: Republican candidate Donald Trump
Pope on withdrawal from Afghanistan: ‘I don’t want to judge, but…’
From Crux: In a new interview, Pope Francis appears to criticize the handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan by the
What’s Father Altman up to? Plenty.
"I tell my clients, I can only defend you this far. All I can say is, he must have a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/31/21
Catholic church is shelter during Hurricane Ida (CNS) After the winds from Hurricane Ida peeled off the roof of the
Ordination update: 2 new deacons for Gallup
Happy news from Deacon Timoteo Lujan in New Mexico: On Saturday, August 14, Bishop James Wall ordained two new deacons
More saints like this, please
The Vatican today announced the happy news that Maria Cristina Cella Mocellin is on the path to sainthood. The pope
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/30/21
Pope urges prayer, fasting for Afghanistan (CNA) Pope Francis on Sunday urged Christians to intensify their prayer, penance, and fasting
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for San Bernardino
Details from Msgr. Gerard Lopez, Vicar General: Most Rev. Alberto Rojas, accompanied by Bishop Emeritus Gerald R. Barnes and Auxiliary
A letter from Cardinal Burke
"I have been transferred out of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and settled in a hospital room where the doctors,
Prayer of St. Michael update: ‘Fr. Emanuel wishes to state that he misspoke…’
This report and video caused a stir on social media over the last 24 hours. On Saturday the pastor of
‘Should we say the St. Michael Prayer after Mass?’
In a timely coincidence — following yesterday's discussion — someone just asked that very question to Msgr. Charles Pope, who
After more than 50 years behind bars, Sirhan Sirhan may be freed
From The New York Times: California parole commissioners recommended on Friday that Sirhan B. Sirhan should be freed on parole
‘The prayer to St. Michael is not to be said publicly…’ — UPDATED
UPDATE: Read Saturday's statement from the parish's pastor here. Fr. Z. posted about this and included the video below, in
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/27/21
Catholic organizations help Afghan refugees (CNS) The Catholic Church, particularly in the U.S., has been “involved in the reception and
Jim and Joy and me on EWTN, Part 2
And here's the rest. (Part 1 is here). In this segment, we talked about The Busy Person's Guide to Prayer
The new chief chaplain at Harvard is an atheist
Wow. From The New York Times: The Puritan colonists who settled in New England in the 1630s had a nagging
A beloved bishop loses his battle with COVID
Photo: CNEWA “God has called me to radiate his love and care for these brothers and sisters without looking at
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/26/21
Pope appoints religious sister to lead Dicastery on Human Development (Vatican News) The Pope has appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli, FMA,
Jim and Joy and me on EWTN
Well, I survived. My wife hasn't seen it yet; she was at the dentist. (She probably enjoyed that more, anyway.)
Remembering Bishop Guy
Over the weekend, we learned that Brooklyn's auxiliary bishop Guy Sansaricq entered eternal life. Many in Brooklyn are heartbroken. Here
And now, a programming note
For those who have been asking — besides my immediate family — I'll be popping up on EWTN's "At Home
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/25/21
Houses of worship struggle back, tread lightly on vaccines (The New York Times) Houses of worship have struggled over the
Jason Berry’s harrowing discovery: ‘This is like Watergate’
This week, The New York Times superb videographer Ben Proudfoot profiled writer Jason Berry — the first person who reported
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Baton Rouge
Details: Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained six new permanent deacons on Saturday, Aug. 14 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton
My EWTN adventure — UPDATED
So Sunday night, I arrived in bucolic Irondale, Alabama, just outside Birmingham, to spend 36 hours on the campus of
Commission on women deacons to hold first meeting
From The Tablet: Almost two years since Pope Francis announced he would be re-forming a commission on the female diaconate, The
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/23/21
Pope: 'Incarnation calls us to recognize Jesus in others' (Vatican News) In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis reflects on
A church rises in South Carolina: ‘We wanted something transcendent’
Last year, I posted about a remarkable building project in South Carolina, to erect a new parish church in the
Ordination update: 2 new deacons for Rochester
Photo by Jeff Witherow / Catholic Courier Details: For Deacons Aaron Kelly and Brian Mizzoni, Aug. 21 was marked by
Hitting the road, dodging Henri
I'll be heading south on Sunday — and possibly sharing the skies with Hurricane Henri. The storm is churning northward
‘Praised be Jesus Christ!’: Cardinal Burke update
From the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Praised be Jesus Christ! The Cardinal’s family is pleased to announce that
‘Mortified’: Police chaplain apologizes after giving Holy Communion to Chicago’s mayor
Mistakes happen. Details: A Chicago police chaplain says he is “mortified” that he mistakenly gave Holy Communion to Mayor Lori
Archbishop: vaccine exemption shouldn’t require clergy approval
Details: A Catholic has a right to seek an exemption from a vaccine requirement, but that decision shouldn’t depend on
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/20/21
Catholic officials on edge after reports of priests using Grindr (The New York Times) The reports by the blog, The
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/19/21
Newly installed statue vandalized in Queens (CNS) A newly installed and dedicated statue of St. Bernadette outside St. Michael’s Catholic
Bishops resigns after explicit video hits social media
From CNA: Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Bishop of São José do Rio Preto on Wednesday, five days
Praying for Afghanistan — and the Taliban
A challenging and prayer-provoking post from The Gospel Coalition: Even with the restraining force of a U.S. military presence, Afghanistan
Pope appears in new video promoting vaccination for COVID-19
From The New York Times: Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is “an act of love,” Pope Francis says in a public service
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/18/21
Pope appears in video encouraging vaccination (The New York Times) Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is “an act of love,” Pope
Report: Cardinal Burke’s condition has ‘deteriorated’ — UPDATED
From CNA: The condition of Raymond Cardinal Burke, who was recently hospitalized with Covid-19, has reportedly deteriorated. A source who
Jesuit-founded Homeboy Industries takes ‘quantum leap’
This is remarkable — and well-deserved. From RNS: Homeboy Industries, believed to be the world’s largest reentry organization for formerly
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/17/21
Catholic charity concerned for Christians in Afghanistan (CNA) A Catholic charitable organization working in Afghanistan said Sunday it fears for
As Kabul falls, remembering ‘the very best piece on television, ever’
A former colleague from CBS News today remembered this report as "a remarkable feat of airmanship and a tour de
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/16/21
9,000 sex abuse lawsuits filed in New York (AP) For two years, New York temporarily set aside its usual time
Cardinal Burke update
The following appeared on Cardinal Raymond Burke's Twitter account Saturday night: Cardinal Burke has been admitted to the hospital with
Composer of ‘Pescador de Hombres’ accused of abuse
Details: The Marist Congregation in Spain has confirmed it has received credible accusations of the abuse of minors against Fr.
The heart-wrenching theology of Nightbirde: ‘God is on the bathroom floor’
I'm new to discovering this remarkable talent, Jane Marczewski, a 30-year-old singer-songwriter known as "Nightbirde," who made an electrifying debut
Variety: Shia LaBeouf will play Padre Pio
Details: Shia LaBeouf could be making a comeback turn. Legendary director Abel Ferrara has exclusively told Variety that LaBeouf has come on board to play
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/13/21
Miracle may be attributed to late Tennessee priest's intercession (CNS) As Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, presided at
Archbishop proposes lay people as pastors. But what about deacons?
This story caught my eye over at Catholic News Agency's website — and my first question was, "Why not deacons?"
Infrastructure bill includes grants for religious congregations
A detail many may not be aware of, via RNS: Buried on Page 1,729 of the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill approved by
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/12/21
Sri Lanka files charges against Easter bombing suspects (AP) Sri Lanka has filed 23,270 charges against 25 people in connection
Seminaries in northeast require vaccinations this semester
Details: Catholic seminaries in the Northeast are requiring COVID-19 vaccination for their seminarians before the coming semester begins. Mount St.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/11/21
Andrew Cuomo's legacy (National Catholic Register) Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Catholic, announced on Tuesday he will resign
Ordination update: 17 new deacons for El Paso
Details: Bishop Mark Seitz ordained 17 men as permanent deacons for the Diocese of El Paso on Friday evening at
Cardinal Burke: I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 — UPDATED
The cardinal posted the following on Twitter Tuesday night: Praised be Jesus Christ! I wish to inform you that I
Ordination update: 15 new deacons for Wilmington
Photo: Dan Blake / The Dialog A nice summer surprise! From The Dialog: Bishop Koenig presided at the ordination of 15
Olympic medalist Molly Seidel: Prayer to St. Jude helped me in the marathon
I preached about Molly Seidel and her struggles last Sunday — and so I was moved to see this item
Cuomo quits. So who is Kathy Hochul?
A lot people probably don't know much about the figure who will soon be the state's first woman governor. Like
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/10/21
Catholics in France mourn murdered priest (Vatican News) Catholics across France are mourning the death of Fr. Olivier Maire, SMM,
A Prayer to St. Lawrence: ‘Help me treasure those whom others discard’
August 10 marks the feast day of one of the great deacons of the Church, St. Lawrence: As deacon in
‘What we lose when we livestream church’
Some thoughtful reflections from Collin Hansen, editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, from today's New York Times: The body of Christ,
Shock: Priest murdered in France
Details: France’s Interior Minister announced on Monday that a Catholic priest has been murdered in western France. Gérald Darmanin wrote on his
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/9/21
SC priest placed on leave after lawsuit (AP) A Catholic priest in South Carolina has been placed on leave after
Colorado bishops back conscientious objections to vaccines
Details: The Catholic bishops in Colorado have emphasized the need to respect those with conscientious objections to the COVID-19 vaccines
Life is a marathon: Homily for August 8, 2021, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Every one of us has had that “Elijah moment,” like the one we encounter
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/6/21
Baltimore's first Catholic school in 60 years dedicated (WBAL) Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, the first new Catholic school built
Britney Spears, Catholic?
A friend caught this post on Instagram and passed it along. It caught fire on social media Thursday night, and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/5/21
Bioethicist calls for religious exemptions for vaccine (CNA) As workplaces have begun to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, some Catholic
Seminary teacher pleads guilty to stalking Buffalo reporter
Details: A Hamburg man who taught at Christ the King Seminary has admitted harassing and intimidating a WKBW news reporter
A message from a friend who is dying: ‘Death is not a disaster’
I got an email yesterday from a woman whose annulment I facilitated a few years back. She's left Brooklyn and
To all priests today: ‘Thank you’
Today marks the feast of St. John Vianney, the patron of parish priests, and I am reminded of some remarks
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/4/21
Two Catholic universities merging (Daily Breeze) Marymount California University, a 53-year-old private Catholic college in Rancho Palos Verdes, could see
Are COVID church closings coming? Groups brace for a legal fight
"If any governments try to go down the path of closing worship again, this time around we have the benefit
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/3/21
Parents withdraw kids from Colorado Catholic school over uniform issue (KDVR) An email defending a dress code at a local
Archdiocese of New York: Priests may not grant religious exemptions for vaccines
“Pope Francis has made it very clear that it is morally acceptable to take any of the vaccines and said
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 8/2/21
House's refusal to include Hyde Amendment in spending bills called "injustice" (CNS) The refusal by the U.S. House to include
Albany bishop on sex abuse: ‘The advice we received was well-intended but flawed, and I deeply regret that we followed it.’
From The Albany Times-Union: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany engaged in a decades-long cover-up of chronic child sexual abuse
Vocations all in the family: 4 priests, 1 seminarian, 1 deacon
From The Tablet in Brooklyn: Father Vincent Chirichella has many friends who are priests that he considers part of his
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/30/21
Global Catholic Climate Movement gets a new name (Vatican News) “To inspire and mobilize the Catholic community to care for
Report: McCarrick charged for assaulting teenage boy in 1970’s
Details: Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked after a Vatican investigation confirmed he had sexually molested adults as well
Simone Biles: ‘Don’t waste God’s gift that he gave you’
Photo: by Danilo Borges /ME /Brasil2016 Creative Commons license From Zac Davis in America magazine this week, reflecting on Simone
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/29/21
Plaintiffs in lawsuit propose replacing Bible with "Book of Faith" (AP) The plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging the display
Weightless in a collar: Deacon experiences zero gravity
From CNS: Deacon Gary Nosacek doesn’t hesitate when he gets to take his ministry outside the walls of the church.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/28/21
Cardinal in Vatican trial: My conscience is "tranquil" (AP) A fraud and embezzlement trial over alleged mismanagement of the Holy
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/27/21
Church turns pastoral care center into COVID ward (Reuters) The Catholic Church has converted a pastoral centre in Jakarta into
Two new Daughters of St. Paul — and a deacon dad, too
This is something wonderful. Over the weekend, two young women professed their first vows with the Daughters of St. Paul.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/26/21
Vatican reveals it owns more than 5,000 properties (The Guardian) The Vatican has released information on its real estate holdings for
Gathering the fragments: Homily for July 25, 2021, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
He may be one of the most important Catholic saints from New York that you’ve never heard of. His name
So, what happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?
Now that one state has brought an argument to the Supreme Court, asking for a reversal of Roe v. Wade,
‘The end never justifies the means, even if they are digital and seem credible because of technology’
For some context and analysis on the recent bombshell by The Pillar, CNA interviewed Dr. William J. Thorn, associate professor
The Pillar: Newark archdiocese investigating app use
“It is not acceptable for any member of the clergy to use any app or website in a way that
Mississippi asks SCOTUS to overturn Roe v. Wade
From The New York Times: Calling Roe v. Wade “egregiously wrong,” Mississippi’s attorney general urged the Supreme Court on Thursday to do
New Hampshire bishop accused
Details: The bishop of the Diocese of Manchester has been named in a civil lawsuit that alleges sexual abuse of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/22/21
Pew survey: most U.S. Catholics support death penalty (CNA) One recent survey shows a majority of U.S. Catholics supporting use
The traveling deacon: Greetings from Graymoor
Greetings from the Hudson Valley and Graymoor, home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. I'm leading a retreat here
Biden town hall at Catholic university sparks criticism
From Reuters: U.S. President Joe Biden's planned town hall meeting at a Catholic university in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday has
USCCB General Secretary resigns over allegations of ‘improper behavior”
From CNA: Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill, the general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, resigned from his post on
WATCH: Video shows attack on statues at Queens church
I posted about this over the weekend: the shocking and brazen attack on religious statues at a Catholic church a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/20/21
Pope names new bishop for Reno (Vatican News) Pope Francis has named Bishop Daniel Henry Mueggenborg as the new Bishop
Diocese responds after politician announces he was denied Communion
“In terms of the diocese, we regret the decision of Senator Cervantes to politicize this issue." Details from CNA: After
Pope Francis and ‘weaponization of the faith’
"The common term for Pope Francis in both the communion debate and the Latin Mass may be his allergy to
Hate hits close to home: Vandal destroys statues at parish in Queens
“It is heartbreaking, but sadly it is becoming more and more common these days." This happened sometime early Saturday at
‘The Eucharist is always in some way celebrated on the altar of the world…’
Worth re-reading this weekend, from Ecclesia de Eucharista, by Pope St. John Paul II: When I think of the Eucharist,
The shepherd who doesn’t walk way: Homily for July 18, 2021, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This Sunday, we’re hearing a lot in the scriptures about shepherds and sheep. Speaking for myself, I don’t run into
Churches create special prayers in response to fatal mass shootings
From The Washington Post: When there are mass shootings, like this week in Chicago, or the previous week in Toledo
UPDATED: What are people saying about the pope’s letter on the Latin Mass?
Here's a roundup of early reaction and some analysis to today's big news. I'll add to this as the day
Pope Francis issues motu proprio regarding Latin Mass; local bishops to regulate use
"It belongs to the diocesan bishop, as moderator, promoter, and guardian of the whole liturgical life of the particular Church
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/16/21
Pope issues new norms for 1962 Missal (Vatican News) After consulting the bishops throughout the world, Pope Francis has decided
California prepares to dedicate shrine to Our Lady of La Vang
It's happening Saturday in the Diocese of Orange, at Christ Cathedral: The Our Lady of La Vang Shrine at the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/15/21
Italian cops bust fake cardinals scam (Crux) A group of con men who dressed up as cardinals to swindle victims
‘St. Kateri is the saint of all who are scarred, ashamed, shunned…’
From a homily on St. Kateri Takekwitha, on the day she was canonized in 2012. I began by mentioning the
Michigan court dismisses lawsuit over funeral homily
Some may remember this story from a couple years back, about a family that was upset at the homily delivered
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/14/21
Pope Francis released from hospital (Vatican News) The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has confirmed that
Citizens, not the state, will enforce new Texas abortion law
From The New York Times: People across the country may soon be able to sue abortion clinics, doctors and anyone
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/13/21
Grosz becomes highest ranking Church leader in Buffalo to be accused (The Buffalo News) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Grosz,
Former Auxiliary Bishop of Buffalo accused of abuse, steps aside
The press release from the diocese: The Diocese of Buffalo has been notified of a pending action brought pursuant to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/12/21
Vatican: Pope to remain hospitalized for a few more days (Vatican News) The Holy See released a bulletin about the
WATCH: Pope leads Angelus from hospital balcony
From CNA: In his first public appearance since having an intestinal surgery, Pope Francis prayed the Angelus from the balcony
UPDATE: Bishop writes to parishioners about retired monsignor who got married
"We did not passively accept the idea of him leaving the priesthood, we supported him in his struggle and remained
Forecast: sunny with a chance of grace, as weatherman enters seminary
How cool is this? (H/T to FOB Josh Mansfield for sending this my way!) Over the past two years, WKBN
Father Altman’s ‘goodbye letter’ to his flock
Father James Altman posted this statement on Twitter Friday night (click to enlarge and read the whole letter): LATEST
Statement from the Diocese of La Crosse on Father James Altman
From website of the Diocese of La Crosse: Statement Regarding Father James Altman Bishop William Patrick Callahan and his diocesan representatives
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/9/21
Pope will lead Sunday Angelus from hospital (CNA) Pope Francis will lead the Angelus from his hospital room on Sunday
Bishop issues decree: ‘Father Altman is no longer allowed to preach’ or celebrate Mass publicly
From The Diocese of La Crosse (via Rocco Palmo): Father Altman responded: This has been a long time coming. From
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/8/21
Pope continues recovery, expresses closeness to hospitalized children (Vatican News) Pope Francis is recovering well after intestinal surgery he underwent
‘Sermongate’ and the problem of pulpit plagiarism
A little problem rears its ugly head in the Protestant world: The similarities in the sermons are unmistakable. “I don’t
‘The Boys in Red Hats’: Story behind Covington Catholic video is focus of new documentary
Details: A new documentary film premiering later this month focuses on the encounter in Washington, D.C. between students from Covington
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/7/21
Holy See: Pope continues 'regular, satisfactory' recovery (Vatican News) The Holy See's press office released a bulletin Wednesday stating, "The
The deacon ‘who never gave up’
Well done, good and faithful servant. From Angelus: There were hugs when they came to say goodbye — for now
UPDATE: In TV interview, retired monsignor explains decision to marry
"Because of our age, because of our health, because in particular, we love each other, we decided to move the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/6/21
Pope continues his recovery (Vatican News) Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni said on Tuesday that the post-operative recovery
The battle against COVID-19 goes on
A number of people have asked me about Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas of India, whom I mentioned in my homily
UPDATE: Pope Francis recovering from surgery, ‘alert and breathing spontaneously’
From CNA: Pope Francis is expected to spend the next week in hospital as he recovers from intestinal surgery, according
Shock: Retiring monsignor announces plans to marry — UPDATED
Details: The Rev. Monsignor Howard Lincoln, who celebrated his final mass at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert last week after
BREAKING: Pope Francis to undergo colon surgery
From The New York Times: The Vatican announced on Sunday that Pope Francis had been admitted to a hospital in
St. John Paul: ‘Yes, America, you are beautiful indeed…’
"The ultimate test of your greatness is in the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and
‘Two allegations against the late bishop appear to be true…’
Details: The Catholic Diocese of Lansing determined allegations against the late Bishop James Sullivan, who is accused of sexually abusing
Remembering ‘The Voice of Holy Week,’ Greg Stein
A legendary lector in my parish, Greg Stein, died unexpectedly this week. This is the homily I preached for his
In Canada, calls for Catholics to boycott Sunday Mass
From the CBC: Percy Miller stopped during his walk in downtown Saskatoon on Friday morning to look at the signs,
‘A group of transgender people came to the Vatican at the invitation of Pope Francis…’
“The church is a part of the people, whoever they are. For us they have value." True Christian charity at
Vatican joins with World Medical Association to combat vaccine hesitancy
Details: The Vatican’s bioethics academy and the World Medical Association called Friday for an all-out effort to combat vaccine hesitancy
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/2/21
Vatican seeks all-out effort for vaccine (AP) The Vatican’s bioethics academy and the World Medical Association called Friday for an
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 7/1/21
Canadian Indigenous group says more graves found (AP) A Canadian Indigenous group said Wednesday a search using ground-penetrating radar has
Bishop Barron on abortion and Democrats: ‘What is there to dialogue about?’
This was published as an op-ed in The New York Post: The Catholic bishops of the United States are facing
Halo there! The history of a symbol that swept the world
Some intriguing history here, via the BBC: Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Greek mythology are usually regarded as utterly distinct
Ordination update: 19 new deacons for Denver
From Denver Catholic: On June 26, 19 men answered the call to serve the people of God as permanent deacons
Will the millions who stopped going to church during the pandemic return?
From the AP: With millions of people having stayed home from places of worship during the coronavirus pandemic, struggling congregations
‘Only a free Church is a credible Church…’
Pope Francis's words today during his homily for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul is worth your time: Dear
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Springfield
Brand new Deacon Michael Halbrook sent me this happy news. Bishop Thomas Paprocki celebrated the ordination last Saturday at the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/29/21
Miami parish: 10 members still missing after building collapse (CNS) It is an understatement to say the people and staff
WATCH: ABC News reports on faith in the midst of Florida tragedy
A grateful h/t to my friend Tony Rossi who sent this my way. Two points of note: Here we see
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/28/21
Letter from Pope Francis express support for James Martin's LGBTQ ministry (National Catholic Register) In a personal letter sent to
Poll: Americans’ opinions of Pope Francis rebound
From Pew: Pope Francis’ popularity dropped in the United States a few years ago amid a sex abuse crisis in the U.S.
‘Thank you for your pastoral zeal’: The pope’s message to Father James Martin
Details, from The New York Times: A leader in the Roman Catholic Church’s effort to reach out to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics
Thief steals $10,000 monstrance from Bronx church
From The New York Daily News: A sticky-fingered sinner raided a Bronx Catholic church and made off with a solid
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for Washington
From the YouTube channel of the Archdiocese of Washington: With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, the Archdiocese of Washington
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for New York
Details: Seven men were ordained as permanent deacons for the archdiocese June 19 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Mass of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/25/21
Hundreds of unmarked graves found at residential school in Canada (BBC) An indigenous nation in Canada says it has found
Deacon assists at Mass with his 102-year old great uncle
From Florida Catholic: Something old and something new. No, it was not a wedding. It was May 23, the first
Wow: a 96-year-old soprano sings ‘Panis Angelicus’
Details: At age 96, Italian verismo soprano Magda Olivero still had one of opera’s most remarkable voices. Footage of Olivero singing Franck’s ‘Panis Angelicus’
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/24/21
Iowa AG report details 'overwhelming' abuse by Catholic clergy (The Gazette) Citing “overwhelming” incidents of abuse and "extensive" cover-up that
For every wife of a deacon or priest, this one’s for you
I stumbled on this yesterday and it's beautiful: a scene showing an encounter between Jesus and Simon Peter's wife from
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/23/21
Pope: Evangelization requires us to follow unexpected paths (Vatican News) Pope Francis began a new cycle of catechesis at the
Ad multos annos: One of the first deacons in the U.S. marks 50 years
Members of the first class of permanent deacons and their wives stand outside the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in
Ordination update: 3 new deacons for Worcester
From the diocesan website: Family and friends celebrated with the three husbands and fathers whom Bishop McManus ordained permanent deacons
WATCH: St. Thomas More’s final moments in ‘A Man for All Seasons’
This is the great saint's feast day. His story remains a stirring and challenging call to conscience for all of
Two Catholic churches torched in Canada
From The Vancouver Sun: Two Catholic churches on Indigenous land in the southern Okanagan were destroyed by fire early Monday,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/22/21
White House: Biden's faith is not 'political' (POLITICO) White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday that President Joe
Did the bishops’ vote signal a ‘referendum’ on Biden?
Maybe not, says John Allen in Crux: In a seemingly dramatic decision this week, three-quarters of America’s bishops voted to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/21/21
Catholic bishops advance controversial communion plan (The New York Times) The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States, flouting a
Full text: Pope Francis’s address to Permanent Deacons of Rome
"It is sad to see a bishop and a priest showing off, but it is even sadder to see a
For Father’s Day: the things we carry
We inevitably carry parts of our fathers with us wherever we go. Pictured here is an Elgin pocket watch that
Jersey Boy
I'm headed to a parish in Edison, New Jersey this afternoon, where I'll be preaching a short men's retreat on
WSJ: China may lift all birth restrictions by 2025
Details: Chinese officials are drawing up plans to further loosen birth restrictions and transition toward policies that explicitly encourage childbirth,
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for Philadelphia
Details from Catholic Philly: Nine men were ordained to the permanent diaconate Saturday, June 12 on what Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/18/21
Pope Francis champions workers' right to unionize (AP) Pope Francis is championing the right of all workers to unionize, as
BREAKING: SCOTUS backs Catholic Social Services in religious freedom case
From The New York Times: The Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that Philadelphia may not bar a Catholic agency that refused