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
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/17/21
Rift on Communion policy as US bishops begin meeting (AP) Divisions flared quickly on Wednesday as U.S. Catholic bishops opened
Nuncio: ‘Holy Communion is not merely a thing to be received but Christ Himself, a Person to be encountered’
Powerful, beautiful words today from Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, speaking to the USCCB's virtual meeting:
NY Times: Why American women are delaying motherhood
This article paints a rosy picture of women having more freedom, more opportunities, more choices. They can do things previous
Boehner on Biden: ‘He’s a good Catholic’
From NCR: In his new memoir, On the House, chronicling his 40 years in public service, former Speaker of the House John
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/16/21
Pope: Hope comes from noticing God in small things (CNS) For those who learn to look carefully, the world is
Father follows son into Holy Orders as a deacon
“We have ‘Father-Father’ quality time, and I’m ‘Father-Son,’ while he’s ‘Deacon-Dad.’” Here's a beautiful Father's Day story for you, via
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/15/21
Vatican warns bishops: Don't deny Biden communion over abortion (The New York Times) The Vatican has warned conservative American bishops
The Biden-Francis meeting that wasn’t
Evidently, Catholic News Agency's reporting on this non-event left something to be desired. (See the NCR update below.) Details from
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/14/21
What will the bishops be considering when they meet? (CNA) While some activists claim that the U.S. bishops will be
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Gary
Details: On Friday, June 4, Michael Cummings volunteered on the serving line at SS. Monica & Luke Soup Kitchen. The
Court clears way for mock nativity display in Texas
From CNA: After a six-year court battle, a secular group will be permitted to install a “Bill of Rights Nativity
RIP: Deacon Joe Alvarez dies at 102
From his online obit, a brief summary of the remarkable life of Deacon Joseph Ventura Alvarez, from San Jose, California,
Deacon candidates live on the streets as part of their formation
From the Knights of Columbus magazine Columbia: No food. No money. No phone. A group of 26 men — including
Saints alive: Check out this creative way to evangelize
From the Catholic Star Herald in the Diocese of Camden: For three Wednesday evenings this summer, beginning next week, the
For the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart: ‘You are his hands’
"It is sometimes thought that devotion to the Sacred Heart can be rather individualistic — nothing but a personal relationship
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/11/21
Vatican imposes term limits for leaders of ecclesial movements (CNA) The Vatican issued a decree Friday setting limits on the
Read: Letter from Pope Francis rejecting Cardinal Marx’s resignation
The text from the Holy See, translated from Spanish: Dear brother, First of all thank you for your courage. It is
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/10/21
Pope Francis rejects Cardinal Marx's resignation (Vatican News) Pope Francis turned down the resignation of Cardinal Reinhard Marx as Archbishop
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Erie
Details: “I did recognize a deep sense of peace. Just that God was with me.” So said newly ordained Deacon
Must-read: The socialite who became a Carmelite
What a life! From The Chicago Sun-Times: All members of the Discalced Carmelite order of nuns leave worldly things behind
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/9/21
Retired nun to plead guilty to embezzling more than $835K(KTLA) A retired nun who worked as a principal of a
‘Lord, shed upon our darkened souls the brilliant light of your wisdom…’
Today marks the feast of the great deacon, St. Ephrem. (Read more about him here.) Part of a sermon of
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Sioux City
A grateful diaconal bow to my friend, the shiny new DEACON David Le Mar, who sent these images from last
The ministry of asking questions
This is superb, via Blake Glosson in The Gospel Coalition: Think about people who make you feel loved. What about
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/8/21
Supporters raise $640k for Father Altman (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) The Rev. James Altman calls himself “a lowly priest” serving a
Pope to young priests: ‘The superman priests end up badly, all of them’
“The priest is a man who, in the light of the Gospel, spreads the taste of God around him and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/7/21
Pope voices 'pain' over deaths in Canada (AP) Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his pain over the discovery in Canada
Pope Francis: ‘The church must be a large room’
From his message on Corpus Christi: Pope Francis said Sunday that we need to “enlarge our hearts” to truly appreciate
Ordination update: 18 new deacons for San Antonio
H/T to Roger Macias, Jr., for sending this my way! The new deacons were ordained Saturday by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller:
Eucharistic adoration growing in popularity among young Catholics
Just in time for Corpus Christi comes this piece in America: Eucharistic adoration—a practice with roots in the medieval church—is
Survey: Most Americans favor the death penalty
From Pew: The use of the death penalty is gradually disappearing in the United States. Last year, in part because
‘Behold the Lamb of God’: Homily for June 6, 2021, Corpus Christi
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to take what I still consider the trip of a lifetime: I
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/4/21
Cardinal Marx offers resignation (Reuters) One of Roman Catholicism’s most influential liberal figures, Germany’s Cardinal Reinhard Marx, has offered to
BREAKING: Cardinal Marx offers to resign
From Reuters: One of Roman Catholicism's most influential liberal figures, Germany's Cardinal Reinhard Marx, has offered to resign as archbishop
On parish mergers: “What has been ‘normal’ is not working”
A fascinating discussion here: Word on Fire's Bobby Angel interviews Father Jonathan Meyer of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. His background:
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/3/21
Pope appoints new nuncio to Israel and Cyprus (Vatican News) On the day the Vatican celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus
At the name of Jesus: Valedictorian will be able to mention her faith after all
Some news out of Michigan: A Michigan high school valedictorian will be allowed to reference her Christian faith in her
Snapshot: Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate
Details: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations has shared the results of
Has the pope just closed the door on women deacons in Germany?
From Ed Condon in The Pillar: On Tuesday morning, Pope Francis promulgated a revised Book VI of the Code of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/2/21
Why could Boris Johnson marry in a Catholic church? (The New York Times) The question bubbling in Catholic circles: How
Canon law revised to criminalize abuse of adults
From AP: Pope Francis has changed church law to explicitly criminalize the sexual abuse of adults by priests who abuse
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 6/1/21
Ex-priest dies just before facing charges in killing of altar boy (The New York Times) On May 21, prosecutors and
Survey: Religiosity helped people during COVID pandemic
From CNS: The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on participation in religious services just as it did on workplaces, but
Crisis magazine: Charges against Father Rutler dropped
On Friday, Crisis magazine posted the following tweet: So far, there has been no official statement or comment from Father
Ordination update: 10 new deacons for Brooklyn
A great day in Brooklyn! Details: Serving God is a tradition in Michael Chirichella’s family — there are five priests in
Heroic priest who survived El Salvador violence could not survive COVID
From CNS: A swath of shrink wrap held the priest’s cassock tight to the coffin as the four men, in
‘It all comes down to Trinity’: homily thoughts for Trinity Sunday
From an early homily of mine (2008) on Trinity Sunday... + Periodically, people ask me, “What is your favorite part
Letter to a new deacon
I first posted this almost a decade ago, on my Patheos blog, but I stumbled across it today while doing
Pope Francis orders apostolic visitation of Cologne archdiocese
Details: Pope Francis has ordered an apostolic visitation of Germany’s Cologne archdiocese amid fierce criticism of its handling of abuse
The word Biden won’t say
"He's very, very Catholic, but when it comes to being political, he’s much more pragmatic than Catholic.” The New York
Pope Francis names successor for Cardinal Sarah in liturgy office
From NCR: Pope Francis on May 27 named a relatively low-profile British prelate to replace Cardinal Robert Sarah as the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/27/21
Low-key British archbishop will succeed Cardinal Sarah in liturgy office (NCR) Pope Francis on May 27 named a relatively low-profile
‘I was terrified’: Oakland bishop reveals he was robbed at gunpoint
Details: A Catholic bishop used his time on the pulpit Sunday to tell his Oakland parishioners that he was robbed
A question of Communion: What’s on the bishops’ agenda next month
Details from CNS: After receiving an unprecedented letter from 67 bishops appealing for a delay in a discussion during the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/26/21
U.S. bishops expected to vote on communion question (The Washington Post) U.S. Catholic bishops next month are expected to take
Diocese of La Crosse statement on Father James Altman
The following was released late Monday and posted on the diocesan website: Diocesan Statement Regarding Father James Altman Fr. James
‘The priest becomes a bridge between man and God…’
I stumbled on this the other day. In this season of ordinations (and ordination anniversaries), it's a beautiful reminder of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/25/21
Pope Francis hints at changes in Roman curia (CNA) Multiple sources have told CNA that Pope Francis told the Italian
Archdiocese of Chicago reinstates Father Michael Pfleger
From CNN: The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the senior pastor of the St. Sabina parish in Chicago, will be reinstated to
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Green Bay
Packin' em in! Details, from the Diocese of Green Bay's Facebook page (and The Compass): Seven men were ordained to
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Sioux Falls
I just received this email from Deacon Roger Heidt: On Saturday, May 15, 2021, Bishop Donald DeGrood ordained 5 men
Bishop asks Father Altman to resign; priest vows fight — UPDATED
The controversial priest made the announcement during his homily yesterday: The leader of the Diocese of La Crosse has asked
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/24/21
San Bernardino priests unable to return to U.S. from India (Orange County Register) Two priests from the Diocese of San
May 24, 1986
A Prayer for My Marriage Lord, as I go about my ministry and seek to live out this beautiful vocation,
Ordination update: 3 new deacons for Buffalo
And New York's ordination season keeps rolling along! From the Diocese of Buffalo Facebook page comes the happy news that
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Albany
The press release: Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger will ordain four permanent deacons and one transitional deacon for the Diocese of
Pope Francis: ‘We are called to become paracletes’
"Let us remember that closeness, compassion and tenderness are God’s 'trademark,' always. The Paraclete is telling the Church that today
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Rockville Centre
Bishop John Barres ordained the men Saturday at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. The diocesan Facebook page has some
Rejoice! Our choir returns, with a perfect hymn for this moment
After 14 long months, members of our parish choir will be back in the loft this Sunday, singing! With COVID
‘It never entered my imagination that the last five years would be like this…’
Mike Lewis shares his sorrow and memories following the death of his sister — a beautiful, heart-wrenching essay about love
Biden skips Notre Dame commencement, citing scheduling conflict
Details: The University of Notre Dame's 2021 commencement is set for Sunday, but President Biden will reportedly be absent from the event.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/20/21
Catholic priest among those kidnapped in Nigeria (CNA) A Catholic priest serving in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna archdiocese is among 11
Texas governor signs bill effectively banning most abortions in his state
Details: Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Wednesday legislation that prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, effectively banning most abortions
‘The reasons my kids aren’t Catholic…’
Here's something to provoke thought and prayer, from the blog Catholic-Conversations. This mother, Claire, describes herself: I'm a Catholic "lifer."
A Prayer for Newly Ordained Deacons
Fourteen years ago, May 19, 2007, I was one of those walking into the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual
You will be found: first trailer for movie of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
Those of us who fell in love with this musical, its music and its message can look forward to the
The bookstore is open
The great web designer John Flynn at Kickstart Media is making some small updates and improvements to The Bench —
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/18/21
Hong Kong's new bishop wants plurality respected (AP) Hong Kong’s incoming Roman Catholic bishop Stephen Chow called for respect for
Photo: A bishop receives a blessing from a deacon
Here's something you don't see very often. H/T to my Facebook friend John Rudd, who sent this my way. A
Bishop Stika: ‘I’ve got nothing to hide’
An exclusive, from The Pillar: Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, sidelined an investigator appointed to scrutinize allegations of sexual
BREAKING: Supreme Court to hear major abortion case challenging Roe v. Wade
From The New York Times: The Supreme Court on Monday said it would hear a case from Mississippi challenging Roe v.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/17/21
Pope Francis laments children's deaths in Israel-Gaza conflict (CNA) Pope Francis made an impassioned appeal Sunday for an end to
Ordination update: After battling COVID, a ‘junior deacon’ for Rockford
Deacon Robert Collins shared this happy news: Meet the newest Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Rockford: Deacon Stu Dobson.
Lord, have mercy: COVID is killing four priests a day in India
"This initial list is very alarming as we have only some 30,000 Catholic priests and if four die daily, it
‘What we’ve lost in rejecting the Sabbath’
A friend just called this to my attention: an essay that appeared in The Wall Street Journal last week, adapted
Well, look who’s in The New York Times!
"The concept is to intentionally think about your own death every day, as a means of appreciating the present and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/14/21
Pelosi on Communion: 'I can use my own judgment' (Fox News) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed Catholic bishops who do not believe she
Pelosi on Communion debate: ‘I can make my own judgment on that’
Details: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday said she was “pleased” with the Vatican’s recent letter to U.S. bishops
40 years ago today
On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot in St. Peter's Square: The Pope was shot and wounded
Shock: Seminarian killed in New York City hit-and-run
Details: A seminarian studying to be a priest was killed while crossing the street in New York City earlier this
Looking at the skies? Look around instead: Homily for The Ascension of the Lord
Working in the church, I’ve met some amazing men and women. There are even some I would call living saints.
North Carolina senate approves ‘born alive’ abortion measure
From the AP: North Carolina’s Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would require doctors to provide the same duty of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/12/21
Catholic victims shot by British troops in 1971 were 'entirely innocent' (CNS) A coroner in Northern Ireland has ruled that
Indiana court dismisses lawsuit of ex-high school teacher fired over same-sex marriage
From CNS: An Indiana trial court May 7 dismissed the lawsuit of a former Catholic high school teacher in Indianapolis
Pope Francis establishes new lay Ministry of Catechist
From CNA: Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter Tuesday formally instituting the new lay ministry of catechist. The Vatican released
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/11/21
Pope Francis establishes new lay ministry: catechist (CNA) Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter Tuesday formally instituting the new lay
Cardinal at CDF cautions U.S. bishops on politicians and Communion
'The discussion would best be framed within the broad context of worthiness for the reception of holy Communion on the
‘It’s time to come home, to be who we were meant to be’
Bishops and pastors, take note. My friend Bishop Frank Caggiano from the Diocese of Bridgeport posted the video below on
‘Catholic schools are losing students at a record rate’
Details, from The Wall Street Journal: Catholic schools across the country are struggling to keep the doors open, after a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/10/21
Italian judge killed by mafia on the road to sainthood (Reuters) Italian judge Rosario Livatino, who was killed by the
Ordination update: 22 new deacons for Chicago
The press release, from the Archdiocese: Twenty-two permanent and transitional Catholic deacons will be ordained at 10 a.m. and 2
Happy Mother’s Day, from Fulton Sheen
"In a mother two of the great spiritual laws are united into one: love of neighbor and co-operation with God’s
Bloom where you’re planted: the beautiful ‘flower ministry’ at a parish in Canada
This is wonderful, via B.C. Catholic: When Jane Lee uprooted her life in Hong Kong to move to Vancouver two
Survey: 59% of Americans say abortion should be legal
From Pew: Today, a 59% majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/7/21
Catholic official praises move to waive vaccine patents (CNS) The Biden administration’s May 5 announcement that it supports waiving intellectual
Ramadan in a Catholic church?
“This pandemic has taught us a lot. Pain and difficulties open doors.” Sort of. It's happening in Spain: At sunset,
RIP, Bob Abernethy of ‘Religion & Ethics Newsweekly’
He hosted one of the best and most enduring television programs on religion, and employed some superb former network news
Pope Francis on inclusion and an ever wider ‘we’
Details: Setting the scene for the message for the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis explained that in
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/6/21
Pope Francis to issue motu proprio on ministry of catechists (CNA) Pope Francis will issue an apostolic letter next week
Mark Wahlberg’s next film: the story of Father Stuart Long, co-starring Mel Gibson
The Catholic actor has been getting attention lately for his dramatic weight gain — and it's reportedly for a film
The deacon who’s fighting child sex abuse in France
From La Croix (subscription required): François Debelle sits behind his desk with outstretched hands, palms face-up. "Christianity does not solve
Rise up: Deacons, here’s another great online retreat for you
This comes from my friend Silas Henderson — Deacon Silas Henderson! — with the Jordan Ministry Team, and it's another
Facing death, priest turns farewell into a teachable moment for seminarians
“In case I die, I have a few words for the future: It’s a good future.” From The Catholic News
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/5/21
Catholic leaders praise Biden decision to raise refugee cap (Crux) After President Joe Biden raised the refugee admissions cap to
Pope pens message to altar servers: ‘Don’t fall into mediocrity’
It strikes me that the counsel he offers here could be applied to all who serve at the altar —including
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/4/21
Costa Rica priest sings public health message (AP) A Roman Catholic priest better known for his outreach to the poor
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 5/3/21
"The optics are bad on this": Bishop Stika accepted accused deacon for ministry (The Pillar) The Bishop of Knoxville accepted
The new owner of the church? A former altar boy
From Akron: The pews are empty but the old church is full of memories. Joe Breiding’s footsteps echoed as he
Archbishop Cordileone releases pastoral letter on abortion, Catholics in public life and Communion
From CNA: The Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore J. Cordileone, released on May 1, 2021 a pastoral letter about the worthiness required
Pope adds new invocations to the Litany of St. Joseph
This was just announced today, on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker: On the 150 th anniversary of the proclamation
On the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker: A Prayer for the Unemployed
Share this with someone you know who may need it: Dear Saint Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the
Joe Biden gets a new bishop — UPDATED
The Vatican today announced two new bishops for dioceses in the United States. From the Vatican bulletin: Resignation and appointment
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/29/21
India's COVID deaths soar past 200,000 (Vatican News) India’s death toll from Covid-19 crossed the grim landmark of 200,000 cases
Bishops plan to vote on tough statement about Biden and communion
"How can he say he’s a devout Catholic and he’s doing these things that are contrary to the church’s teaching?”
Pope ousts leadership of diocese in Ecuador
This is something exceptional, via AP: Pope Francis responded Wednesday to reports of poor governance and moral failings in the
It’s here: ‘A Deacon Prays’
I'm pleased to share this happy news: my new book of devotions and prayers, "A Deacon Prays," is finally in
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/28/21
Biden White House dismisses concerns about fetal tissue research (National Review) White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday dismissed Catholic
Priest reportedly labels COVID a ‘hoax,’ suggests those who receive vaccine are ‘guinea pigs’
Details: A local priest whose public condemnation of Democrats as “Godless hypocrites” sparked both outcry and defense last fall has now
Pope praying for Bishop-elect who was attacked by gunmen
Details: Unknown armed men have shot and wounded the Bishop-elect of South Sudan’s Rumbek Catholic Diocese. The Italian-born Fr. Christian
Catholicism in the trailer for Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’
This is going to be something to see. Last night, during the Oscars, the first trailer for Steven Spielberg's "West
The nun who has become one of Europe’s outspoken vaccine skeptics
“It’s always important that criticism is possible, to have dissenting voices." From The New York Times: Sister Teresa Forcades came
How the pope will mark his name-day — UPDATED
From the Vatican: The Office of the Papal Almoner released a statement on Thursday connecting the feast of St. George—Jorge
Vatican dedicates May to global rosary ‘marathon’ to fight COVID
Details: The Vatican has announced a rosary initiative dedicating the month of May to prayer for an end to the
New commemorative Euro honors ‘First Irish-Catholic President’
The press release: 60 years ago, John Fitzgerald Kennedy did what many said couldn't be done: be sworn in as President of the
Listen: My conversation with Bishop Frank Caggiano
Thanks to the bishop and the good folks of the Diocese of Bridgeport — I'm looking at you, John Grosso
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/21/21
Catholic leaders react to Chauvin verdict (America) “The verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin is a sobering moment for
Who are the ‘nones’? They’re more diverse than you may think.
A new survey offers fresh insight into this group of religiously unaffiliated Americans: Only 60 percent of Americans who consider
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/20/21
Church urges Biden to accept more refugees (Business Insider) Bishop Mario Dorsonville, head of the US Conference on Catholic Bishops'
When a host fell on the floor during Mass …
Scott Hahn posted this on Facebook today, from the page of Allan F. Wright, who describes what happened when a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/19/21
Descendants challenge Jesuits on slave deal (The New York Times) Last month, the Jesuit conference of priests announced its plan
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/16/21
Poland health leader not concerned about church objections to vaccine (AP) Poland’s top vaccination official said Thursday he did not
Defiance: German Catholic leaders support planned ‘blessing service’ for same-sex couples
Details: Continuing to openly challenge the Vatican, several Catholic leaders in Germany are openly supporting the blessing of same-sex couples,
‘My diaconal vocation is never far from my thoughts…’
I'm delighted to see my friends Deacon Ernie Hart and Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers appearing in the pages of Our Sunday
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/15/21
Brooklyn's Kieran Harrington to head Pontifical Mission Societies (The Tablet) Msgr. Kieran Harrington of the Diocese of Brooklyn has been
CDF will not pursue case against Father Perrone; Detroit announces ‘disciplinary process’
The following statement was posted on the Archdiocese of Detroit website Tuesday: Close to two years ago, the Archdiocese of
Timothy Schmalz statue to be part of COVID-19 memorial
Details: In an announcement that marked the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Health — Youngstown and the Mercy
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/13/21
Head of New York's Regis High School fired (The New York Times) Regis High School, one of the most prominent
Head of New York’s Regis High School fired over sexual misconduct charges
From The New York Times: Regis High School, one of the most prominent Catholic schools in the country, said it
Douthat: The intelligentsia needs to find God
From The New York Times: Even if there is a resilience in American religion — especially in evangelical Christianity, still
A Catholic wedding like no other
This is one they'll be telling their children about. From Florida Catholic: They’re dedicated deputies and disciples of Jesus Christ
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/9/21
Catholic nuns face loss, pain (AP) These were women who held the hands of the dying and who raised the
Should U.S. dioceses be merged?
J.D. Flynn counts the number of sees becoming vacant, and offers a compelling argument over at The Pillar: The unique
Alabama will no longer require ‘so help me God’ in voter registration
Details: The Freedom From Religion Foundation has voluntarily dropped its federal lawsuit against Alabama after the state amended its voter registration form
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/8/21
Pope Francis names new bishop of Duluth (USCCB) Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Daniel J. Felton as Bishop of Duluth.
‘It’s time to get back to Mass!’
New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan weighs in: One of our fine pastors gave me this incident. He stopped at the
‘Hear, Holy Mother’ and other hymns inspired by COVID
From Religion Unplugged: Rae Whitney has written more than 500 hymns in her 94 years, songs full of praise and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/7/21
Theologian Hans Küng dies (The New York Times) Hans Küng, a Roman Catholic theologian and priest whose brilliantly disputatious, lucidly
Something beautiful for this season: ‘Like a River in My Soul’
They gave us goosebumps with "Let There Be Peace on Earth" at Christmastime, and here they are again. The sensationally
Gänswein: Benedict did not expect to live this long
“When he resigned in the spring of 2013, it seemed to him and to me—I can confess it here—that he
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 4/6/21
A winning streak for religion at SCOTUS (The New York Times) “For many today, religious liberty is not a cherished
An Easter gift for us all: A stirring rendition of a great hymn
This is wonderful. I'm a little late posting this — it was a busy deacon day — but I think
Biden’s taped Easter message cites Gospel of John and Pope Francis
This brief video was released Sunday, featuring President Biden and the First Lady. Beyond the usual warm wishes, it also
WATCH: Police shut down ‘unlawful’ Good Friday service over COVID
From Reuters: A Roman Catholic church in London said on Saturday it would complain to the police after officers shut down
A Prayer Before Chanting the Exsultet
Father of wonder and miracles: This is the night. Tonight, your Church announces the scattering of darkness, the hope of
For Holy Saturday: ‘The Holy Virgin in Old Age’
A haunting image from one of my favorite artists, James Tissot. About the artist: Tissot was a French painter and illustrator.
Cross purposes: Seminary installs solar farm in shape of a cross
Details: From their plane windows, people traveling to and from Chicago may notice the shape of a cross in a
‘The Way of the Cross is part of everyone’s story’
The life of a deacon: Thursday night, as I was putting on my coat after the Mass of the Lord's
Pope celebrates Holy Thursday Mass with cardinal he fired
From Crux: In a surprise move, Pope Francis on Holy Thursday celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper – one
The greatest becomes the least: Homily for April 1, 2021, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
If you head up to Westchester, to the town of Hawthorn, you’ll find a cemetery where there are buried a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/31/21
Pew survey looks at Catholic views on Biden and Communion (Pew Research) Among U.S. Catholic adults overall, 67% say Biden
Pope’s advice to priests: ‘We need to have the look of tenderness’
From Pope Francis's remarks to the Mexican Pontifical College yesterday: Above all, we need to have the look of tenderness with which
Gallup: Catholic church membership plummets
Details: The percentage of Catholics who say they are a “member” of a church has dropped by nearly 20 points
Nike sues over ‘Satan shoes,’ made with human blood
It doesn't seem to be much more than a twisted publicity stunt, but it's hard to brush it off when
Cardinal Schönborn: Vatican ruling on same-sex blessings undermined by ‘communications error’
“I wasn’t happy -- neither about the timing nor about the way in which communication was being made." From CNA:
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/30/21
Report: Catholic membership has dropped 20% since 2000 (CNA) The percentage of Catholics who say they are a “member” of
Funeral for Officer Eric Talley, slain in Boulder mass shooting
Details from CNA: A funeral Mass was held Monday in Denver for Officer Eric Talley, a Catholic father of seven
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/29/21
California woman sentenced to prison for threats made toward Catholic school (AP) A California woman who threatened to bomb a
Terror: Indonesian Catholic cathedral attacked on Palm Sunday
From The New York Times: An explosion shook a Roman Catholic cathedral compound in the eastern Indonesian city of Makassar
Boom: Number of permanent deacons worldwide continues to grow
This comes from the Vatican, via CNS: The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world has shown steady
Faith and science: Life at a Trappist monastery during the pandemic
This popped up on the PBS NewsHour last night: a compelling look at life at one of my favorite places,
One parish’s story: ‘The pandemic really crushed this community’
From the In My Backyard Desk, here's a powerful and painful reminder of the toll the pandemic has taken in
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/26/21
New Staten Island Ferry boat to be named for Dorothy Day (AMNY) A new Staten Island ferry boat will
A beloved priest’s death ignites awareness about COVID prevention
From RNS: As Luz Gallegos hosted a workshop March 18 informing agricultural workers about the COVID-19 vaccine, she held up
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/25/21
Pope Francis adds abuse survivor to papal commission (NCR) Pope Francis has added a Chilean clergy abuse survivor known for
‘How can this be?’: The defiantly countercultural message of The Annunciation
From the vault: The Annunciation is wildly, defiantly countercultural. It is rebellious. It is a challenge that is offered –
On Mary: Mother? Yes. Co-redemptrix? No.
'There are no co-redeemers with Christ. He is the only one." Pope Francis had a few words today on Mary's
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/24/21
Pope cuts salaries of Cardinals due to COVID (Vatican News) “A sustainable economic future requires today, among other decisions, adopting
Meet the Oklahoma church lady who dresses up for virtual services
This may be my favorite story of the month — maybe of the whole pandemic. God love her. From The
On the officer killed in Boulder: ‘He believed in Jesus Christ’ — UPDATED
Details about the life of Officer Eric Talley are beginning to trickle in. H was fatally shot by the gunman
‘There was light’: Words of hope from a young priest
"I’ve also seen light shining brightly in many rediscovering their faith: Notes detailing how a family learned to pray together
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/23/21
Cardinal Gregory: 'Healing of America's soul' needed to end racism (CNS) In a major address on confronting the sin of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/22/21
Pope: witness to Jesus in a life of service (Vatican News) Addressing the faithful via a live broadcast from the
Bishop: How St. Joseph helped me cope with depression, pandemic
"There are a few days in the lunar cycle when it’s impossible to see the moon with the naked eye.
Who are The Hillbilly Thomists? Watch and find out.
These guys are remarkable. When are they going to win a Grammy?? From their website: The Hillbilly Thomists are a
We are all part of God’s plan: Homily for March 21, 2021, 5th Sunday of Lent — UPDATED with video
In 2019, the New York Times did something remarkable and unexpected: it ran a series of stories about people joining
Are Catholics still participating in Mass during the pandemic?
From CARA: At CARA, we utilize our surveys and Google search term trends to estimate weekly Mass attendance. Mass attendance
Jesuit priest who celebrated Biden inauguration Mass under investigation
From AP: The Jesuit priest who presided over an inaugural Mass for President Joe Biden is under investigation for unspecified
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/19/21
Report: Cologne Catholic Church failed in handling sex abuse claims (The New York Times) A Roman Catholic archbishop in Germany
‘A lot of what we need to know can be learned from St. Joseph’
In the middle of Lent, the Church introduces a new figure into our journey: St. Joseph. This week, in a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/18/21
Ireland celebrates 'virtual' St. Patrick's Day (Vatican News) Down through the years, St Patrick’s Day celebrations have been known for
Legacy: When dad is a deacon
My pastor is one. The bishop of Richmond is one. And the saint we remember today is one. Each one
Hero: Priest who ministered to COVID patients dies of the disease at 50
Reading this news, I was reminded of St. Damien of Molokai. From Aleteia: Robert Ramirez Mayorga was 50 years old
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 3/17/21
Shrine to Blessed Stanley Rother comes closer to completion (KFOR) A beloved Oklahoma priest who was killed in Guatemala is
Defiance: Despite Vatican, some priests say they will continue to bless same-sex couples
From Reuters: A dissident band of Roman Catholic priests leading a disobedience campaign against the Vatican said on Tuesday they