The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/20/22
Report: 1 in 7 Christians live under persecution (Forbes) Open Doors, an international NGO advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians,
Historic: Pope to confer lay ministries Sunday
Details: The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will confer the ministries of catechist, lector, and acolyte upon lay men
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/19/22
Vatican asks bishops to invite Protestant, Orthodox leaders to take part in synod (CNA) The Vatican has issued a letter
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/18/22
Pope looks ahead to anniversary of Nicaea in 2025 (CNA) In an ecumenical meeting with a Lutheran delegation on Monday,
‘The community is devastated’: New Orleans priest takes his own life
“It is our collective prayer that through the Mercy of God, our beloved Fr. Weiss is now resting with God
A window into love: Pope Francis on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Love bears every trial with a positive attitude. It stands firm in hostile surroundings. This “endurance” involves not only the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/17/22
Pope asks Catholics to offer up sufferings for Christian unity (CNA) Pope Francis has asked Catholics to offer up their
Pope Francis: ‘I miss not being able to wander the streets’
The pope dropped a note to the journalist who caught him slipping out of a record store this week: "What
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/14/22
Pope: Synodality is about "listening to the spirit," not "majority consensus" (CNS) The synodal process is a path of engagement
Deacons, you’re invited: join me for a pre-Lenten retreat on the ‘Holy Mountain’
Looking for a prayerful way to recharge your batteries and get ready for Lent? "Come away to a deserted place
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/13/22
Catholic universities named in lawsuit alleging rigging of financial aid (CNA) The University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University are
Heroic nun who secretly baptized babies under Communism dies
Attention must be paid. From CNA: An Albanian nun who inspired Pope Francis with her courageous faith under communist persecution
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/12/21
Pope: Work is essential for our growth in holiness (Vatican News) In his catechesis at the General Audience focusing on
WATCH: Pope Francis makes unexpected visit to Rome record store
Well, here's something you don't see every day, caught on camera by Rome Reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6Pl_hs83s&feature=emb_imp_woyt Reuters reports: Pope Francis, a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/11/22
Priest in India to face trial on charges of hate speech (CNA) A Catholic priest in India will face trial
Combatting COVID: Pope calls for global commitment to vaccines
This story got some attention early today: The COVID-19 pandemic calls for an urgent reality check against baseless information and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/10/22
Pope: getting vaccinated against COVID a "moral obligation" (AP) Pope Francis suggested Monday that getting vaccinated against the coronavirus was
As COVID surges among priests, parishes find ways to cope
The story from St. Paul-Minneapolis: The number of priests with COVID-19 in the archdiocese is the highest it’s been since
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Grand Rapids
Some happy news in the new year out of Michigan: Deacon Jerry Roersma, director of diaconate formation, wrote to tell
The cardinal in winter: Gregory reflects on life in quarantine
The cardinal archbishop of Washington has tested positive for COVID and he's been on lockdown for several days. This reflection
How about an ‘Amen’ for the great Sidney Poitier?
It was announced today that the film legend has died at the age of 94. What a treasure he was:
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/7/22
Vatican newspaper marks anniversary of 1/6 attack (CNS) The attack on the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6, 2021, “represented a direct
UK tribunal rules Catholic nurse was ‘victimized’ for wearing a cross at work
From The Guardian: A nurse who claimed she was victimized for wearing a necklace with a Christian cross at work
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/6/21
In wake of Omicron, Catholic colleges go online (CNS) In response to the current spike in COVID-19 cases across the
Former House chaplain after 1/6: ‘Stop the judgment, stop the anger, stop the blame’
Just ahead of the 1/6 anniversary, The Washington Post has published part of an interview with the former chaplain of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/5/22
Small but dramatic change to Pope's General Audience (AP) Pope Francis called Wednesday for simplified adoption procedures and urged couples
Guest post: A Chicago deacon’s ministry in Uganda
A few days ago, I got an email from Deacon Don Grossnickle, from the Archdiocese of Chicago, eager to spread
Cardinal, Tony Blair honored by Queen Elizabeth
Details: A cardinal said on Monday that he was grateful to be honored by Queen Elizabeth II in the British
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/4/22
Chicago parishes facing pandemic hardships (Chicago Tribune) When parishioners gathered for Christmas Eve Mass at St. Clement Catholic Church last
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 1/3/21
Schools in India ordered closed for celebrating Christmas (Crux) A Christian school was ordered closed in India on Dec. 26
Chalk, Kings, Chants: Just another Epiphany in Queens
It was a jam-packed day at my parish, beginning with the 9 a.m. Mass, when our administrator, Father Passenant, blessed
Cardinal Gregory has COVID
Details: The cardinal who leads the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has tested positive for the coronavirus. The archdiocese said
One resolution to keep: Homily for January 2, 2022, Epiphany of the Lord
“They departed for their country by another way.” Commentators and homilists have long used this phrase, the conclusion of this
Pope Francis: ‘Let us learn from Mary how to keep and ponder’
From the Holy Father's homily on January 1: Mary’s pensiveness is the expression of a mature, adult faith, not a
A Deacon’s Prayer for the Christmas Season
Heavenly Father, As I live these days of gratitude and grace, celebrating the birth of your son, guide my heart
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/31/21
Vatican pays tribute to murdered church workers (CNS) In situations of extreme poverty, war or civil tensions, 22 Catholic church
Must-read: What Catholics (and everyone else) should know about the COVID vaccines
This is one of the best overviews on the issue I've read, and it comes from Dr. Gwyneth Spaeder, writing
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/30/21
Priest who led diocesan Office of Child Protection charged in abuse case (CNS) A retired priest of the Diocese of
The New York Times: New Yorkers who pray at home in ‘sacred spaces’
"You enter in your room and you pray in front of your father who is present with you. It is
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/29/21
Vandals increasingly target Catholic churches (Newsweek) Attacks on church properties (arson; statues beheaded; limbs cut, smashed and painted; gravestones defaced
Our Lady of the Hoops? Italy’s bid to have a patroness of basketball
From The New York Times: In the chapel of a small hillside sanctuary in Porretta Terme — a handsome town
New Year’s resolution: 8 ways to kickstart your prayer life in 2022
A little something I wrote for Our Sunday Visitor: Whatever way you welcome 2022 — I’ve reached the age where
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/28/21
Recruits from Africa help ease clergy shortage (AP) As fewer American-born men and women enter seminaries and convents, U.S. dioceses
Cardinal Cupich will require priests to get permission to celebrate Latin Mass
Details: Beginning Jan. 25, 2022, all clergy in the Chicago Archdiocese will need the archbishop's permission to celebrate the Tridentine
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/27/21
Priest: Churches should require proof of vaccination (The Daily Mail) A Catholic priest and cable TV contributor has said that
On Feast of Holy Family, Pope Francis issues letter to married couples
Details: On the Feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis encouraged married couples to rely on the strength of Christ
The clergy who quit: COVID’s other casualties
From The Washington Post: The past few years have jostled and rocked the labor market overall, with many millions losing
Urbi et Orbi: ‘Amid all the many problems of our time, hope prevails’
From CNA: Giving his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Saturday, Pope Francis urged leaders to be open to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/24/21
In flyover, bishop blesses people impacted by tornadoes (CNS) Owensboro Bishop William F. Medley wanted to bless his people who
An early gift: ‘Angels’ Carol’
Here's a lovely rendition of John Rutter's modern classic, performed by the Queens Oratorio Society (under the direction of my
‘Celebrate differently’: Church in Quebec cancels Masses, Christmas celebrations
Details: Faced with the seriousness of the health situation, in consultation with the leaders of the parishes and his team,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/23/21
Pope urges humility in Christmas address to Vatican administrators (AP) Pope Francis urged Vatican cardinals, bishops and bureaucrats Thursday to
Illinois statehouse once again welcomes Satanic Temple’s holiday display
From RNS: The Satanic Temple of Illinois’ contribution to a holiday display in the Illinois Statehouse rotunda in Springfield Monday
‘It’s like a ghost town’: COVID spoils another Christmas in the Holy Land
From The New York Times: There were only a few shopping days left until Christmas, but in the Christian Quarter
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for St. Paul-Minneapolis
Details: Noting a common call to be servants in the readings chosen for the ordination Mass of seven men to the permanent diaconate Dec. 4, Archbishop Bernard Hebda encouraged
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/22/21
Prosecution of McCarrick moves forward (Crux) A Dec. 21 motion for transcript, audio and video recordings of depositions related to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/21/21
Pope appoints Scranton parish priest to be bishop of Gaylord (Holy See Bulletin) The Holy Father has appointed as bishop
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/20/21
Report: Catholic Church in Spain faces abuse investigation (Reuters) Spain's Catholic Church is to open an investigation into alleged sex
Looking for a last-minute gift for a deacon? Look no further
This has been a good season for books that any deacon would be happy to add to his shelf. So
America faces ‘the second pandemic’
"There is an overwhelming sense of malaise and fatigue.” From The New York Times: As Americans head into a third
Yes, Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ is really that good
The first thing to know about Steven Spielberg's stunningly good film of "West Side Story" is that it doesn't really
Mark, did you know? The writer of THAT Christmas song explains
From RNS, here's a conversation with Mark Lowry, the composer of one of the most contentious Christmas songs of our
Stunning: Assisi offers unique Christmas light show of Giotto frescoes
Details: Saint Francis' hometown of Assisi has once again been illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season. The frescoes from
Nick Sandmann says he has reached settlement with NBC
From The Cincinnati Enquirer: A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed against NBC by Covington Catholic graduate Nick Sandman. Sandman
Deacon George Bailey?
A lucky parish in Bedford Falls would have been enriched by a Deacon George Bailey. This could be a deacon's
Will Catholics come home this Christmas?
Last year, attendance at the big Christmas Eve Mass at my parish was shockingly low — about 200, for a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/17/21
Happy 85th birthday, Pope Francis (Vatican News) People across the world, and certainly not only Catholics, are celebrating with the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/16/21
Group calls for Catholic Church to recognize Anglican ordinations (CNS) A group of Catholic and Anglican theologians has publicly called
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/15/21
Russia's Orthodox Church dismisses talk of union with Rome (Greek Reporter) Russia’s Orthodox Church dismissed talk of union between Orthodox
‘Let us be light’
Tuesday night, I paid a visit to the Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, just down the road from my
Bishop suspended over attempted marriage
Not surprising: The apostolic administrator of Solsona announced Saturday that the diocese’s former bishop, Xavier Novell i Gomà, had incurred
Survey: Number of ‘Nones’ continues to grow
"The Protestant share of the population is down 4 percentage points over the last five years and has dropped 10
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/14/21
Mourning, prayer, and resolve to rebuild after tornadoes (CNS) Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild shattered lives, homes and
Commission approves changes to Notre-Dame
Details: The latest in a series of controversies that have surrounded the renovation of Notre-Dame unfolded on Thursday, when a commission of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/13/21
Bishops decry California plan to become "sanctuary" for abortion (CNS) California’s Catholic bishops slammed a new plan endorsed by Gov.
It’s Bambinelli Sunday!
Once again at my parish, we will be blessing the Baby Jesus figurines used in home nativity scenes. Details: The
The season of a knock at the door: Homily for December 12, 2021, Gaudete Sunday
Sunday, our candidates and catechumens will take part in the Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance. This homily is for that
What’s a ‘Star on the Mantle’?
Here's an interesting development in Kansas — featuring a community and a title, I confess, I had never heard of
Dear Post Office: What happened to the stamps this year?
As the mail piles up during the holidays, I don't know how many others have noticed this. But the United
BBC names courageous nun one of the most inspiring women of 2021
Details: Among the BBC’s “list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2021”, is a Catholic
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/10/21
Cardinal Tagle consecrates new cathedral in Bahrain (CNA) Vatican Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle consecrated on Friday the Cathedral of Our
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/9/21
Report names five European nations with increasing anti-Christian violence (CNS) Catholics are facing soaring levels of discrimination in some of
WWMD? A few thoughts for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
His name was Charles Sheldon – and he is one of the most influential preachers in American history. Don’t be
It’s here: a gift that can truly make a splash
I'm humbled to once again be a part of an extraordinary undertaking that is going to bring comfort to a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/8/21
Pope prays for sick and suffering before Mary (Vatican News) On Wednesday morning, just before 6:15 am, Pope Francis went
80 years ago today: How Pearl Harbor helped advance the cause of religious freedom
An important part of this important day, via The Tallahassee Democrat: Dec. 7, 1941, the day 2,300 other American troops died, is the
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/7/21
Pope asks pardon for sins that drove apart Catholics, Orthodox (CNS) Like St. John Paul II before him, Pope Francis
Something’s coming — besides ‘West Side Story’
I'm pleased to offer this early look at the cover of my next book, Befriending St. Joseph: Finding Faith, Hope
A day to honor the priesthood — and a wonderful priest
My parish gathered Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of my pastor, Bishop Paul
‘Keep Christ in Christmas’: The story behind New Orleans’ historic billboard campaign
Details: Eternal hope is the overarching message of Christmas: A child born in a barn changed the world. Charlie LeBlanc
Gänswein: Benedict has received three COVID shots
Details: Archbishop Georg Gänswein has said that both he and Benedict XVI have received three COVID-19 vaccine doses “out of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/3/21
NYC sets vaccine mandate for religious, private school workers (The New York Times) New York City will require employees at
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/2/21
Pope accepts resignation of archbishop of Paris (CNA) Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Michel Aupetit on Thursday amid
Some thoughts on ‘Christmas with The Chosen’
So my wife and I on Wednesday went to see the special Christmas episode of "The Chosen," now playing at
‘On the front lines of hope’: Excerpts from Bishop Robert Brennan’s first homily in Brooklyn
A few highlights from a thoughtful and inspiring homily, delivered at his installation Tuesday afternoon at the Co-Cathedral of St.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 12/1/21
A great day in Brooklyn, as Brennan takes the chair (The Deacon's Bench) It was a day rich in emotion,
A great day in Brooklyn: Brennan takes the chair
It was a day rich in emotion, history, pageantry and joy, as Brooklyn welcomed Robert Brennan as our 8th bishop.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/30/21
Pope advances sainthood causes, including priest murdered at Dachau (CNS) Pope Francis signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to
Now hear this: talking about Advent on Catholic Review radio
My friend Chris Gunty from the Archdiocese of Baltimore invited me to be a guest on his radio program this
Vatican cardinal dismisses women’s ordination, calling it ‘a wrong path’
From Crux: Though the week-long Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America offered a long string of bold proposals, the proposal of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/29/21
Fetal viability faces a Supreme Court test (The New York Times) In 1973, in Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court drew
Making Advent matter: Homily for November 28, 2021, 1st Sunday of Advent
“There will be signs.” These days, we are seeing a lot of signs. “No mask, no entry.” “Stay 6 feet
Helen Keller, Dorothy Day, Advent — and the daring adventure
I live not far from a synagogue in Queens, New York and on the wall outside is a plaque, dedicated
Report: A ‘kind of a theme park’ for the new Notre Dame?
The new design will reportedly replace the cathedral's confessional boxes, altars, and classical sculptures with modern art murals. It will
AP: Archbishop of Paris admits ‘ambiguous’ relationship, offers to resign
“The word ‘resignation’ is not the one I used...In reality, I am handing it over to the Holy Father because
What will happen to the Church in Ireland?
A new report paints a grim picture for the faithful in the land of St. Patrick. From The Irish Times:
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/26/21
Wife of Catholic radio host among those killed in Waukesha (CNA) Tributes have continued to pour in in the wake
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/24/21
McCarrick named in new sex abuse lawsuit (AP) Defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is facing another sexual abuse lawsuit, from a
Here’s a picture to cherish this Thanksgiving: Deacon Ken Conklin
You'll remember that Ken Conklin was ordained just days before doctors expected him to enter eternal life. Since then, his
How Americans make sense of suffering
A new survey cracks open a window into how we cope with crisis, especially in light of the COVID pandemic.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/23/21
Pope prays for victims of Wisconsin tragedy (Vatican News) Pope Francis said he is close to all those who have been
‘He gave his soul to the Lord’: Last surviving Trappist monk of Tibhirine dies at 97
Details: Trappist Father Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last survivor of the 1996 attack on the Tibhirine monastery in Algeria, died at
Saying grace: the importance of those words we pray before meals
Some timely insight, just a few days before Thanksgiving, in The Washington Post: The state of grace in contemporary America
Priest, parishioners among the casualties in Waukesha
“It is in our most difficult hours that we, as a community, turn to our Lord for refuge, strength and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/22/21
Praying for victims of the tragedy in Waukesha (Vatican News) According to a press statement from the Communication Director of
Only 1,257 days a priest — and now a ‘Blessed’ in the Church
The story of a future saint we all should know, a priest who died when he was only 28: A
Looking for a great way to kick off Advent? Try this.
My friend Leo Zanchettin from Word Among Us Press has just published this terrific book on St. Mark's Gospel, and
‘Thanksgiving in a cone’: delightful or disgusting?
Iowa's latest gift to the world: Everyone raves over pumpkin spice in the fall. But where's the limelight for our
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/19/21
Despite empty pews, Catholic schools booming (The Economist) this autumn dioceses all over the country are seeing increases in enrolments.
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/18/21
Catholic bishops avoid confrontation with Biden over Communion (The New York Times) The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States
Upcoming Christmas movie of ‘The Chosen’ breaks records
This will be something to see: A new bonus episode of “The Chosen” will hit theaters on Dec. 1, delighting
Bishops approve document on Eucharist, 222-8
From CNS: The U.S. bishops approved their statement on the Eucharist with 222 “yes” votes Nov. 17, the second of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/17/21
Bishops move to approve new RCIA norms (CNS) More commonly known over the past two generations as the Rite of
Holy Land religious leaders’ message to the world: get vaccinated
From Crux: Israel’s top religious leaders joined President Isaac Herzog in calling for more people around the world to be
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/16/21
New Orleans archdiocese to pay more than $1 million for fraudulent Hurricane Katrina claims (CNA) According to the DOJ, the
Deacons, check out this online workshop on preaching
This looks pretty great, from my friend Deacon Silas Henderson and the good people at the Jordan Ministry Team... It's
What happened to the ambitious Veritatis Splendor project in Texas?
Some may remember this story from last winter: A grand oratory, seven Catholic institutes, a retreat center, residences, multilevel educational
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/15/21
Bishops gather in Baltimore for meeting (CNA) When the U.S. Catholic bishops gather in Baltimore Nov. 15-18 for their annual
Deacon dies hours after delivering a homily about being ready for death
I had the privilege of meeting him a few years ago when I gave a retreat to the deacons of
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/12/21
Portugal's bishops announce child sex abuse commission (AP) Portugal's Roman Catholic Church said on Thursday it would create an independent
Report: 4,200 allegations of child abuse against clergy; 22 are current cases
“It should be noted that the vast majority of these reports were historical in nature." From CNS: More than 4,200
Boom: The diocese that has grown from a few thousand to a million in 40 years
From La Croix: When the Archdiocese of Abuja, located in the capital of Nigeria, was established as a "missio sui
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/10/21
Blessed Charles De Foucauld to be canonized May 15 (Vatican News) Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Charles De Foucauld, considered
Survey: over half of U.S. priests say state of Church ‘not so good’
"That the Catholic Church is not doing well is something progressive and conservative priests agree upon, even if their reasons
Why are churches being vandalized?
RNS looks at the issue: It was after a pair of Catholic churches caught ablaze last summer, one in Southern
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/9/21
French Catholic Church will sell assets to compensate abuse victims (The New York Times) The Roman Catholic Church in France
‘We are pilgrims on a journey’: Check out this special Holy Land pilgrimage for deacons
The good people at the Josephinum have put this together with Peter's Way Tours, and I think this is a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/8/21
French bishops kneel in penance over Church's role in child sex abuse (The Guardian) Senior members of France’s Roman Catholic
‘Miracles surround us!’: an update on Deacon Ken Conklin of Knoxville
You may remember the poignant story of Ken Conklin, who was diagnosed with cancer and was ordained as a permanent
Ruling: Priest can’t sue former parishioners he claims spread lies about him
From Pennsylvania: A Catholic priest can’t sue several members of his former Pennsylvania parish whom he claims got him fired
Loyola Marymount to host fundraiser for Planned Parenthood
From Crux: Pleas from members of the Loyola Marymount University community against Friday’s on-campus Planned Parenthood fundraiser have fallen on
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/5/21
Students boycott pro-life assembly at Catholic school (CNA) Students at a Catholic high school in San Francisco staged a walkout
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/4/21
Police ID suspect in Denver cathedral vandalism (CNA) Metro Denver Police announced Nov. 2 that the individual who allegedly vandalized
Texas votes to ban government from restricting church services
This may have slipped under the radar today, as people unpack the results of races in Virginia and New Jersey,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/3/21
Pope urges leaders at COP26 to be courageous in tackling climate change (CNS) Education, a change in lifestyles and a
An Angel becomes a deacon: retired MLB player ordained in California
How cool is this? From Black Catholic Messenger: In a milestone moment for Southern California, former MLB player Darrell Miller Sr.—brother
Cry from the heart: An artist crafts a pain-filled Pietà like no other
From Baltimore's Catholic Review: Wayman Scott IV couldn’t sleep. Even as a professional grief counselor at Gilchrist Hospice whose job
‘My place is here’: Jewish Holocaust survivor who became a priest to be buried as a Jew
From The Jerusalem Post: Later this week, a Jewish Holocaust survivor who became a Catholic priest in Poland, moved to
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/2/21
Supreme Court hears challenges to Texas abortion ban (CNA) The U.S. Supreme Court spent nearly three hours Monday hearing arguments
A Deacon Prays: A Prayer for November
From A Deacon Prays: Prayers and Devotions for Liturgy and Life (Ave Maria Press) Signed copies available at this link!
SCOTUS turns down Catholic hospital appeal in transgender case
From NBC News: The Supreme Court on Monday turned down an appeal from a Catholic hospital in California that was
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 11/1/21
Biden receives Communion in Rome (AP) President Joe Biden received Communion at St. Patrick’s Church, Rome’s American parish, during Saturday
A beloved priest died of COVID. What happened after is remarkable.
Father Francisco Valdovinos had a profound effect on the families he served in Mecca, California. His sermons endeared him to
Dignity on death row: ‘Central to caring for the dying is touch’
Catholic priest and theologian Father Dorian Llewelyn weighs in on an issue that has found its way to the Supreme
‘She loved very much’: Homily for October 31, 2021, 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Do you see what he did there? In this Gospel passage from Mark, Jesus gave an answer to a question
Cardinal Burke posts statement on abortion, Catholic politicians and Canon 915
On his web page, Cardinal Raymond Burke posted a long statement this week regarding abortion, Canon 915 and the urgent
The Deacon’s Conference is coming — and you’re invited
I'm pleased to announce a virtual event next weekend, November 5 and 6. I'm privileged to be a part of
Biden: Pope said ‘he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion’
From The New York Times: President Biden told reporters on Friday that Pope Francis had called him a “good Catholic”
UPDATED: White House ‘readout’ of Francis-Biden meeting
I suspect there will be more details to come, but here's the first take, from the White House: UPDATE, with
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/29/21
Biden, Pope to talk COVID, climate change, poverty (AP) Hours after arriving in Rome, President Joe Biden will meet with
This Christmas, the Vatican offers a Jesus from the Andes
News about the annual Nativity scene at the Vatican: Over 30 figurines created by five different artists belonging to the
The pope and the president: Vatican cancels live broadcast of meeting between Biden and Pope Francis
From AP: The Vatican on Thursday abruptly canceled the planned live broadcast of U.S. President Joe Biden meeting Pope Francis,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/28/21
La Crosse bishop tests positive for COVID (WXOW) Bishop William Patrick Callahan, the head of the Diocese of La Crosse,
Ordination update: 13 new deacons for Orange
From the Diocese of Orange, CA Facebook page: After five years of study and preparation, these 13 men were officially
Elizabeth Scalia on sex abuse: ‘There needs to be a penitential liturgy’
Writing of her own experience as a victim of sexual abuse — and the continuing revelations in a seriously wounded
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/27/21
Pope to visit Canada (AP) The Vatican says Pope Francis has agreed to visit Canada to help ongoing efforts at
‘The Holy Fiancée’: Sandra Sabattini is now a blessed — and her former fiancé is a deacon
The Church's newest blessed was the fiance of a young man who is now a married deacon in Italy. Her
Report: Young people say disconnect keeps them from church
“I hear what priests and pastors say at the pulpit and say to myself, ‘No, that is not what I
Axios: Worship under attack
From the Axios morning newsletter: Houses of worship — across faiths, including Jewish synagogues, Buddhist temples and Catholic churches — are
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/26/21
Haitian bishop asks kidnappers of missionaries to "show some humanity" (Crux) After the kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries
Family ties: Father and son ordained together as deacons
"I wouldn't say coincidence because I don't think anything with God is a coincidence. It was an amazing event.” Beautiful,
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/25/21
Patriarch Bartholomew hospitalized (AP) The spiritual leader of the world’s 200 million Eastern Orthodox Christians was hospitalized Sunday in Washington
Just in time for Halloween … something Erie!
Boo! I'm on the road again: heading this weekend to the Diocese of Erie (by way of Cleveland ... getting
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/22/21
Number of Catholics in Asia, Africa continues to rise (CNA) The number of Catholics in Asia and Africa continued to
‘The most powerful evening of my priesthood’
Photo: Twitter That's how my friend Father Michael Duffy from the Diocese of Rockville Centre described this extraordinary event: a
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/21/21
Archbishop: my archdiocese will not take part in Synod (CNA) A Catholic leader has said that his archdiocese won’t take
WATCH: Pope Francis gets some company onstage during his audience
Details: The unexpected encounter took place early in the audience as clergy read out Galatians 5:13-14 in various languages, a passage in
What can you do when you hate yourself — and God?
Elizabeth Scalia steps up to the plate, adjusts her cap, raises her Louisville Slugger, and slams one out of the
Cardinal Burke update: ‘I am now able to offer daily the Holy Mass’
"Divine Providence will determine the time of my return to my usual pastoral activities." Details: Cardinal Raymond Burke said his recovery
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/20/21
Bishop calls for recognition of anointing as "emergency service" (CNA) A Catholic bishop called on Tuesday for greater recognition of
‘I was raised by a father with Down Syndrome…
Photo: via Instagram A recent version of this popped up on my Facebook feed, so I did some digging and
The church bulletin: Catholic headlines for 10/19/21
Bishops: attacks on Catholic sites are "acts of hate" and must stop (CNS) The Oct. 10 vandalization of Denver’s cathedral
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