I’m delighted to report that a new book for children answers that question — and may answer it, too, for grown ups. In fact, anyone who is curious about the married man with the angled stole who putters around the sacristy, baptizes babies and expounds every now and then from the pulpit should check out Elizabeth Ficocelli’s friendly primer, “Where Do Deacons Come From?” It’s part of a very good series for young people that includes “Where Do Priests Come... Read more
This Sunday’s gospel is a perfect companion piece to the one we heard last week. Each gospel manages to show us two sides of the same coin. Last week, you’ll remember, we found ourselves in the Sea of Galilee, and heard the account of Peter attempting to walk on water, and sinking. It was the story of an apostle – a man, and a Jew – challenged by the Lord and then failing that challenge because of his doubt. But... Read more
This Sunday’s gospel is a perfect companion piece to the one we heard last week. Each gospel manages to show us two sides of the same coin. Last week, you’ll remember, we found ourselves in the Sea of Galilee, and heard the account of Peter attempting to walk on water, and sinking. It was the story of an apostle – a man, and a Jew – challenged by the Lord and then failing that challenge because of his doubt. But... Read more
My appearance today on “Word to Life” has now been preserved for posterity. God help us all. If you have nothing better to do, you can find it at this link. Meanwhile, below is another shot of the show’s host, Fr. Bruno Shah, O.P., moments before air, obviously excited and nervous and probably having second thoughts about that day’s guest … Read more
It happened last week, and the famed announcer was left momentarily mute: It took a face-to-face meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in Italy recently to leave local resident and “Awesome Baby!” sports announcer Dick Vitale in the most unfamiliar of postures. Being from an Italian background — his grandparents were Sicilian immigrants — Vitale said his late parents would have been proud that their son met the pope. “I was in such awe that I really was speechless,” said Vitale,... Read more
I survived my hour on the Catholic Channel this afternoon, and here’s the photographic evidence: me with the kindly host, Fr. Bruno. After the show, I took him to Ted’s Montana Grill for lunch. Since it’s Friday, and he’s a saintly Dominican, Bruno had a fried fish sandwich. I was tempted by the bison burger, but went with Ted’s Chopped Salad. A good time was had by all. I’ll post a link to our conversation when it’s available on line. ... Read more
The folks at The Onion provide some answers…click to enlarge: Read more
I had the good fortune of meeting him a few years back, when he was merely in his mid-90’s. What an inspiration: Father Luke Kot sits in the midst of the barn-turned-museum at Holy Spirit Monastery and reminisces. Stairs in the corner once led to the second-floor “cells,” as bedrooms for monks are called. Here was the abbot’s office. And over against that wall he had a close encounter with a chicken. “She sat close by me. She laid an... Read more
Behold, the Guinness World Record Holder for … parking. This is parallel parking that is unparalleled. And, frankly, terrifying. Read more
From my old colleagues here. Click to enlarge. Spotted last night in Forest Hills, Queens. Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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