From WBBM: Cardinal Blase Cupich is issuing new guidelines for Catholic funerals in the Archdiocese of Chicago, especially when it comes to eulogies or reflections of the person who died. The idea is to get all churches in the archdiocese on the same page when it comes to funerals. Many parishes have already conducted funerals using the now-codified practices. Under the guidelines, a pastor may allow one person to give a reflection or eulogy near the end of a funeral... Read more
Details: Pilgrims in Lourdes are increasingly falling prey to pickpockets as organised gangs of thieves target the holy site in southern France, where the atmosphere of religious devotion lulls many visitors into a false sense of security. “Many people think when they arrive in Lourdes nothing can happen and they leave their handbags open wider than they would in Paris,” said Philippe Subercaze, a city councillor in charge of security. “In Lourdes, they think the Virgin will protect them and... Read more
It’s happening in more places around the United States, and that includes my diocese of Brooklyn. All indications are it is working — often, very well. Check out this report below, from NET in Brooklyn, featuring my friend and neighbor Deacon Dean Dobbins: A couple years ago, I pointed out some other dioceses where this was being put into practice, including Pittsburgh: It is part of an effort to find new ways to provide vibrant Catholic ministry with the number... Read more
Details, from CNS: The way to rid the Catholic Church of clericalism is by giving laywomen a greater role in making decisions, a Bolivian bishop said. Bishop Ricardo Ernesto Centellas Guzman of Potosi told Catholic News Service Oct. 23 that before considering the proposal from some members of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon to ordain women deacons and married “viri probati,” or men of proven virtue, the current “model of the church, which is too hierarchal, must change.”... Read more
Oh brother. Details: Diamonds are everyone’s best friend — especially if you get them almost every day in the run-up to the holidays. Luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. is producing its first-ever Advent calendar this year — costing a mind-boggling $112,000. The 4-foot-tall display designed as a replica of the company’s Fifth Avenue flagship store has 24 doors hiding opulent gifts — many dripping in diamonds, platinum and gold. “From our most desired jewelry to witty everyday objects, each day holds a new... Read more
From Maggie Gallagher in The Catholic Herald: This November 16, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C, an event of extraordinary spiritual and cultural significance will take place: a new composition for a Solemn High Pontifical Mass honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary simultaneously under her titles of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (the Patroness of Mexico and all of the Americas, and the Patroness of the United States).... Read more
I’m getting a new boss. The announcement: Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, Chair and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Near East Welfare Association/Pontifical Mission for Palestine, has announced the Holy See has approved the nomination and election of Msgr. Peter Vaccari to succeed Msgr. John E. Kozar as president of CNEWA/PMP. Msgr. Vaccari will initiate the process of transition as vice president on January 1, 2020. At a date yet to be determined, but in... Read more
In 2011, my parish offered a special Mass to celebrate the first feast of Blessed John Paul, a year after his beatification. I was invited to preach. Today, the feast of Saint John Paul, I repost it. St. John Paul pray for us! + By a happy coincidence, this gospel touches on a theme that was so vital to Pope John Paul. In the parable, a tree is given one more chance to bring forth good fruit. The gardener gives... Read more
“If you would’ve told me in April that I would be converting to Catholicism in October, I would have laughed in your face.” A serious and thoughtful young Reformed Presbyterian, Katy Bagley, is chronicling her journey of faith on her blog, The Tiny Disciples, and that journey has just taken an unexpected detour — she just announced she’s becoming Catholic: If you would’ve told me in April that I would be converting to Catholicism in October, I would have laughed... Read more
“There’s a recovery phrase that says, ‘Stay on the bus; the scenery will change.’ It can apply to almost anything where you feel unhappy.” Writer Peggy Drexler looked at Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s long marriage — 73 years! — and offers some ideas: The secret to the Carters’ success might be as simple as the fact that, well, they chose to stay together. W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project and associate professor of sociology at the University... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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