“It is difficult to capture what this anniversary means to us as Americans, as New Yorkers, as Catholic Christians. The things we feel are almost beyond words. We are still, in many ways, groping in the dark, struggling to find a way to deal with what happened, and how much our lives and our world have changed. Yet, this day, as we come before the altar of God with our prayers and petitions, our grief and our anger, we hear... Read more
Last month, I posted on the historic bequest of Margaret Mitchell’s estate to the Catholic Church. Now, here’s a look at one of the key figures involved, Deacon Steve Swope. From CNS: Steve Swope, the deacon who is overseeing the late Joseph Mitchell’s multimillion-dollar “Gone With the Wind” bequest to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, discovered quickly that Mitchell’s munificent gift was going to take him into uncharted territory. “I received a call a couple of weeks ago from someone who... Read more
It happened in Massachusetts. Details: A gay couple from Massachusetts has sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester for allegedly refusing to sell them a mansion because church officials were concerned they would host gay weddings at the site. James Fairbanks and Alain Beret filed their discrimination suit Monday in Worcester Superior Court. They allege that they were in negotiations to buy Oakhurst, a former retreat center in Northbridge, when church officials suddenly pulled out. They say they inadvertently received... Read more
I suspect there will be a complete write up soon in the archdiocesan paper, but last week the Catholic Herald offered a preview: Eleven men will be ordained deacons of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Saturday, Sept. 8. The deacons will serve in a variety of ministries at their parishes and in their communities. Check out the link for bios and pictures. And you can watch video... Read more
“It is difficult to capture what this anniversary means to us as Americans, as New Yorkers, as Catholic Christians. The things we feel are almost beyond words. We are still, in many ways, groping in the dark, struggling to find a way to deal with what happened, and how much our lives and our world have changed. Yet, this day, as we come before the altar of God with our prayers and petitions, our grief and our anger, we hear... Read more
I suspect there will be a complete write up soon in the archdiocesan paper, but last week the Catholic Herald offered a preview: Eleven men will be ordained deacons of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Saturday, Sept. 8. The deacons will serve in a variety of ministries at their parishes and in their communities. Check out the link for bios and pictures. And you can watch video... Read more
Details: The festival of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba, drew thousands of people to Masses and processions that were marked by messages of love and unity for Cubans on and off the island, where this year the 400th anniversary of the finding of the saint’s image is being held. Just as in the earlier celebrations of the Jubilee Year, which began in January, prayers “for each and every Cuban wherever they may be” were given... Read more
Details are sketchy, but if it happens it would truly be historic: Anglicans in Christchurch are talking about sharing a cathedral with the Catholics, a move that would have worldwide ramifications. OLIVIA CARVILLE reports. Rebuilding Christchurch’s two wounded cathedrals into one ‘unprecedented’ Anglican-Catholic super-cathedral is under discussion at top levels in the Anglican Church. The Sunday Star-Times understands the possibility of an ecumenical, or joint, cathedral to unify the two churches has been discussed behind closed doors for months. If... Read more
Details: The suspect accused in a string of purse thefts in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill section is now in police custody after being arrested Sunday morning during a church service. “The individual came in about 10 minutes after the service started, and he sat right here, about five pews from the back of the church,” said Fr. John Dinello, of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Fr. Dinello says ushers were warned to be on the lookout for the suspect,... Read more
When my worlds collide: a former colleague of mine from CBS News, Bob Faw, profiles Catholic writer and deacon, Ron Hansen for the fine PBS program “Religion & Ethics Newsweekly.” It’s superb. Just watch. Watch Catholic Writer Ron Hansen on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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