The Deacon's Bench
A reader sent this my way, from the HHS Secretary’s controversial appearance at Georgetown University today: Read more
A reader sent this my way, from the HHS Secretary’s controversial appearance at Georgetown University today: Read more
Spotted by my goddaughter Branda, during a morning walk in California: Read more
Bishop Paul Etienne had this to say about the men who were ordained on 15 May: This class of men for some time now have developed quite a reputation for their great quality. The many professors and others who have worked with them in their years of formation always have great and positive things to say on their behalf. I must say, I am in complete agreement. The Church of the Diocese of Cheyenne was truly blessed today in calling... Read more
The university just might need an exorcist — and the author of the blockbuster book and movie is doing his part: Georgetown University alumni, students and others are preparing a canon law suit to be filed with the Archdiocese of Washington and the Vatican, seeking remedies “up to and including the possible removal or suspension of top-ranked Georgetown’s right to call itself Catholic or Jesuit in its fundraising and representations to applicants.” The effort is being led by the distinguished... Read more
It happened last weekend. Pictured above: Bishop William Murphy and other clergy gather with the new deacons and their wives after the ordination. From left, Msgr. Robert Brennan, diocesan vicar general, Deacon Tom Connolly, director of deacon formation, Michael and Sue Ann Appel, Darrell and Diane Buono, Michael and Lisa Gomes, Bishop Murphy, Auxiliary Bishop John Dunne, Robert and Mary Jean McCarthy, Carlito and Lourdes Roman, Dennis and Theresa Schlosser, and Deacon Jim Murphy, director of deacon personnel. You can... Read more
It happened last weekend. Pictured above: Bishop William Murphy and other clergy gather with the new deacons and their wives after the ordination. From left, Msgr. Robert Brennan, diocesan vicar general, Deacon Tom Connolly, director of deacon formation, Michael and Sue Ann Appel, Darrell and Diane Buono, Michael and Lisa Gomes, Bishop Murphy, Auxiliary Bishop John Dunne, Robert and Mary Jean McCarthy, Carlito and Lourdes Roman, Dennis and Theresa Schlosser, and Deacon Jim Murphy, director of deacon personnel. You can... Read more
As someone noted on Twitter: “If you’ve seen a better picture of a dog dressed as two pirates carrying a treasure chest today, I don’t believe you” Read more
Here’s a remarkable story of generosity and charity: A Kentucky businessman has bought out the entire stock of a closing-down Kmart store and donated it to charity. Rankin Paynter runs a gold and jewellery buying centre in the Winchester area and knows how tough life can be for his hard-up customers. When he was shopping at the store for his own business, he asked what would happen to the leftover inventory when the shop closed in two days. Six hours... Read more
“I love our priests, and honor them, but it’s hard to argue that an unfaithful straight priest is better than a faithful gay one. I would rather see a homosexually-inclined happy, celibate priest be able to live in honesty about who he is, than learn about a hetero priest living a lie. A faithful priest is a faithful priest. A happy, joy-filled priest serves the body of Christ in a powerful way. Allow me to anticipate the argument that the priesthood cannot... Read more
The definitive Queen of Disco — whose music contributed mightily to the soundtrack of my college years — died today at 63 from lung cancer. Read more
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