The Deacon's Bench
It would be the birthday party we deserve, not the one we need. And it might end up something like this. Read more
It would be the birthday party we deserve, not the one we need. And it might end up something like this. Read more
There’s been some controversy about whether Catholics should support the Girl Scouts, and even if it’s appropriate to buy their cookies. Catholic News Service takes a closer look: Tina Kent credits the Girl Scouts for teaching her skills in leadership, conflict resolution and critical thinking and for giving her an appreciation for the outdoors and opportunities to travel. Kent became a Brownie at age 8 in her native Vermillion, S.D., and remained a Scout until she was a teenager in... Read more
Some of you may remember this story about the Iowa priest diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and how he preached a message of “finding the joy” in the last months of his life. A reader sent me an e-mail, alerting me that Father Everett Hemann died Tuesday evening. He was 66. Watch the final interview with him, from the Des Moines Register, below. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him… Read more
A cautionary tale from financial expert Philip Cioppa — who just happens to be a former priest: Most of you don’t know it, but for 18½ years I served as a Roman Catholic priest. In 2001, I left the priesthood in excellent standing to pursue other avenues in life. When I left however, I was deep in credit card debt. I dug myself out eventually, but looking back at my situation, I marvel at how easy it was to get... Read more
Details — and a grateful H/T to Marcel at Aggie Catholics: Religious liberty groups are blasting a proposed ordinance that would force churches in Hutchinson, Kan. to rent their facilities for gay weddings and gay parties. The Hutchinson City Council will consider adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the protected classes in the city’s human relations code. They are expected to vote on the changes next month. According to the Hutchinson Human Relations Commission, churches that rent out their... Read more
You have to see this to believe it. This cat’s name is “cornelmunn” and as he notes: “I’m a disabled drummer and thought I would give youtube a go!” Read more
The superb deacon artist Lawrence Klimecki is embarking on a series of books illustrating the lives of saints and, according to a recent e-mail, he plans to begin with deacons: What makes these different from other saints books? In addition to a theme common to the saints in each book, I will be looking at the saints in the context of their time, how and where they fit into the epic story of the history of the Church. Please take... Read more
The superb deacon artist Lawrence Klimecki is embarking on a series of books illustrating the lives of saints and, according to a recent e-mail, he plans to begin with deacons: What makes these different from other saints books? In addition to a theme common to the saints in each book, I will be looking at the saints in the context of their time, how and where they fit into the epic story of the history of the Church. Please take... Read more
This comes from The Hill, the political paper of record on Capitol Hill: President Obama has seen his standing among Catholic voters, a crucial segment of the electorate, slip in recent weeks, and a looming confrontation with Catholic activists could make it worse. Democrats want voters this year to focus on what they have branded a war on women, but the flip side of the debate — the so-called war on religion — is not going away anytime soon. Earlier... Read more
Show her this video and tell her “Thank you.” I just loved this. I think you will, too. Read more
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