A poll a few years ago voted this the winner. And it’s got a lot of truth to it — as anyone who has spent any time in the blogosphere can attest. From Emo Phillips: Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, “Don’t do it!” He said, “Nobody loves me.” I said, “God loves you. Do you believe in God?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “Are you a Christian or a Jew?” He said,... Read more
The Catholic Diocese of Orange submitted a bid last week — in cash, for $50 million — but it seems the place is no longer on the market. From the Orange County Register: The Crystal Cathedral, Orange County’s iconic megachurch built by Robert H. Schuller, is not for sale, Sheila Schuller Coleman, senior pastor of the cathedral and Schuller’s oldest daughter, announced during church services Sunday morning. There are at least four known offers for the financially ailing megachurch –... Read more
This remarkable order of nuns has offices in my building, and barely a day goes by without my seeing one of the blue-habited Sisters of Life on the elevator or striding by on the street. Now the Wall Street Journal has done a piece on them, to mark the 20th anniversary of the order’s founding. A snip: Safe, legal and rare” has long been the pro-choice mantra, but these days it applies less and less to the reality of abortion.... Read more
For now, at least. I’m planning to moderate comments, to cut down on trolls, elves, dweebs, lurkers, bigots, crybabies, bullies, idiots, pigs, cretins and thugs. If you are one of those, kindly leave. An usher will escort you out the side door. If not, take a moment to read over the guidelines for comments. Going forward, there is a zero tolerance policy for any comments that I find remotely offensive, for any reason at all. My house, my rules. I’m... Read more
The latest trend in romantic commitment evidently involves even less commitment than it used to. Details: Today’s generation are opting for “stayover relationships” that let them enjoy relationships without living together, a trend that appears to be slowing down the road to marriage. Research from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that instead of cohabitating, young people in relationships are spending three or more nights together per week. They maintain their own homes in the process, which may explain recent data... Read more
And she has been posting some wise and brave thoughts about that — and specifically, about her own struggles with Bipolar Disorder. To one concerned reader, she writes: There is nothing in this but the Cross…but that is the whole point. Jesus is our leader, and we follow Him in carrying the Cross. If we have that, we have everything. There is nothing that I can say apart from Jesus, and nothing I can do apart from carry His Cross... Read more
Looking for some sizzling reading at the beach this summer? Break out the Coppertone and break open “The Church and New Media.” Okay: it’s not Danielle Steele or John Grisham, but this new book by blogger Brandon Vogt is a fascinating and — dare I say it? — provocative piece of work, though in this case “provocative” means “provoking thought.” To look at how the church does — and more often, does not — communicate in the 21st century, Vogt... Read more
The innovative design for a temporary structure — that could serve as Christchurch’s cathedral for several years — was unveiled yesterday. Details: Christchurch leaders have revealed the unconventional design they want to use for the city’s temporary Cathedral and it is made out of cardboard. They hope to have it built by the first anniversary of this year’s major earthquake. The design has been presented by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who is known for building temporary structures after natural disasters.... Read more
As part of our parish’s annual novena to St. John Vianney, a newly ordained priest comes to celebrate Sunday mass and offer a special blessing after. This year, we were lucky to have Fr. Rodnev Lapommeray, ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn just last month. Following mass, people lined up outside — some waiting over an hour — to receive Fr. Rodnev’s blessing. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.) It was a great day that bore witness to a... Read more
The Georgia Bulletin is profiling several women religious as they mark significant milestones in their vocation — including Sister Angela Abood, who is celebrating her 60-year jubilee. Details: A native of Georgia, Sister Angela has spent nearly 40 years of her ministry in the Atlanta area. She has worked at the Village of St. Joseph and St. Anthony School, Atlanta, where she helped open a child-care center. The sister also became involved in social justice, inspired by people like Father... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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