"Put out into the deep and lower your nets for a catch"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:50 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

If you need a reminder of why Pope John Paul will soon be known as “Blessed,” this wonderful video tribute by Salt+Light TV says it all. Take a few minutes and be reminded of a great man’s message, and mission. Read more

This video gets to me every time

Last updated on: January 14, 2011 at 12:06 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

No matter how often I see it, it just knocks me into a puddle of tears. Today seems a good day to give it another look: (soon-to-be-Blessed) Pope John Paul and Tony Melendez, in Los Angeles, in 1987. You can read more about Tony here. He also has a website. But watch the video. It says it all. Read more

Deacons and the Latin mass

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:50 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Also known as the “Extraordinary Form.” Below, in an example, the priest blesses the deacon about to chant the gospel. Anyway: someone wrote to Fr. Z to inquire how his father, a newly ordained permanent deacon, could learn how to serve mass in the Extraordinary Form. The answer: The role of deacon is, frankly, the most demanding of the three sacred ministers during a Solemn Mass. Having a live tutor will help for the trickier parts. You can find fairly... Read more

Coming May 1: Blessed John Paul

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:50 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

You can read the decree announcing it at Vatican Radio. It says, in part: John Paul II’s pontificate was an eloquent and clear sign, not only for Catholics, but also for world public opinion, for people of all colour and creed. The world’s reaction to his lifestyle, to the development of his apostolic mission, to the way he bore his suffering, to the decision to continue his Petrine mission to the end as willed by divine Providence, and finally, the... Read more

Here come more deacons — UPDATED

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:31 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

They’ll be ordained this weekend in Arlington, Virginia, and Bishop Paul Loverde has penned a fine tribute to the men and their formation: Many times during their five-year formation program, I have been moved by the loving support given to the men by their families, particularly by their wives. All the ordinandi this year are married. I visited these men and their wives during one of their classes, and have been kept informed of their progress. I have carefully weighed... Read more

Here come more deacons — UPDATED

Last updated on: January 10, 2011 at 12:20 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

One last Christmas blast

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:31 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

For the close of the Christmas season, Epiphany, enjoy a rollicking rendition of “We Three Kings” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” courtesy the Barenaked Ladies. Merry Christmas! Read more

"Are deacons just glorified EMHCs?"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:50 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Somebody actually posed that question to Fr. Z. The good padre — who was last heard from tackling the subject of deacons and the collar — offers an answer and some history. Snip: Sadly, many permanent deacons I have known in times past were little more than glorified EMHC’s (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion) because they were lacking in good theological preparation before ordination. I am glad to hear far and wide that programs of formation for the permanent diaconate... Read more

A permanent deacon in 1852?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:50 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Well, almost. Following up on the news last weekend that three Anglican bishops had crossed the Tiber, Patrick McNamara has an intriguing look back at the first Protestant bishop to do that since the Reformation. He was Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, from North Carolina. He joined the Catholic Church, along with his wife, in 1852. And, at a time before such converts could be ordained as priests, no one quite knew what to do with him: For an Episcopal bishop... Read more

A prayer for Epiphany

Last updated on: January 2, 2011 at 12:23 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Let us pray… Father of light, unchanging God, today you reveal to men of faith the resplendent fact of the Word made flesh. Your light is strong, Your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which this world imposes, to the life where Your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. – Alternate Opening Prayer for Epiphany Image: The Journey of the Magi, by James Tissot (1894) Read more