Visiting a parish in Maryland this weekend, I was surprised that the recessional hymn at today’s mass wasn’t altered for political correctness. But no: to my amazed ears, they actually sang “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen.” The reason this surprised me was because the entrance hymn, on the other hand, was changed from “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” to “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice.” And the offertory was tweaked for “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Seems that what the angels really... Read more
Dropping by Deacon Scott Dodge’s joint for a visit, I was reminded that this is not only the feast of the Holy Family, but the feast of St. Stephen, proto-martyr and patron of deacons. Below, a compelling modern interpretation of Stephen’s martyrdom, from artist James Michaels. To all deacons, and all who serve the gospel: happy feast day. Read more
From the nativity scene outside my parish. Blessed Christmas, everyone! Read more
Note: I won’t be preaching this Christmas, or this weekend. But I’m re-posting this year my first Christmas homily, from Midnight Mass in 2007. A few of the references are a bit dated, but the message, I hope, still comes through. Blessed Christmas, everyone! Dcn. G. Like a lot of people of a certain age, I remember well the first time I heard this gospel proclaimed – and it wasn’t in church. It was in my parent’s den, in Rockville,... Read more
Anyone who’s ever played with a small nativity scene — come on, admit it, you’ve done it — will appreciate this priceless piece of performance art by the inimitable Mr. Bean. Read more
Continuing my series of favorite Christmas music, here’s Josh Groban with “Believe,” the theme from “Polar Express,” a movie that never fails to move me. Read more
Earlier, I posted an item about one artist’s unique take on Mary’s visit from Gabriel. Below is another interpretation, from the same artist, John Collier, commissioned for a church (now co-cathedral) in West Virginia. As the artist describes it: “In my Annunciation the angel Gabriel stands on a rotting stump which has a living branch growing out of it showing hope and prosperity. Mary is gathering figs when he comes. The stump is the dead stump of Jesse, David’s father,... Read more
Earlier, I posted an item about one artist’s unique take on Mary’s visit from Gabriel. Below is another interpretation, from the same artist, John Collier, commissioned for a church (now co-cathedral) in West Virginia. As the artist describes it: “In my Annunciation the angel Gabriel stands on a rotting stump which has a living branch growing out of it showing hope and prosperity. Mary is gathering figs when he comes. The stump is the dead stump of Jesse, David’s father,... Read more
A couple years ago, I posted this interview with the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, who talked candidly and passionately about his Catholic faith. Now the reporter who did that interview, George Matysek of the Catholic Review, has posted excerpts as a video online. Check it out below. Read more
What does it take to make a parish come alive? A local paper in Santa Clara, California has been taking a look at the various religions that make up its diverse community, and it’s concluding its series with a profile of a large and thriving Catholic parish that owes much of its vibrancy to the growing Latino population. It’s a revealing glimpse at what the American Catholic Church is becoming. From the Santa Clara Press-Democrat: Hundreds of Catholic parishioners sit... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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