A pastor was stunned to learn that his mentor, a man he loved and admired, was on a list of priests accused of abuse; he felt moved to post this message outside his parish. Many in Buffalo are reeling from the list of names that has been released. From The Buffalo News: Catholics in Western New York have had less than a month to digest the re-emergence of the priest sexual abuse scandal, and less than a week to come... Read more
We’ve been hearing it again and again the last several days: “I can’t believe it’s almost Easter.” It seems like just last week we were singing carols and wrapping gifts and hearing once again the timeless story of how a newborn King came into the world and was forced to sleep in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. But here we are. The story, the greatest story ever told, reaches a painful and heartbreaking... Read more
I stumbled on this video today and was amazed. It’s called Community First: Community First! Village is a 27-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. A development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, this transformative residential program exists to love and serve our neighbors who have been living on the streets, while also empowering the surrounding community into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. Visit its... Read more
In case anyone missed it, Catholic News Agency reports: The stopgap omnibus funding bill passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, despite heavy criticism from the US bishops and conservative members over the continued federal funding of Planned Parenthood, among other things. The bill passed March 22 by a vote of 256-167. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released a scathing letter after the vote. “This omnibus is nowhere close to what Republicans promised to fight for,” said Meadows. “When the American... Read more
From The Guardian: Europe’s march towards a post-Christian society has been starkly illustrated by research showing a majority of young people in a dozen countries do not follow a religion. The survey of 16- to 29-year-olds found the Czech Republic is the least religious country in Europe, with 91% of that age group saying they have no religious affiliation. Between 70% and 80% of young adults in Estonia, Sweden and the Netherlands also categorise themselves as non-religious. The most religious... Read more
The cardinal archbishop of New York has penned a blistering op-ed piece in today’s Wall Street Journal, drawing on his knowledge of history to declare that the party he and his family once knew and embraced has “slammed the door” on Catholics: The values Archbishop Hughes and Dolores Grier cherished—the dignity and sanctity of human life, the importance of Catholic schools, the defense of a baby’s civil rights—were, and still are, widely embraced by Catholics. This often led Catholics to... Read more
From the YouTube description: St. James is blessed to receive the donation of the construction of a new altar, chairs, and other furniture for our new church building, from Carpenter John Verweil of Riverside. We made this video to show what John is building and to show our gratitude for his hard work. Thank you John! Check it out below. Read more
At his General Audience Wednesday, Pope Francis offered this brief catechesis on the Eucharist: The Lord’s gift of himself at the Last Supper is renewed at each Mass in the offering of his body and blood under the signs of bread and wine. After the breaking of the bread, the priest asks us to acknowledge the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. His words invite us to acknowledge our sins, to trust in the reconciling... Read more
A video has been making the rounds—you can see it here—that describes an “invasion” of the Catholic basilica of Saint-Denis. The French Catholic paper La Croix, however, clarifies what really happened: About 80 demonstrators — or 200, according to one of the participants contacted by La Croix — entered the Basilica of Saint-Denis. They were members of the collective “Coordination for Undocumented Migrants,” an autonomous network of several associations lobbying for the welcoming of migrants. Carrying huge banners, they gathered to campaign for... Read more
That was my first thought after seeing this trailer for a new documentary about the irreplaceable Fred Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” The movie comes out on June 8th. But here’s a glimpse —and, I think, a heartfelt reminder of who we are called to be as disciples of Christ. Mr. Rogers had a lot to say to the world—not just the smallest and youngest among us. The Christian Post once noted: His most famous program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, debuted... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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