New York Times: Francis to find a “church in upheaval”

Last updated on: September 22, 2015 at 9:16 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Times this morning has a very good, refreshingly balanced overview of the Catholic Church Pope Francis will find in the United States: More than 5,000 parishioners packed the pews, the choir loft and the vestibule on a recent weekend at Sacred Heart Church here in California’s Central Valley for five Masses — four of them in Spanish. Young Hispanic families spilled outside onto the steps, straining to hear the homily over the roar of an elevated freeway across the street. Across the... Read more

Biden on Francis: “He’s the embodiment of Catholic social doctrine that I was raised with”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 3:08 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Vice President sat down for a lengthy interview with the editor of America magazine: In an interview published Monday by the Catholic magazine “America,” Vice President Biden called Pope Francis “the embodiment of Catholic social doctrine that I was raised with.” The half-hour exchange with America’s editor-in-chief, Father Matt Malone, S.J. highlighted the unique role two Catholic politicians — Biden and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) — will play during Francis’ U.S. visit this week. Biden said the two often joke... Read more

A deacon writes: “Cooking pots, storybooks and rakes are all sacred vessels when they become instruments of the love of God”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 2:08 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A wonderful reflection on this vocation from recently ordained Deacon Jay Cormier inAmerica: As my wife, Ann, and I went through the formation process for deacons, we shared our questions and doubts: “Is this the right thing for us? What if I get assigned to a pastor who does not really want a deacon? What if I am asked to take on something I cannot do—or have no interest in? We do not see enough of each other as it... Read more

Jim Gaffigan: “I’m a practicing Catholic, and my wife will tell you, I need the practice”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 2:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The comedian will be performing for Pope Francis next weekend, and has a few thoughts about being Catholic: I’m Catholic — a practicing Catholic, and my wife will tell you, I need the practice. I hope the Pope understands. …It’s not easy being a Catholic today in America. It’s a little like being a Cubs fan for the last hundred years. Love the team, not crazy about some of the management we’ve had. Pope Francis is looking to change that. Upon... Read more

What do “Benedict’s converts” think of Pope Francis?

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 1:57 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

[getty src=”456242698?et=5SXmQD4mRDNLfmIL453qVA&viewMoreLink=off&sig=6kWvEhtnPy1bilAa6bDjgwveuT9JLOGGGXRL5eM8ie4=&caption=true” width=”594″ height=”395″] View image | gettyimages.com An intriguing question, and Aleteia looks for some answers: Francis has made a name for himself by transforming the Church in the eyes of much of the world. Although the majority of Francis’ changes have been merely cosmetic (one man cannot reinvent a 2,000 year old institution, and the world is better for it), the secular world and many cradle Catholics have fallen head over heels for the man they believe... Read more

Biden on Francis: “He’s the embodiment of Catholic social doctrine that I was raised with”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 1:51 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

What do “Benedict’s converts” think of Pope Francis?

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 10:56 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

View image | gettyimages.com An intriguing question, and Aleteia looks for some answers: Francis has made a name for himself by transforming the Church in the eyes of much of the world. Although the majority of Francis’ changes have been merely cosmetic (one man cannot reinvent a 2,000 year old institution, and the world is better for it), the secular world and many cradle Catholics have fallen head over heels for the man they believe is singlehandedly dragging the... Read more

Jim Gaffigan: “I’m a practicing Catholic, and my wife will tell you, I need the practice”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 8:39 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

A deacon writes: “Cooking pots, storybooks and rakes are all sacred vessels when they become instruments of the love of God”

Last updated on: September 21, 2015 at 8:21 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

A wonderful reflection on this vocation from recently ordained Deacon Jay Cormier in America: As my wife, Ann, and I went through the formation process for deacons, we shared our questions and doubts: “Is this the right thing for us? What if I get assigned to a pastor who does not really want a deacon? What if I am asked to take on something I cannot do—or have no interest in? We do not see enough of each other as... Read more

Pope Francis on the vocation of service

Last updated on: September 20, 2015 at 11:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

View image | gettyimages.com From his Sunday homily in Cuba, words that should have special resonance for deacons: Serving others chiefly means caring for their vulnerability. Caring for the vulnerable of our families, our society, our people. Theirs are the suffering, fragile and downcast faces which Jesus tells us specifically to look at and which he asks us to love. With a love which takes shape in our actions and decisions. With a love which finds expression in whatever tasks... Read more