John Lawrence, Iowa seminarian, dies in his sleep

Last updated on: September 1, 2015 at 2:28 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

This heartbreaking item appeared on the Diocese of Des Moines Office of Vocations Facebook page Tuesday night: Please keep in your prayers seminarian John Lawrence, who died in his sleep last night. Keep in prayer his family and the seminarian community. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming as soon as they are known. Bishop Pates said: “John was a committed, positive seminarian genuinely dedicated to his formation for priesthood. His death is a great loss to his family and... Read more

Must-see video: first clip from pope’s satellite conference on ABC

Last updated on: September 1, 2015 at 1:19 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

In a word: wonderful. Just watch. ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos Read more

From bar brawler “badass” to deacon

Last updated on: September 1, 2015 at 11:55 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

A great vocation story, about the chaplain for the New Orleans office of the FBI, via The New Orleans Advocate: Dan Haggerty takes great delight in recalling the biblical story of Saul, the one-time scourge of Christians, and how Saul became St. Paul on the road to Damascus. The white-maned, white-bearded, “Irish to the bone” Haggerty holds a thumb and index finger inches apart as he likens Saul’s bolt from the blue to his own. “It was a window that... Read more

The Anchoress hoists anchor: Elizabeth Scalia departs Patheos to take the helm at Aleteia

Last updated on: September 1, 2015 at 12:13 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

I’ll let her tell you herself: Effective the close of business yesterday, I have resigned my position as Managing Editor of the Catholic Channel. I have loved working with all of Catholic channel writers, who have become real friends and partners-in-prayer, and this gig has been inspiring and instructive to me, a gift and privilege; I’ve had the opportunity to indulge my passion for finding really great writers and then promoting them, and watching them grow. That has been my... Read more

For Year of Mercy, pope allows all priests to grant absolution for abortion, permits confession with SSPX priests

Last updated on: September 1, 2015 at 12:25 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From a long letter on the jubilee issued today: The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails. Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe that they have no other option. I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I... Read more

Must-see TV: Pope Francis answers questions from Americans on ABC Friday

Last updated on: August 31, 2015 at 2:38 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Kate O’Hare has the scoop: In a special edition of ABC News’ “20/20,” airing Friday, Sept. 4, anchor David Muir — who was raised Catholic, but no word on whether he still practices the Faith — sits down at the Vatican with Pope Francis to answer satellite questions from Americans, in advance of the pontiff’s first visit to the U.S. in September (the actual event took place on Monday, Aug. 31). The entire show will also be posted on line. Check out Kate’s blog for details. Read more

Adventures in diakonia: no, I’m Catholic…really…

Last updated on: August 31, 2015 at 2:20 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

So I was in the checkout line at the store a few days back, and the woman at the cash register noticed the deacon cross embroidered on my shirt. She brightened. “Oh, are you Methodist?,” she asked. I laughed. No, I said, and explained. I can’t blame her. Understandable mistake. Read more

“We do not ‘target non-Catholics,’ nor do we seek to exclude anyone…”

Last updated on: August 31, 2015 at 1:16 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

You may remember the story from several days back, regarding a new policy for schools in Springfield, Illinois. Over the weekend, the diocese posted a response to the article in question, published in the Springfield newspaper: First, it is important to state that the Catholic Church invites all people to an encounter with Jesus Christ and the truths he teaches about our identity as children of God and the moral standards living this identity demands. We do not “target non-Catholics,” nor do... Read more

What we have come to: students asked to use “gender-neutral” pronouns

Last updated on: August 31, 2015 at 11:02 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

I thought this was a joke. But no. From The Associated Press: University of Tennessee students have been asked to use gender-neutral pronouns such as “ze.” The University of Tennessee Office for Diversity and Inclusion is asking students and faculty to use the pronouns in order to create a more inclusive campus, multiple media outlets report. “Transgender people and people who do not identify within the gender binary may use a different name than their legal name and pronouns of... Read more

Meet “the Steven Spielbergs of Christian cinema,” the masterminds behind “War Room”

Last updated on: August 31, 2015 at 10:20 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Variety: Outside of evangelical circles, the names Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick are likely to be met with blank stares. But thanks to low-budget hits like “Fireproof” and “Courageous,” the brothers have transformed themselves into Steven Spielbergs of Christian cinema. Their names above the title are enough to open movies that are firmly pitched to the faithful. This drawing power was firmly on display when “War Room,” a celebration of the purpose-driven life, stunned box office watchers by nearly dethroning “Straight Outta Compton” as the... Read more