That would be Cardinal Francis Arinze, who on Saturday marked his 50th anniversary as a bishop—a milestone almost unheard of. He was ordained to the episcopacy in 1965, at the age of 32, becoming the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the world. He spoke with Vatican Radio recently: Although now retired and living in the Vatican, Cardinal Arinze is very much sought after and continues to travel, take on speaking engagements and he writes. He has just completed two books, one... Read more
From The Scranton Times-Tribune: When Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph C. Bambera envisions the future of diocesan churches, he sees St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven as a model. The church has a priest, the Rev. Michael J. Kloton, who also oversees Immaculate Conception, a separate, independent parish 8 miles away in Freeland. When Father Kloton is serving Immaculate Conception, Sister Jane Gaughan, I.H.M., fills the void at St. Patrick’s. “She’s the on-site person people go to when they need... Read more
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
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
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
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
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
That would be Cardinal Francis Arinze, who on Saturday marked his 50th anniversary as a bishop—a milestone almost unheard of. He was ordained to the episcopacy in 1965, at the age of 32, becoming the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the world. He spoke with Vatican Radio recently: Although now retired and living in the Vatican, Cardinal Arinze is very much sought after and continues to travel, take on speaking engagements and he writes. He has just completed two books, one... Read more
From The Scranton Times-Tribune: When Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph C. Bambera envisions the future of diocesan churches, he sees St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven as a model. The church has a priest, the Rev. Michael J. Kloton, who also oversees Immaculate Conception, a separate, independent parish 8 miles away in Freeland. When Father Kloton is serving Immaculate Conception, Sister Jane Gaughan, I.H.M., fills the void at St. Patrick’s. “She’s the on-site person people go to when they need... Read more
The book is “The Heart of the Diaconate,” by esteemed deacon and teacher James Keating. This slim volume is a quick read, but I recommend that you keep a pen nearby. My copy has scribblings, asterisks, underlinings and ink marks on nearly every page. You don’t want to miss a word. The book has a deceptively simple structure—walking the reader through “Calling,” “Formation and Ordination” and “Ministry”—but each section offers a meditation on the deacon at various stages of life, with each chapter... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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