“Be a deacon, a good and faithful servant”

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 5:13 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Boston’s Cardinal Seán O’Malley recently ordained a man to the diaconate, as he continues a particularly long journey to the priesthood. He offered some important thoughts on the diaconate: Tom Olson reached a milestone in his 11-year journey toward the priesthood, July 25, when Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley ordained the 35-year-old to the diaconate for the Archdiocese of Boston at St. Columbkille Parish… …”Jesus comes as the one who serves, the suffering servant who is meek and humble of heart.... Read more

Homily for August 2, 2015: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last updated on: August 3, 2015 at 10:39 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Last week, millions around the world were shocked to hear that an American hunter had gunned down a beloved lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe. But there is another important story that also attracted attention, though it didn’t spark as much media coverage or outrage. But it should have. I’m speaking of the undercover videos involving Planned Parenthood—showing how workers there have been killing the unborn and harvesting their tissue for sale. The videos are horrific and upsetting. They’ve prompted renewed debate... Read more

“Be a deacon, a good and faithful servant”

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 10:50 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

The veterinarian, husband and father who became a priest

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 10:45 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Some may remember when I posted on Frederick Richard Lesser, a widower who was ordained a deacon earlier this year. In June, Deacon Lesser became Father Lesser: Frederick Richard (Rick) Lesser, the widowed father of three grown children, was ordained today [June 20] as a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The ceremony was celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Albany. In concluding his homily in which Bishop Scharfenberger detailed... Read more

“Will you do this for me?”: how one man became a monk

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 8:35 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Oregonian this weekend has published a long and detailed look at life inside the Mount Angel Abbey, and it includes the story of how one man with “minimal” religious upbringing eventually found himself behind the abbey walls as a Benedictine monk, living a life of strict discipline: In another life, [Martin] Grassel, 52, was raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where his religious edification was minimal: a handful of visits to Sunday Mass, a catechism class for kids. When... Read more

Homily for August 2, 2015: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 8:06 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Will you do this for me?”: how one man became a monk

Last updated on: August 1, 2015 at 7:54 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Pray for mercy, pray for healing”

Last updated on: August 3, 2015 at 10:41 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

That was the consistent message of this afternoon’s Holy Hour in the Archdiocese of New York, held at the beautiful Church and Priory of St. Vincent Ferrer. This placid house of prayer on Lexington Ave., staffed by the Dominicans, proved the perfect setting for an hour devoted to contemplation and adoration—and its staggering beauty easily compelled every one who entered to fall to their knees. Which, of course, is where the most important work of our lives takes place. This... Read more

You’re invited: Jubilee for Deacons in Rome during Year of Mercy

Last updated on: July 31, 2015 at 9:57 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

The following letter has been sent out this week from Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization: Dear Deacon: As you are aware, the Holy Father has charged the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization with organizing the upcoming Extraordinary Holy Year, the Jubilee of Mercy, which Pope Francis hopes will be an opportunity for Christians to reflect on and live out more faithfully our Lord’s command: “Be merciful,... Read more

Deacons in “a new model of parish management” in St. Louis

Last updated on: July 31, 2015 at 8:55 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

This won’t be a surprise in some places, and it echoes what is happening now in Pittsburgh. But it’s interesting to realize that, in certain dioceses, this sort of thing is still radical and new. From the St. Louis Review: The clergy appointments announced in the paper this week include one that might sound unusual: “Deacon John Schiffer, a permanent deacon assisting the pastor of St. Peter Parish in St. Charles, is released from that assignment, and appointed as Parish Life... Read more