Military archdiocese plans to hold first ever “discernment gathering” for possible chaplains

Last updated on: July 20, 2015 at 9:46 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From CNS: This fall, the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services plans to hold its first discernment gathering for Catholic priests to encourage them to consider becoming military chaplains. The archdiocese regularly holds several retreats a year for young men who are thinking about the priesthood and the chaplaincy, but this will be the first event of its kind for ordained priests, because there is a critical shortage of military chaplains. “The need for Catholic chaplains is enormous. We have... Read more

Gänswein on Francis: “There is continuity with Benedict XVI”

Last updated on: July 20, 2015 at 9:33 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A fascinating interview with Archbishop Georg Gänswein, secretary to both Francis and Benedict, from Zenit: Q: How do you manage to collaborate with two Popes? It doesn’t seem easy to adapt oneself to two such different personalities … Archbishop Gänswein: They are certainly very different between them: and for me, after a long experience as Secretary of Cardinal Ratzinger, later Benedict XVI, to begin to work also with Pope Francis was not easy. Let’s say that, using media language, I... Read more

Welcoming “Flat Francis” to Florida

Last updated on: July 21, 2015 at 8:02 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

This email landed in my in-box yesterday: Pope Francis is coming to America for the first time in September. Since Catholic Extension has been supporting the Catholic Church in America for 110 years, we want you to help us show him the face of American Catholicism. Take a photo with this cutout of Pope Francis and submit it via Facebook or post it on Twitter/Instagram with the hashtag #FlatFrancis! Anyone can participate! We want to see selfies, families, youth groups, campus... Read more

Military archdiocese plans to hold first ever “discernment gathering” for possible chaplains

Last updated on: July 20, 2015 at 1:18 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Gänswein on Francis: “There is continuity with Benedict XVI”

Last updated on: July 20, 2015 at 1:15 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Welcoming “Flat Francis” to Florida

Last updated on: July 20, 2015 at 1:04 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

More church vandalism reported in Providence

Last updated on: July 19, 2015 at 8:51 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Hot on the heels of the attack on a church pulpit comes this news: In the capital city of the most Catholic state, parishes were tagged with scrawlings on walkways in front of church buildings. On the steps from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the words “JESUS IS FALSE GOD” are written on what the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence says is part of the city-owned plaza. Over at Holy Ghost on Atwells Avenue, orange graffiti has been... Read more

Remembering Jan Karski, the Catholic spy who warned about the Holocaust

Last updated on: July 19, 2015 at 4:14 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A new documentary is telling his remarkable and courageous story: “He’s the only person I ever met whom I considered truly noble,” says noted Holocaust scholar, filmmaker and writer Michael Berenbaum, referring to Jan Karski, a Polish resistance fighter who warned Western leaders of the impending genocide of Europe’s Jews during World War II. Speaking at the screening of a new Polish documentary, “Karski & the Lords of Humanity,” at the recent Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow, Berenbaum said, “I’ve... Read more

Who was Stephen?

Last updated on: July 19, 2015 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Over at Christian Crier, at the Patheos Evangelical Channel, writer Jack Wellman has some thoughts that may be of interest to deacons: Stephen’s name is derived from the Greek name “Stéfanos” and means “honor,” “wreath” or “crown” and Stephen may have been the first Christian martyr in the church. Stephen was a deacon in the 1st century church who was stoned to death for preaching the gospel. He also gave one of the greatest historical and apologetic sermons ever given... Read more

Snapshot: in one diocese, survey reveals majority want divorced, remarried to receive commuion

Last updated on: July 19, 2015 at 6:44 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: A recent survey by the Catholic Diocese of El Paso suggests many Catholics would like to see the church be more flexible on this sacred celebration, stating it is causing people to leave the church… …The findings are part of a 25-question survey by the Catholic Diocese of El Paso at the request of Pope Francis. The survey, offered in March, came after a meeting of Catholic bishops with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss topics related to... Read more