How Do You Fix the Seminaries?

Last updated on: April 5, 2019 at 1:28 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The system needs reform, according to these authors in Commonweal, and they offer some ideas, beginning with rooting out any vestiges of clericalism: Pope Francis has repeatedly targeted clericalism as the great enemy of ordained ministry today. You can easily see the career-climbers he warns about in seminaries. If you want to learn how to work your way into the clerical caste, watch these men. They are learning Italian, wearing cufflinks and cassocks, and don’t at all mind being called... Read more

‘My Friend Has Now Become My Bishop’

Last updated on: April 4, 2019 at 2:55 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Triple D, Deacon Doctor Bill Ditewig: Today, a man with whom I have prayed, worked, and socialized for some twenty years has officially been named the seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Since I am a Deacon of the Archdiocese, my friend has now become my bishop. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Chicago, and longstanding Archbishop of Atlanta, now assumes his greatest challenge yet. I am certain there will be those who question this appointment; I am not... Read more

‘Good Luck, God’: This Might Be the Greatest Obituary, Ever

Last updated on: April 4, 2019 at 1:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Ladies and gentlemen, take a moment to pause and reflect on the life of Tim Schrandt, of Spillville, Iowa, who is remembered in this posting on the website of the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home: Tim Schrandt (Lynyrd) made his last inappropriate comment on March 29, 2019. If you are wondering if you may have ever met him, you didn’t -because you WOULD remember. For those of you that did meet him, we apologize, as we’re sure he probably offended you. He... Read more

WATCH: Archdiocese of Washington Welcomes Archbishop Gregory

Last updated on: April 4, 2019 at 6:53 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

No one can say they didn’t see this big announcement coming.The archdiocese has just posted this video on its YouTube page: And they’ve also launched a web page with additional resources. Read more

It’s Official: Atlanta’s Wilton Gregory to be Archbishop of Washington

Last updated on: April 4, 2019 at 6:38 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From the Vatican: The Holy Father Francis has appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Washington (USA) HE Mgr. Wilton D. Gregory, until now Metropolitan Archbishop of Atlanta (USA). HE Msgr. Wilton D. Gregory HE Msgr. Wilton D. Gregory was born December 7, 1947 in Chicago (Illinois) in the homonymous archdiocese. After attending elementary school in Chicago, he entered the Quigley Preparatory Seminary . He studied philosophy at Niles College and theology at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein (Illinois). Subsequently he obtained a Doctorate in Liturgy at the Pontifical... Read more

Beck Interviews Buttigieg About His Faith and Catholic Roots

Last updated on: April 3, 2019 at 11:08 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

While I knew he is a practicing Episcopalian, I wasn’t aware that Pete Buttigieg was baptized Catholic. Excerpt, from CNN: Father Edward Beck: You were baptized Roman Catholic, and your father was a Roman Catholic from Malta? Buttigieg: Malta was personally converted by St. Paul, so Catholicism is extremely deep and universal among the Maltese. My father’s journey was a little complicated. He became or started to become a Jesuit. And then somewhere on the back end of that he... Read more

Break the Seal of the Confessional? Sex Abuse Victim Says: ‘It’s Time. It’s Beyond Time.’

Last updated on: April 3, 2019 at 10:47 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Disturbing news unfolding in California: A procession of sexual assault victims on Tuesday urged the Senate to pass a law requiring priests and other religious leaders to report child abuse, ending a legal exemption that allows them to keep information confidential if they learn it during confessions. One speaker, Kameron Torres, told lawmakers that he was sexually abused twice while growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness community. When his mother learned of the abuse and tried to report it to... Read more

Priest Announces: ‘I Am Autistic’

Last updated on: April 2, 2019 at 11:43 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

A bold and brave admission from my friend and blog neighbor Father Matthew Schneider: As he explains on Facebook: A little announcement for World Autism Awareness Day: I am autistic. I am coming forward to help present the Gospel to other autistics & to help Catholic autistics and their families. Check out his page Autistic Priest for more. I’m not aware of any other high-profile priests who have declared publicly that they have autism, so this may set a precedent.... Read more

Ordination Update: 29 New Deacons for Austin

Last updated on: April 1, 2019 at 12:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Kudos to the crackerjack communications team in the Diocese of Austin for getting this news out — and giving it so much attention on the diocesan website and social media! The Catholic Spirit profiled the men recently. Read all about them here. They were ordained by Bishop Joe Vásquez on Saturday, March 30, at St. William Parish in Round Rock, TX. A first snapshot is below. A grateful diaconal bow to Deacon Dan Lanicek, longtime FOB (Friend of the Bench) who... Read more

This Looks Great: ‘Mary Magdalene’ Film Set for U.S. Release Before Easter

Last updated on: April 1, 2019 at 10:15 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Check out the trailer below. Some details: In the First Century A.D., the free-spirited Mary (Mara) flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, defiant preacher Jesus of Nazareth (Phoenix). The sole woman among his band of disciples, Mary defies the prejudices of her patriarchal society. She undergoes a profound spiritual awakening, drawing her into conflict with Jesus’s apostles Peter (Ejiofor) and Judas (Tahar Rahim),... Read more