When was the last time you heard a homily that mentioned mental illness?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A new survey looks at how this subject is treated in Protestant churches. But I can’t say it gets much attention in the Catholic Church, either. Details: Protestant clergy rarely preach about mental illness to their congregations and only one-quarter of congregations have a plan in place to assist members who have a mental health crisis, a new LifeWay Research survey found. The findings, in a nation where one in four Americans have suffered with mental illness, demonstrate a need for greater... Read more

Off the hookah: owner explains why he named his bar “ISIS”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

As you can imagine, it’s causing him all sorts of problems. Now this Queens Coptic Christian is going to the media to clear things up. From the In My Backyard Desk, via the New York Daily News: Despite its menacing name, there are no beheadings on the menu at this Queens smoke spot. The ISIS hookah bar in Astoria is actually run by a peace-loving Coptic Christian from Egypt who wants nothing to do with the blood-thirsty Islamic State... Read more

Man charges bishop had affair with his wife, threatens lawsuit—UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Now the other shoe is dropping in the eyebrow-raising story of the bishop who suddenly resigned over the weekend. Details: A husband is threatening to sue the Catholic Church after one of Britain’s leading bishops allegedly became “the third person” in his marriage. The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Kieran Conry, stood down at the weekend after admitting he had broken his vows of celibacy. In a confession read out to parishioners, the 63-year-old admitted being “unfaithful to my promises”.... Read more

Francis hails Benedict as “the grandfather of all grandfathers”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Catholic News Agency: Retired pontiff Benedict XVI joined some 50,000 pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a meeting between Pope Francis and elderly people from around the world.Welcoming his predecessor, the Holy Father described Pope Benedict as the “grandfather of all grandfathers.”“I have said many times that it gives me great pleasure that he lives here in the Vatican, because it is like having a wise grandfather at home. Thank you!”Gathered together in front of... Read more

The deacon who acts—and who is, in fact, an actor

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: When Deacon Glenn Netemeyer was preaching for just the third time at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers, the piece of paper he had written everything on blew off the lectern. “It just flew away in the fan breeze,” he recalled with a chuckle. “I looked at the crowd and they looked at me.” He ad-libbed. No problem. “To be in the theater and on stage, you have to memorize lines. … Now, I do have a script (in... Read more

Epic: hundreds join massive “Riverdance” celebration

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

I’m not sure what the Gaelic word for “Wow” is (O’Wow?) but this definitely deserves it. Just watch. Read more

Bishop resigns, saying “I’ve been unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

This doesn’t happen very often. Details: An English bishop has announced his resignation after disclosing that he has been unfaithful to his vows. Bishop Kieran Conry made the announcement in a letter to be read out at Masses in his Diocese of Arundel and Brighton this weekend. He apologised for being “unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest”. In the letter Bishop Conry, 63, said he had not been involved in any criminal behaviour and asked for his flock’s... Read more

Homily for September 28, 2014: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 4:25 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Of all the remarkable moments that marked Derek Jeter’s last home game Thursday night, there is one that really struck me. You might call it a home run. Before leaving the field for the last time, as the crowd roared, Jeter walked to his spot where he played shortstop, crouched down, bowed his head, and made the sign of the cross. Derek Jeter wanted to pray. For a moment, that great cathedral of baseball, Yankee Stadium, became a small chapel,... Read more

Ordination update: 13 new deacons for Boston

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 4:25 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Pilot: As he ordained 13 new permanent deacons at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sept. 20, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley recounted the history of the diaconate and his appreciation for their ministry. “In every diocese where I have worked, the presence of the dedicated permanent deacons has been such a great blessing. And so, it is truly a joy and a privilege to gather here for this ordination,” Cardinal O’Malley said. Deacons Francis X. Burke, Michael F.... Read more

Elderly husband and wife plan first “couple” euthanasia, despite not being terminally ill

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: An elderly husband and wife have announced their plans to die in the world’s first ‘couple’ euthanasia – despite neither of them being terminally ill. Instead the pair fear loneliness if the other one dies first from natural causes. Identified only by their first names, Francis, 89, and Anne, 86, they have the support of their three adult children who say they would be unable to care for either parent if they became widowed. The children have even gone... Read more