Timothy Radcliffe: Pope Francis points to a “new way of being Church”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The esteemed Dominican concludes his reflection on the Pope Francis interview with this note: Pope Francis says that “the structural and organizational reforms are secondary—that is, they come afterwards. The first reform must be the attitude.” Structural change to the government of the church is vital, but it must follow from a new way of being church, in which we get out of the sacristy, engage with people, know their suffering and their puzzlement from within. At this stage, the pope is... Read more

“Take Our Bread”? No, “Bless the Lord”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Picking up where she left off last week, Mary DeTurris Poust offered some thoughts this morning on church music: I would like to suggest churches throw away the weird, impossible-to-sing but seemingly liturgically correct songs in favor of something classic or simple or just plain beautiful. And dare I even suggest that maybe we start listening to what’s going on in Christian music circles in general — not just Catholic circles — to hear the really great new spiritual music... Read more

Great moments in journalism: how the political elite shut down a documentary on Hillary

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Acclaimed film maker Charles Ferguson unloads over at Huffington Post, and explains what derailed his proposed documentary for CNN. After detailing how the project got launched, he describes the astonishing backlash that followed, from both the Left and the Right. All of which leads to this sad conclusion: When I approached people for interviews, I discovered that nobody, and I mean nobody, was interested in helping me make this film. Not Democrats, not Republicans — and certainly nobody who works... Read more

“Encounter” to be theme of next World Communications Day

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Not that surprising, since Pope Francis mentions that idea often (and he’s no slouch at Close Encounters of the Pope Kind, as shown above.) Details: As Pope Francis continues to talk about the importance of authentic encounters, both with God and with other people, he has chosen the topic of bringing people together for his first message for World Communications Day. “Communication at the service of an authentic culture of encounter” will be the theme of the church’s celebration of... Read more

Making history: In St. Patrick’s see, Irish archdiocese ordains its first permanent deacons

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 4:38 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: History was made in the Archdiocese of Armagh yesterday when the Primate of All Ireland ordained the first five Catholics to become permanent deacons in the ancient see of St Patrick. Welcoming the five men, all married with children, into the ministry, Archbishop of Armagh Cardinal Sean Brady described it as an occasion of “great joy”. Addressing 700 family members, priests and the Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Eamon Martin, described the five as bridge builders between the laity,... Read more

Headline of the week

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

And it’s only Monday. California wife comes out as lesbian to husband, who in turn comes out as transgender If you need more: When a California woman nervously confessed to her husband of 20-odd years that she was a lesbian, he surprised her in turn — telling her he was not a gay man but actually a straight woman. Cathy and Danielle — formerly David — Kaufman came out of the closet together and though the revelations ended their marriage,... Read more

New York deacon accused of sex abuse, removed from parish

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Incredibly, this is the third time this parish has faced this ordeal in the last 11 years. Pray for all concerned, especially the people in this poor parish. Details: A deacon in the Holy Name of Mary parish in Croton-on-Hudson has been removed from the church in the wake of allegations that, many years ago, he abused minors. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, wrote a letter to the parishioners of Holy Name of Mary informing them that Deacon Albert... Read more

Save the date: April 27 for John Paul II and John XXIII sainthood—and Benedict may take part

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Vatican Radio: Pope Francis on Monday morning held the Public Ordinary Consistory for the forthcoming Canonization of Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II. During the course of the Consistory in the Vatican’s Consistory Hall, the Pope decreed that his two predecessors will be raised to Sainthood on April 27, 2014, the day on which the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy. Catholic News Service has additional details: Asked by reporters if... Read more

Former all-girl Catholic academy now home to Long Island’s first Islamic school

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Photo: Newsday / Alejandra Villa Details from Newsday: In classrooms where Catholic girls once studied the Bible and prayed the Our Father, young Muslims now study the Quran and pray in Arabic. The girls no longer wear uniforms of skirts and blazers, but traditional Muslim floor-length dresses called jilbabs, with hijabs covering their heads. Boys are neatly attired in light blue dress shirts and navy blue pants. They are the 265 students of MDQ Academy, Suffolk County’s first and... Read more

Being honest about Francis: one conservative’s reflection

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A writer shares some reservations about the pope, and concludes: I will be honest here: I really do not like liberal, secular Lefties. But our Lord forbids this to me. In some sense, yes, they are my “enemies” in this cultural battle. But the motivations we bring to that battle are critical. If I just want to “win” so I can “save babies” and so on, I am guilty of creating a spiritual fog in my soul, hiding in its... Read more