From CNS: Dialogue and negotiations are “the only option for putting an end to the conflict and violence” in Syria, said Pope Francis and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. As Western leaders expressed strong convictions that the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack against its own citizens and vowed to take action, Pope Francis met at the Vatican Aug. 29 with King Abdullah and Queen Rania. Jordan borders Syria and hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have... Read more
Details: Clergy are often relied upon to guide others through difficult times, but a new study has found that the very nature of their work could put them at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety themselves. Researchers from the Clergy Health Initiative at Duke Divinity School interviewed over 1,700 United Methodist pastors by phone and through online surveys, and found that the instances of depression were 8.7 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively, compared to the average national rate of 5.5 percent.... Read more
He really is the world’s pastor. Read on: A 44-year-old woman from Argentina said that after writing a letter to Pope Francis telling him that she had been raped by a local police officer, the Pope called her personally to tell her, “You are not alone.” “The Pope told me he receives thousands of letters each day, but that what I wrote moved him, and touched his heart,” the woman said in an interview with the National University of Cordoba’s... Read more
This fall’s must-see Catholic movie? Fr. Donald Calloway got an early look and raved: The most stunning portrayal of the Virgin Mary on film. It will make you want to love her more than ever. An absolute masterpiece! Yes, my friends, I can assure you that we finally have a movie that gets Mary totally right! Trust me, I am super hard to please when it comes to any portrayal of Mary in film, but this one nailed it entirely!... Read more
Here’s a glimpse of my other life, where sometimes church is a corporate office and the altar is a meeting table. This morning, CNEWA president Msgr. John E. Kozar celebrated Mass for the intentions of our donors in the board room of our headquarters in Manhattan. Read more
Some New Evangelizers chat about new evangelizing. You may see one or two familiar names. Kudos to the talented Chaz Muth at CNS for pulling this together so deftly. Read more
Those are the words of Bishop W. Francis Malooly, in his homily at the ordination of deacons last week in the Diocese of Wilmington. From his homily: From the call of Jeremiah, we hear, “I knew you, I dedicated you, I appointed you but we must listen, the Lord surprises us at times.” We must always strive to discern faithfully. The diaconate especially is not about each of you, but about those you serve. The original deacons allowed the Apostles... Read more
Planning a wedding? Something to consider… Read more
Details from the Archdiocese website: The Archdiocese for the Military Services(AMS)celebrated the ordination of two permanent deacons for service to those who serve. Roy Mellon and Joseph Pak, both American citizens and members of the AMS faithful working inthe Republic of Korea, were ordained Saturday in a solemn Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. While dozens of deacons incardinated in other dioceses already serve with faculties and endorsement from the AMS on United States military installations, at VA Medical Centers... Read more
Details from the Archdiocese website: The Archdiocese for the Military Services(AMS)celebrated the ordination of two permanent deacons for service to those who serve. Roy Mellon and Joseph Pak, both American citizens and members of the AMS faithful working inthe Republic of Korea, were ordained Saturday in a solemn Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. While dozens of deacons incardinated in other dioceses already serve with faculties and endorsement from the AMS on United States military installations, at VA Medical Centers... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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