A deacon reader writes: I am sending this picture of the six new deacons (four permanent and two transitional) ordained this morning (Saturday) by the Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany. From left to right in the photo are: Robert Sweeney, Brian Slezak, Joseph Romand, Andrew Grebe, Richard DiCaprio, and James Davis. Slezak and Davis are the transitional deacons. Congratulations, brothers! Ad multos annos! Read more
I stumbled on this website via a friend’s Facebook page: clergy apparel for women. Nice. But I just can’t shake the image of Jerry Seinfeld and the infamous Puffy Shirt episode. Read more
Details: A top official in the Archdiocese of Newark — second only to Archbishop John J. Myers — has been sacked from his leadership position for mishandling the supervision of a priest who violated a lifetime ban on ministry to children. Myers, speaking out for the first time on the scandal that has imperiled his future in Newark, described the removal of Monsignor John E. Doran as one step in a series of reforms meant to “strengthen internal protocols” and... Read more
Details: He has criticized the “cult of money” and greed he sees driving the world financial system, reflecting his affinity for liberation theology. He has left Vatican officials struggling to keep up with his off-the-cuff remarks and impromptu forays into the crowds of tens of thousands that fill St. Peter’s Square during his audiences. He has delighted souvenir vendors near the Vatican by increasing tourist traffic. Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, has been in office for... Read more
Well, here’s a look at one who’s up there, and holds at least one distinction among many: Holy Cross Father Theodore M. Hesburgh is one of 22 members of Holy Cross celebrating anniversaries of Ordination or Religious Profession during this year’s Jubilee. A celebratory Mass is scheduled for today at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Fr. Hesburgh, who celebrates his 96th birthday May 25, is currently the oldest and longest-serving... Read more
Note: I’m on vacation this weekend and won’t be preaching. But here’s my homily from Trinity Sunday 2010. + Several years ago my wife and I went on vacation to Arlington, Vermont. We stayed at a bed and breakfast, and one afternoon paid a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Rockwell spent part of his life in Arlington, and painted some of his most famous work there. The museum has a fair number of Rockwell’s works on display in the museum.... Read more
Note: I’m on vacation this weekend and won’t be preaching. But here’s my homily from Trinity Sunday 2010. + Several years ago my wife and I went on vacation to Arlington, Vermont.We stayed at a bed and breakfast, and one afternoon paid a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Rockwell spent part of his life in Arlington, and painted some of his most famous work there. The museum has a fair number of Rockwell’s works on display in the museum. But... Read more
If you want to know a singular—and, to my mind, remarkable—difference between this pope and his immediate predecessors, it is this: he’s spent much of his life as a pastor, not as a theologian or administrator or teacher. And this morning’s homily, once again, reflects what he’s seen and experienced among people in the pews: Those who approach the Church should find the doors open and not find people who want to control the faith. This is what the Pope... Read more
This popped up on my Facebook feed and I thought it too good to pass up — especially, since it touches on issues that have ignited passions here at The Bench. A snip: You are doing something really, really important. I know it’s not easy. I see you with your arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring. I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant carseat... Read more
Read all about them in the Brooklyn Tablet. You’ll be in my prayers, guys! Read more
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