A Eucharistic Congress Experience Just for Deacons
Deacon Omar F.A. Gutiérrez Comments Off on A Eucharistic Congress Experience Just for Deacons
I recently read Holly Ordway’s 2014 book “Not God’s Type” (Ignatius, $16.95) about her conversion to the Catholic faith from virulent atheism. She wrote that, while an atheist, she believed herself to be a certain kind of person: smart, rational and informed. She was and is all of those things, but she presumed that these Read More
I Thirst!
Deacon Robert T. Yerhot Comments Off on I Thirst!
As a spiritual director, I often ask my deacon directees, “What is your deepest desire in prayer?” Invariably, what I hear in response is a longing for greater intimacy with God and not knowing what impedes their spiritual growth. Deacons in spiritual direction long to be with God in prayer and to find him in Read More
Pope St. John Paul II and Servanthood
Deacon Dominic Cerrato Comments Off on Pope St. John Paul II and Servanthood
Pope St. John Paul II, though writing little on the diaconate, nonetheless consistently emphasized the concept of Christ the Servant throughout his pontificate. Drawing upon his extensive writings, we can gain deeper insight into Christ’s redemptive love expressed in sacrifice. Some of John Paul’s thoughts can help us understand the revealing of Christ’s selfless service Read More
‘My Peace I Give to You’
Susan Kehoe Comments Off on ‘My Peace I Give to You’
Easter is the most glorious and joyful feast of the Church. The Resurrected Christ promises that he will make all things new. Death has been conquered. As St. Paul tells us, the resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation. A time will come, when Jesus returns, when death and suffering will be Read More
Homily Exegesis for Deacons
Karl Schultz Comments Off on Homily Exegesis for Deacons
Deacons rarely receive sufficient biblical formation prior to ordination, so continuing education is a must. Exegesis is an integral element in homily preparation and biblical ministry. As taught by Pope Pius XII in Divino Afflante Spiritu, the literal sense of Scripture is primary, a foundation for all other levels of meaning. The following are interpretive, Read More
How to Address the Church’s Biggest Challenge
Deacon John O’Maley Comments Off on How to Address the Church’s Biggest Challenge
Young families are leaving the Church every day, which is one of the biggest challenges the Church is facing. An important lifeblood of the Church is driven by the continued growth of young, inspired families who thrive in their Catholic faith. The domestic church is a phrase made popular by the Second Vatican Council and Read More
Crowning in Marriage
Father Deacon Basil Ryan Balke Comments Off on Crowning in Marriage
It is that time of the year again when weddings seem to happen every Saturday in our churches. During this time of year, I think back about how marriage is viewed between the East and the West, and how that plays out in our liturgies. The most profound difference between the East and the West Read More
The Power of Prayer
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on The Power of Prayer
St. Thérèse of Lisieux once said, in response to the question of what is prayer: “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2558). The Catechism Read More