A Fresh Perspective on Parish Life
Father David Scotchie 0
G.K. Chesterton, reflecting on his jury duty, wondered why we have citizen juries. We train soldiers because they fight better. We train singers because they dance better. We have professional judges, lawyers and policemen. Why not professional juries? Juries illustrate the paradox that the more a man looks at a thing, the less he can Read More
New Study Explores the Well-Being of the Diaconate
Dr. Christina Lynch 0
With the help of several highly devoted deacon advisers from around the United States, the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership (SCVL) created a Diaconal Culture Inventory (DCI) to assess the health and happiness of permanent deacons. The Spitzer Center has been collaborating with priests and presbyterates from numerous dioceses around the country for several years Read More
Theology of the Body and Deacons
Janet Waring 0
Many have heard of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, shorthand for his book “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body” (Pauline Books and Media, $39.95). Remembering saints is often, in a way, a gift to answer the problems of the time. John Paul II is a great Read More
Divine Grace and the Diaconate
Father Daniel Dozier 0
In the Byzantine ordination rite of a deacon, the bishop places his omophorion (stole) and his right hand on his head and offers the following prayer: “Divine grace, which always cures the infirm and supplies what is wanting, ordains the devout subdeacon N., to the diaconate; therefore, let us pray for him that the grace Read More
Entering into the Pain of Another
Deacon Dominic Cerrato 0
To serve others is to perceive a need in them and, to the extent possible, help them satisfy that need. If it’s hunger, we give them food. If it’s faith, we proclaim the Good News. If it’s loneliness, we give them company. Sometimes, this means doing something. Most times, it just means being present. In Read More
An Alliterative Guide to Helpful Homilies
Karl A. Schultz 0
For decades, it has been common knowledge at all levels of the Church that preaching and formation are lacking. Many congregants and ex-Catholics complain about not being fed, which is an article in itself. While we all are impoverished by substandard homilies and formation or hurt, and offended by uncharitable and insensitive actions (unfortunately, a Read More
The Magnificent Seven
Deacon Victor Puscas 0
“The Magnificent Seven” was a 1960 Western film directed by John Sturges starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. Seven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits. The movie has been described as one of the greatest films in American history and was selected for preservation in the Read More
Distracted? A Gentle Return
Deacon Joseph Michalak 0
Any honest deacon or priest will admit it. The shocking realization, the I-can’t-believe-I-just-did-that awareness, the wide-eyed moment of reality piercing the fog in the middle of the liturgy when I awake (gasp!): “Has the consecration happened yet?” I’ve totally ditzed. I’ve been orbiting Pluto. I’ve got no clue where I’ve been, and here I am Read More