Spiritual Direction
Deacon Robert Yerhot 0
“Contemplation is a radically transforming process. For this reason, many people … avoid it altogether or practice it only halfheartedly,” according to Father George Aschenbrenner, SJ, in his book “Contemplating Jesus.” Indeed, the costly experience of prayerful intimacy with God is both attractive and fearful. We are drawn to and resist such prayer. We fear Read More
B.I.B.L.E
Teresa Tomeo 0
“The Bible is the only book whose author is present when one reads it.” I came across this profound statement concerning the reading of Scripture shortly after having some incredible experiences while doing my daily prayers and Mass readings. I don’t know to whom this quote is exactly attributed, but it is so very true Read More
The Guardian of the Blood of Christ
Deacon James Keating 0
Editor’s note: The following is Part 2 of an In Focus on the Blood of Christ and the role of deacons. This essay was the inaugural Mitchell Lecture for the Institute for Diaconal Renewal at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Read part 1 here. Pope Benedict XVI once echoed St. Augustine in pointing out the paradox Read More
Both Sides of the Story
Deacon Joseph R. Ferrari 0
The TED Talk by a Nigerian-born female author (“The Danger of a Single Story”) educated in British schools speaks about how others define her identity and personhood by a “single story.” People think all folks from the continent of Africa are the same, even though it houses more than 1.2 billion people with 3,000 ethnicities, Read More
Created in His Image
Deacon David Parker 0
As a deacon, I have the great blessing of being married and experiencing the love of my bride while also experiencing love as the beloved spouse of Jesus Christ. There are many parallels to these loves, and, as deacons, I believe we are positioned directly in the crosshairs of the battle between belief in the Read More
Embracing the Hiddenness of the Diaconate
Deacon Joseph Michalak 1
At the NET Ministries annual vocations Mass for 1,500 high-energy high school students, the emcee was introducing the vocational representatives to speak afterward: “Welcome Archbishop Hebda!” (thunderous applause). “Here we have the Benedictine monks!” (loud cheers). “Here are the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus!” (louder cheers). “And the Franciscan Sisters, the School Sisters of Read More
The Diaconal Call to Teach
Deacon Anthony Clishem 1
Every deacon, by virtue of his ordination, becomes a teacher. During the Rite of Ordination, at the handing on of the Book of the Gospels, the newly ordained deacon hears these words: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” Read More
A Dynamic Contribution to the Church
Paul Senz 0
Black men have been a part of the permanent diaconate in the United States since the practice was revitalized by the Second Vatican Council. This is not a recent novelty; in many dioceses, Black men were ordained in the first classes of permanent deacons around 40 years ago. Deacon Kurt Davis The importance of the Read More