Archives
Preaching the Same Homily in Multiple Parishes
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on Preaching the Same Homily in Multiple Parishes
Ask five deacons what their preaching schedules are like and the answers will fluctuate widely. After my ordination in 1994, I typically preached once a month at one Mass. Occasionally, I preached at two Masses on a specific Sunday. It was rare to be scheduled to deliver the homily on two different weekends in any Read More
Preaching, Digestion and Transformation
Deacon Anthony Gooley Comments Off on Preaching, Digestion and Transformation
The purpose of a homily is to assist the people to receive the word of God. It is, in some sense, analogous to the Rite of Communion, through which the people receive from the table of the Eucharist. The homily helps us receive from the table of the word. Preaching assists us with the process Read More
When Others Drive Us Crazy
Father Kenneth G. Davis Comments Off on When Others Drive Us Crazy
A recent study by Microsoft claims that with the advent of the smartphone, a young person’s typical attention span is now one second shorter than that of a goldfish. So, if you’re already wondering how this essay ends, that means the goldfish won! However, other studies have long indicated that when it comes to regarding Read More
Tips to Stay Close to God
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers Comments Off on Tips to Stay Close to God
Two weeks after I was ordained a deacon, we welcomed twins into our family. My wife and I were now raising a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and newborn twins. To call this time in our lives “demanding” is an understatement. Connecting with God through prayer in a deep and meaningful way every day while maintaining the Read More
Reflective Practices: A Ministry for the Church
Deacon Denny Nash, Deacon Trey Mobley, Dr. Ryan LaMothe Comments Off on Reflective Practices: A Ministry for the Church
One of the greatest blessings of ministry is the opportunity to enter sacred space with others where their greatest and deepest joys, pains and yearnings are expressed. For the deacon, this is a most sacred trust, a trust that involves respect and care for the vulnerability of others. One of the key skills needed to Read More
Ethically Advancing Scientific Research and Medicine
Carlos Briceño Comments Off on Ethically Advancing Scientific Research and Medicine
The John Paul II Medical Research Institute, a nonprofit medical research organization whose mission is to advance research and education in regenerative and personalized medicine in a manner consistent with pro-life bioethics, strictly focuses on adult stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell research and education. The institute also coordinates research activities between the institute, Read More
The Palatable Pulpit
Dr. Donald R. Richmond Comments Off on The Palatable Pulpit
“Well, at least when we have a bad homily, we still have the Eucharist!” This quotation, lifted from a conversation between a Catholic and her Protestant friend, highlights a problem in our parishes. Although the Second Vatican Council emphasized the importance of the written, spoken and preached word, many Catholics are subjected to substandard preaching. Read More
The Ribbons of the Books of Prayer
Deacon Kevin Plankinton Comments Off on The Ribbons of the Books of Prayer
It is amazing what a person will do for the prize of a ribbon. Countless Olympic athletes have poured everything into achieving the highest levels of excellence. The freshman walk-on is truly honored to wear the red shirt because he knows he will command the field his senior year. There is a desire within people Read More