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The Deacon's Bench

One of the most famous — and infamous — Catholic theologians is not impressed with Pope Benedict’s overture to the Anglicans: Dissident theologian Father Hans Kung criticized Pope Benedict XVI for his recent opening to discontented Anglicans, charging the pope was “fishing” for the most conservative Christians to the detriment of the larger church.  Father…

Larry David has had his moments of brilliance. But this wasn’t one of them: Comedian Larry David is under attack from critics who say he pushed the mocking of religion and Christian belief in miracles over the edge in the latest episode of his HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which the cable network defended as…

Looking for the snazziest haircut?  Look no further.    This explains how to get the “Mad Men” look. And to think: I was sporting it before it was cool (when every one else thought it was square…) 

This just in from the Bench’s Manhattan Desk.   It’s a joint release from the archbishops of New York and Philadelphia:  Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the 2009 World Series.  These two long-time friends spoke on Tuesday evening…

The God Googler Mike Hayes is continuing his googling up in Buffalo, and he’s taken the time to raise a question on many minds these days: we have welcomed married men who have had differences with us into our priestly ministry, but what about offering permanent deacons the same option? I certainly want to uphold…

Just in time for All Saints Day (next Sunday), a friend sent along this clever variation on a familiar Gilbert & Sullivan patter song. Enjoy.

Judging from the e-mails I receive on this topic, this is a subject that never seems to grow old. The question: should deacons wear the collar? Last year, I posted a lengthy look at the question, with some sage insight from Deacon William Ditewig. Now, many months later, another deacon has left a comment, which…

I sharp-eyed reader sent this along, and it’s a hoot. Brian Doyle spills the beans in the current edition of Notre Dame magazine: To be admitted without review by committee: children under the age of 12, sixth-grade teachers, the mothers of triplets, janitors, nuns (all religions), nurses, all other mothers, loggers, policemen with more than…

In today’s paper, they’ve published a couple letters responding to Maureen Dowd’s Sunday screed. This one was both humble, and humbling, because it put the entire kerfuffle in such a beautiful context:   To the Editor:  Lay as well as religious people ask for one right and one only when they give their free adhesion…

Another hopeful sign that the church is stepping into the 21st century.     Visit the site for more info. Meantime, a story about it, below.  And there’s a bit of news attached to all this: the pope will pay the shroud a visit in May.  
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