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The Deacon's Bench

A blogger in Africa has some thoughts on what it means to take part in the celebration of mass in that corner of the world — and it sounds like something amazing: The Catholic Mass in places like Malawi absolutely blows the American Catholic Mass out of the water. Mass is a fusion of the…

A parish in Florida found one wonderful answer, and Florida Catholic recently paid a visit: How appropriate that what was once the home of the Sisters of Mercy should become the temporary home and refuge of pregnant women. “There were a few times that women came to the office and asked if I could do…

How can deacons help evangelize? The Tidings, the Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, this week offers one answer, with this intriguing look at a unique deacon ministry that is striving to meet people where they are: In a day of spiritual reflection that brought veteran and new deacons and their wives together,…

A priest sent this my way — an interesting item from Fr. Z on the fashion statement of the priesthood (along with some mild criticism from the always-smartly-dressed pontiff). The original news story, from ANSA: Priests are under pressure to smarten up their wardrobes after Pope Benedict XVI made an apparent dig at members of…

“‘Hoping against hope: is this not a magnificent description of a Christian? Africa is called to hope through you and in you! With Jesus Christ, who trod the African soil, Africa can become the continent of hope! We are all members of the peoples that God gave to Abraham as his descendants. Each and every…

Clicked on the computer this morning and found this lovely gift wrapped and waiting for me. Thank you, A! If you want to see what she’s talking about, just drop by for a visit. All are welcome!

From the irrepressible Fr. James Martin’s DVD “Who Cares About the Saints?”

Those who enjoyed her appearance last week (you know who you are!) can check out the latest installment right here.

An alert priest sent this my way, and I thought it worth posting and discussing. From Zenit: Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university. Q: During Holy Week the Chrism Mass liturgy includes the rite of Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service. During the rite the…

Googling around for background on this Sunday’s readings, I found this unusual depiction of St. Stephen — first martyr of the Church, and patron of deacons. It’s called “Saint Stephen Mourned by Saints Gamaliel and Nicodemus,” by a follower of Carlo Saraceni, c. 1615. N.B.: the martyred deacon is wearing a dalmatic.
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