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The Deacon's Bench

For me, Fulton Sheen remains the gold standard for Catholic preaching — and his connection to the world of communications (notably, television) has always resonated with me. He also has a personal connection to my parish in Queens. In the 1960s, he’d sometimes drop by to preach — he was friends with a bishop in…

One of the most outspoken anti-abortion activists in America found himself under arrest last week — at a Catholic church. Catholic Online has the story, and a press release about the incident: Randall Terry, the Founder of Operation Rescue and convert to the Catholic Church,has issued the following Press Release: “It is with great grief…

What happens when you break the law while protesting at a nuclear facility? Two Catholic nuns found out — and it wasn’t quite what they expected. From the Washington Times: For decades, Sister Carol Gilbert and Sister Ardeth Platte have practiced their Roman Catholic faith with an unwavering focus on world peace. Their antiwar activities…

When I was looking over the readings for this weekend, I thought to myself: well, nobody could be blamed for feeling hungry in the middle of mass. Food is mentioned everywhere. Again and again we hear references to a great feast — how God will provide for us, and nurture us, and nourish us. “Juicy,…

As the election heads into the home stretch, the Associated Press dug up these interesting nuggets about Sarah Palin’s tenure in Alaska, particularly in the realm of religion: The camera closes in on Sarah Palin speaking to young missionaries, vowing from the pulpit to do her part to implement God’s will from the governor’s office.…

Australia’s Cardinal George Pell took a moment from attending the Synod of Bishops in Rome to chat with John Allen about what’s been happening there — and, at one point, turned to the topic of preaching: There’s been a lot of talk at the synod about the weakness of preaching. Do you think things are…

Of the nearly 200 dioceses in America, a handful still do not have formation programs for the permanent diaconate. That’s led to some frustration, disappointment and resentment. Case in point: earlier today, I got an e-mail from a reader in the Midwest. I reprint part of it below with his permission: Several years ago, I…

Many parishes report a resurgence in Eucharistic adoration — and a few are going the extra mile (or extra day or two) with a practice that many thought had vanished: the 40 Hours devotion. Florida is seeing it return in at least one diocese: Forty Hours “is something that has not been done for a…

Many will remember the story of the mysterious Audrey Santo, known as “Little Audrey,” who reportedly manifested remarkable healing powers during her short life. She was afflicted with a condition known as akinetic mutism, rendering her unable to speak or move. But thousands flocked to her home in Massachusetts and reported miraculous cures. Could she…

It may not be what you think. Or so it seems, according to this latest Gallup poll, which tracks what most Americans are concerned about. No wonder life issues and abortion aren’t getting much attention.
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