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The Deacon's Bench

The Vatican has issued its theme for the upcoming World Communications Day — traditionally marked on the Sunday before Pentecost, when the era of Christian communication began. From Zenit: The theme chosen by Benedict XVI for World Communications Day reflects the Pope’s confidence in the press and its possibilities, says a Vatican official. Archbishop Claudio…

If you want a peek at how the Catholic Church in America is dealing with the issue of immigration, look no further than this interesting item from Fordham University. It explains how — as with so many things — we can thank the Italians: Italian Catholics who immigrated to New York City in the 1800s…

A newly ordained deacon sent along this news: Indiana has five new deacons (he’s one of them), and there’s a full write up (and lots of pictures) in the Catholic Moment newspaper: In a celebration that blended prayer, music, pageantry and soul-stirring symbolism, five men were ordained as permanent deacons on Sept. 20 and committed…

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston embraces a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Church, which was seriously damaged by Hurricane Ike. You can read about the cardinals visit in the Houston Chronicle. Photo by Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle.

Here’s some timely and thought-provoking advice on faith and politics, from the place that reminds us all that we are summoned to be instruments of peace. This comes from Zenit: Catholics need to wake up when it comes to politics, and stop leaving “God in the pew,” says a Vatican aide. Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, secretary…

“We must feel small before God. I am not ashamed to feel like a child before his mother; one believes in one’s mother; I believe in the Lord, in what he has revealed to me.” — Pope John Paul I, as recalled by Pope Benedict on Sunday, the 30th anniversary of his death. The reign…

From the Right In My Own Backyard Desk, we have this interesting report on the only all-boys Catholic high school on Long Island: Unlike most Roman Catholic schools in the New York area, which embrace students regardless of their religion, Chaminade High School here requires a baptismal certificate to register. “No exception,” said the Rev.…

From Alaska comes news — for once — about something other than Sarah Palin. It’s a dramatic move by parishes to deal with the priest shortage. This, from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Dubbed “Priestless Sunday,” next weekend will find parish leaders filling the pulpits at Roman Catholic churches all around Fairbanks and the road systems.…

Deacon Scott Dodge links to a timely piece in America, which includes a list of 10 things to remember this fall when it comes to voting and the Catholic conscience. Drumroll, please: 1. Not all issues are equal- Life issues are paramount. The paramount life issue in this campaign, the life issue that the next…

What effect does prayer have on the brain? Michael Gerson at the Washington Post has an intriguing take: Elin Danien quietly listens to a meditation tape, eyes closed, as the radioactive tracer is injected into her IV, freezing a picture of the blood flow in her brain. As a research associate at the University of…
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