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The Deacon's Bench

Twenty years ago this week, a young man was about to drop everything and give his life to God. You can hear his account of that vocation journey right here, via NPR. If you find that tantalizing, you can read more about it in this terrific book.

You really have to feel for St. Peter. A couple weeks ago, we encountered him climbing out of a boat during a storm, trying to walk on water. He floundered, and Jesus had to rescue him. Then, last week, he ended up with a job he never sought. Jesus gave him the keys to the…

Like what you see here? Well, wander over to the 2008 Blogger’s Choice Awards and put in your two cents (or two clicks) and let them know. Your Humble Blogger is nominated in the category of Best Religion Blog. If I win — fat chance — I promise to thank you in my acceptance speech.

One of the most familiar faces in my corner of New York is Msgr. James Lisante, former head of The Christophers. He pops up a lot on television, offering analysis and commentary, and he has a popular interview program on satellite radio. (Full disclosure: I was a guest on his show last year, blabbering on…

In my own diocese of Brooklyn, the local paper has just profiled one of my brother deacons, who has a unique ministry using his abundant talents as an artist. Frequent visitors to The Bench may know him as the creative wizard behind The Deacon’s Studio. He’s Bernard Deschler, a.k.a. “Boinie”. And his journey to the…

The gentleman pictured below has a special ministry to race car drivers in Michigan. (Perhaps he also enjoys a good game of checkers? Gotta love that stole.) Check out — ha! — his story right here: Before the big race on Sunday, Aug. 31, some of the drivers, pit crews and their families in town…

Now that the McCain candidacy has become the McCain-Palin ticket, more attention is being focused on the compelling personal story of Sarah Palin. Most inspiring of all: her devotion to her Down Syndrome son, born just this past April. This is how the Anchorage Daily News reported story: Gov. Sarah Palin was back at work…

Looking to do a little web surfing over the long holiday weekend? I recently got word of two websites that may be worth your while — both Catholic, both related to the media. The first, Catholic Media House, collects inspirational and informative videos for you to watch online. It’s attractively designed, easy to navigate, and…

Alaska’s governor is reportedly John McCain’s pick to be his running mate. What do we know about her? Wikipedia has the scoop. In a nutshell: She’s 44 and was elected governor two years ago. When she was a teenager, she was a runner-up for Miss Alaska and won the title of Miss Congeniality. Her husband…

This is a remarkable piece of news, from the City of Angels, and a wonderful reminder that the Church is continuing to thrive and grow. It comes from Cardinal Roger Mahony himself, in the pages of his archdiocescan newspaper, The Tidings: With the Baptism of 100,604 persons in 2007, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles —…
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