The Deacon's Bench

I wonder what people think of bloggers. Details: What do nurses, soldiers, pharmacists, elementary school teachers, doctors, and police officers have in common? Americans say they are all more ethical and honest than members of the clergy, according to a Gallup survey released on Friday (Dec. 3). Slightly more than half of Americans (53 percent)…

But, interestingly, the two parties have about the same number. From CNS, via U.S. Catholic: With more than three dozen Catholic Democrats voted out of office or choosing not to run in the November election, a decline in the number of Catholics in the 112th Congress would seem inevitable. But the decrease is not nearly…

An amazing story, and a stunning video, below. My one question: what’s wrong with her? They never explain.     

Not only that, it was delivered by a White House speechwriter. From Politico: Sparked by an impeccable impersonation of Arianna Huffington, White House speechwriter Jon Lovett took home the top honors at Washington’s annual “Funniest Celebrity” competition Thursday night. “Sarah Palin as the next president of the United States?” asked Lovett. “I’m kidding, of course.…

You won’t find a more meaningful or moving reflection today than this beautiful post by Marcel LeJeune, written in tribute to his sister.  A snip: My sister, Simone LeJeune, died on November 16. She knew what it was like to feel distant from God. She also knew what it was like to have God wrap…

The proposed repeal of DADT is sparking a lot of debate — especially among chaplains. Details: A long-awaited report on the possible repeal of the military’s ban on openly gay members says the chaplains corps has “some of the most intense and sharpest divergence of views” on the issue. The comprehensive review, issued Tuesday (Nov.…

The former priest who caused a scandal last year is back in the news. From the Miami Herald: Ruhama Buni Cutié, wife of Miami celebrity priest Alberto Cutié, gave birth to Camila Victoria Cutie on Tuesday. “We…take this opportunity to thank our family, church community and friends for your love and support,” Alberto said in…

Need something to wake you up? Click on this, and turn up the volume. VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

No, you aren’t seeing things. That is, indeed, an illuminated cross inside a very patriotic Christmas tree. Want one? Read about it here.

Try fasting, says one British bishop.  From the Guardian: The Right Rev Kieran Conry, of Arundel and Brighton, said the traditional Friday Fast Day was a “source of pride” and something that marked Catholics out as different. In his pastoral letter, extracts of which are published in the weekly Catholic periodical The Tablet, he wrote…

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