Monthly Archives: September 2010

Diaconal Character

Deacon Anthony Gooley from the archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia has authored an article published in The Pastoral Review in which he argues that the deacon as “servant” called to charitable and social justice ministry is a reflection of a misunderstanding … Continue reading

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Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Today’s feast of the Exaltation of the Cross includes a wonderful reading in the Office written by St. Andrew of Crete. I have translated a segment below from the Italian text I use. We celebrate the feast of the holy … Continue reading

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24th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Deacon Bob’s Audio Homily

Here, in mp3 format, is my homily from last weekend. Given my server limitations, I had to break the recording into two parts. Homily Part One Homily Part Two

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New Feature

I have added a link to my homilies. You can find it to the lower right of this webpage entitled, “Attention! Deacon Bob’s Homilies” under the heading of “Other Pages to Explore.”  It is kind of difficult to see immediately, but … Continue reading

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“The True Measure of Humanity….”

Pope Benedict XVI wrote the following in his encyclical Spe Salvi, “The true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering and to the sufferer… A society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics and Morality | 4 Comments

More on the Social Doctrine of the Church

A few days ago I posted on the common good. The common good pertains, of course, to the Social Doctrine of the Church which saw a rapid development in the nineteenth century with the rise of the industrial society. Today, … Continue reading

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The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today is the feast Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast day, celebrated since the earliest days of the Church, especially in the East and then later in the West, is marker of sorts between the Old and New … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant.” — St. John Vianney, SFO

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Take It Up With God

The pastor of the parish cluster to which I am assigned made the comment in the middle of his homily last Saturday that has just stayed with me since. I am pretty sure this wasn’t the line he was centering … Continue reading

Posted in Fundamental Theology, General Interest | 1 Comment

Quote for the Day

“Want to know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plan.” — local parishioner

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Why Is It So Important to Teach Doctrine? Why Doctrine At All?

Those of us who are charged to teach and preach the Faith need to accomplish two things:  touch the hearts of those who listen; and to teach the doctrine of Jesus and His Church. Now, some are of the opinion … Continue reading

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Deacons at Work, Evangelizing

I ran across a splendid website today, www.thecatholiccafe.com  Deacon Jeff Drzycimski of the diocese of Memphis hosts this site, which includes a number of interesting podcasts. He is also featured on www.relevantradio.com You won’t be disappointed with the time you … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

If God lets you fall in some weakness, it is not to abandon you, but only to establish in you humility and make you more careful in the future.” — St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, OFM Cap.

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The Three Essential Elements of the Common Good

In Catholic social teaching you will read and hear a lot about “the common good.” I think many misunderstand what this term means. Let me try to clarify. Turning to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), you will find this … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“There is no more authoritative book to teach us how to grow in God’s love than the book of Jesus crucified.” — St. Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv.

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