Monthly Archives: December 2010

Permanent Deacons and the Roman Collar

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Deacon Greg Kandra (see link at lower right) brought to my attention a blog post by Fr. Zulsdorf about the whole thing of permanent deacons and clerical attire. Permanent deacons are clerics of the Church.  Same as transitional deacons, priests … Continue reading →

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Still Waiting

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I am still waiting for my computer to return. I am sitting in my office at the clinic typing away. (I am on vacation, so I don’t relish being in my office at the moment.) New Year’s Day is right around … Continue reading →

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Yes, I Am Here

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Yes, I am still here.  I haven’t been able to post anything because of busyness during Christmas travels, some furnance problems that have caused me headache, traveling to Chicago to help my son and daughter-in-law move, and last of all, … Continue reading →

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Reflection for the Day

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I received this from an college friend of mine, who happens to be my insurance agent now. I believe he read it in the pope’s encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. “Man is called to a fullness of life which far exceeds the … Continue reading →

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Something Beautiful for God – Missionary Servants of Pope John Paul I

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I’d like to thank Dr. Lori Pieper for bringing to my attention the following article from The Parable, the magazine of the diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire. It is about Lauretta and Ray Seabeck, who have given themselves to the poor of … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Deacon Bob

“The Son of God was nobler than we, and he made himself poor in this world for our sake.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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The Pope’s Talk to the Roman Curia Yesterday

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father gave a talk to the Roman Curia yesterday, an annual event at Christmas time. He said a lot which I cannot summarize adequately in a blog post. You can read it in its entirety at:  http://press.catholica.va/news_services/bulletin/news/26594.php?index=26594&po_date=20.12.2010&lang=en I … Continue reading →

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Meditation of Our Blessed Mother’s Fiat

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

St. Bernard wrote a beautiful homily about Mary’s fiat. It is in today’s Office of Readings. I want to post it for your consideration today. It is my translation from the Italian text used. “You have heard, O Virgin, that … Continue reading →

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The Visible Elements of a Church

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Did you know that each Catholic church building has certain visible elements? Can you name them? 1. The altar. It is from the altar that the sacraments of Jesus’ paschal mystery flow. There is a crucifix above the altar. Whereas … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Deacon Bob

“Faith in God… is a filial yes said to God, who tells us something about His own intimate life: yes to things narrated and, at the same time, to Him who narrates them.” — Pope John Paul I

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2010 Church Statistics

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Church has published statistics for 2010. There are some interesting findings. There are now worldwide a total of 37,203 permanent deacons, of whom 24,030 are from the American continents, and 12,329 are in Europe. The Americas have gained 774 … Continue reading →

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Why Should I Be Good?

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Have you ever asked yourself that question? Why struggle to perfect the virtues, to develop character, to habitually “do the right thing?” Answer: “The goal of a virtuous life is the become like God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803) … Continue reading →

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Attention Deacons! John Paul I and the Authority of Service

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Papa Luciani, in his homily for his installation as Pope on September 3, 1978, drew a distinction between presiding over the Apostolic See and service to it. He notes that “presiding in charity is service.” He quotes St. Leo the … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

“…together, may we have the daring wisdom to imagine a world of peace, and the compassionate courage to work for a peace with justice.” — Marie Lucey, OSF

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Congratulations, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father today has named Bishop Paul Coakley as Archbishop of Oklahoma City.  Archbishop Coakley was the bishop of Salina, Kansas since 2004. Congratulations, Archbishop Coakley!

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