Author Archives: Deacon Bob

About Deacon Bob

Moderator: Deacon Bob Yerhot of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota.

The Visible Elements of a Church

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

“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

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?

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

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

“…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

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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Quote for the Day

“That we may give glory to God and enjoy peace on earth, let us live a poor and humble life as pilgrims and strangers here on earth, awaiting the coming of the Lord.” — Valerius Messerich, OFM Fr. Val was … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Sr. Alice Zachmann, SSND

Those of us in the diocese of Winona should be proud of Sr. Alice Zachmann, SSND who resides now in Mankato, Minnesota with other School Sisters of Notre Dame. Sr. Alice was honored recently by the Torture Abolition and Survivors … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Where there is rest and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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Deacon Bob’s Homily – 3rd Sunday of Advent

3rd Sunday of Advent – Part One 3rd Sunday of Advent – Part Two

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Winter Wonderland in Minnesota

Just heard that the Metrodome in Minneapolis collapsed last night due to the blizzard. I am so happy that I decided to buy a snowblower for the first time, because I was out at 6 AM this morning blowing away … Continue reading

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The Basis for Morality

I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a colleague about the Church and moral teaching. If I understood correctly his position, he thought the “rules” that the Church teaches about moral behavior, especially in regard to homosexuality, are the creation … Continue reading

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Want to play some music?

In his book, Illustrissimi, Papa Luciani writes a letter to Casella, a friend of Dante, and a gifted composer and performer of music. The letter is entitled, “The Music of Reconciliation.” Luciani’s letter can be summed up in two statements … Continue reading

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Discrimination of Christians in Europe

Avvenire an Italian news source for the Catholic Church, is reporting that a 40 page document will be released tomorrow in Vienna, Austria during the Meeting on Freedom of Religion held by the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in … Continue reading

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