Author Archives: Deacon Bob

About Deacon Bob

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

What About the Joy?

One of my readers put the question to me in my last posting about diaconal suffering, “Is there not joy?” Joy is one of those human experiences that often gets confused with pleasure. Somehow in the minds of many, you … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Orange!

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Kevin W. Vann as the bishop of the diocese of Orange, in California. You may have been hearing of that diocese recently, as they purchased the “Crystal Cathedral” from the Robert Schuller ministries this … Continue reading

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“We Sang You a Dirge and You Did Not Weep. We Played You a Flute and You Did Not Dance!”

Today’s Gospel reading from Luke is one of those unusual head scratchers.  “What is the message here?” we ask. I like to think that Jesus, in reciting what must have been an idiom to the Jews of the time, was … Continue reading

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Diaconal Suffering

A good meditation for deacons on suffering is to place yourself next to St. Stephen as we find him in the Scriptures. In a nearby church in the apse over the sanctuary is a fresco of the martyrdom of St. … Continue reading

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Minnesota Marriage Minute: People are NOT turning against marriage

Despite what the popular media may seem to portray, people are not turning against marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Each time it has been put to the people to decide (31 out of 31 times!), … Continue reading

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Church of the Week

 Santa Cruz Mission Church Santa Cruz, California

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Our Lady of Sorrows and Diaconal Suffering

Today’s memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows — that is our Lady’s spiritual martyrdom, as St. Bernard writes — brings back to mind a theme I have been pondering for many months. The deacon’s relationship with suffering seems central to … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Lincoln!

The Holy Father announced today at noon Rome time that he has accepted the resignation of Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz and has appointed Bishop James D. Conley to succeed him. I had the pleasure of hearing Bishop Conley speak earlier this … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Human persons and human community take on divine resemblance to the degree that they are perfected. This perfection results from living in the source of life and reality, the Trinity.” — Joseph Schwab, OFM

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The Law and Life

Our Gospel readings at daily Mass the past week and a half have been an intense series of confrontations rendered by Jesus. The first part of last week, Jesus confronts demons and casts them out of people. Then he turns … Continue reading

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TV Mass for the Week

I thought I might begin providing an opportunity for those of you who may be shut-in your home due to age or illness to watch Mass. This is a weekly service provided by the Diocese of Winona.

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Church of the Week

Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church Half Moon Bay, California

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Deacon Bob’s Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – Cycle B

Here is my homily for last Sunday. Text:  23 Sunday of Ordinary Time – Cycle C September 8/9, 2012 Isaiah 35: 4-7a; James 2: 1-5; Mark 7: 31-37  We heard this morning from the prophet Isaiah: “Be strong! Fear not! … Continue reading

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New Challenges and Wonderful Opportunities and a Deacon’s Reflection

My life took another unexpected turn this week with the request from my bishop that I become the Assistant Director of the Diaconate for the diocese. I accepted and have now added this to the list of other responsibilities I … Continue reading

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What Do Common Men and Women Say About Marriage?

Here is a wonderful video clip of what men and women say about protecting marriage in Minnesota from redefinition. Enjoy, learn and in November, vote “yes.” Thank you!

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