Category Archives: Church News

If You Think Your Diocese Has a Vocation Shortage….

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I was reading today about the Diocese of Taizhou, China. For 48 years, it was without a bishop. Erected in 1926, it has had only one legitimate bishop: Bishop Hou Hou-shan who was ordained to the episcopacy by Pope Pius … Continue reading →

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Chinese Martyrs

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Today is the memorial of the 120,000 Chinese men, women and children along with many foreign missionaries that died for the faith in that country from the 17th century until the early 20th century.  Pope John Paul II canonized them ten … Continue reading →

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Ad Multos Annos, La Crosse, Wisconsin!

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I am sure my neighboring diocese, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is rejoicing today. A new bishop has been announced this morning for them by the Holy Father: Bishop William  P. Callahan, O.

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A Portrait of the Diaconate in the U.S.

Posted on May 9, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Last month, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate from Georgetown University along with the United States Council of Catholic Bishops released a wonderful overview of the permanent diaconate in the United States. Did you know….. Twenty-one dioceses have … Continue reading →

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Words of Encouragement

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Deacon Bob

If you are a priest who is discouraged by the crisis in the Church regarding the abuse children and the Church’s response to this inexcusable crime, take a look at what Archbishop John R. Quinn, retired bishop of San Francisco said at the … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Pope Benedict!

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Today is the 83rd birthday of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict.   Ad multos annos! May God strengthen the Bishop of Rome in his ministry as Shepherd of the Universal Church.

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Random Thoughts on Crisis in the Church

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Deacon Bob

There are many in the various media outlets who are describing the Church as being in the crisis of the century. They are suggesting that the credibility of the papacy is on the line, and the Church is being split … Continue reading →

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Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter to Ireland – follow up post

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I want to include in today’s posting section 7 of the Pope’s letter to the Church of Ireland in which he addressed priests and religious who are or have been perpetrators of abuse. “You betrayed the trust that was placed … Continue reading →

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Sexual Abuse – An Apology

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father today release a pastoral letter to the people of God in Ireland. His words in this letter can well be applied to all countries where the sexual abuse by clergy and religious has occurred.  I want to … Continue reading →

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The Health Care Debate – Statement of Cardinal Francis George, President of the USCCB

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Deacon Bob

If you are news aware at all you know that the Congress is nearing some decision on the health care reform bill before it. I would like to share with you an excerpt from a statement of the President of … Continue reading →

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The Continuity of the Church

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father had an interesting comment during last Wednesday’s general audience. He spoke of St. Bonaventure and the Franciscans, but then tied into that the reality of the continuity of the Church throughout the centuries. I have translated the … Continue reading →

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A New Bishop for Ogdensburg

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Congratulations to all the priests, deacons and faithful of the diocese of Ogdensburg, New York. The Holy Father today announced that Msgr. Terry LaValley, a priest of the diocese, is the new bishop-elect.  He will be ordained April 30th and … Continue reading →

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New saints are on the way

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father announced today, in a very formal gathering of cardinals at the Vatican, that six individuals will be canonized on October 17, 2010. Among them is Blessed Andre’ Bessette from Canada. Those of us from Holy Cross Parish … Continue reading →

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A Synod for the Americas

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Deacon Bob

There are reports that there is a need for a special synod in America, i.e., North and South America. It is up to the bishops and the Holy Father to make the decision. From what I have read at the … Continue reading →

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Using the Web – Calling all Priests (and Deacons!)

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I would like to note that the Holy Father, in his message on the 44th annual World Day of Social Communications, entitled, The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word, has … Continue reading →

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