
Ask a Deacon: So why is Mary so important?
There are lots of reasons why the Blessed Virgin Mary is so important, but I will limit myself to why she’s important to salvation history.
Ask a Deacon: Why Do We Use Incense?
Q: “Sometimes I bring guests to Mass at Newman and they ask what the incense is for. I realized I can’t answer them very well - why do we use incense at Mass?”
The Mass includes many little things: vestments, candles, movements, bells, even silent prayers. These have been added over the centuries to the original Mass that the Apostles knew. In this installment of Ask a Deacon, I’ll share where the practice of using incense at Mass comes from and its meaning.
Ask a Deacon: Why Confess to a Priest?
This is a very common question, and it is entirely reasonable. Yes, one can confess directly to God. He’s God, after all. But by leaving it there, we ignore a crucial part of what it means to be a Christian. We should start with Jesus’ teaching.
Ask a Deacon: Original Sin and Human Nature
Q: “How is the doctrine of original sin consistent with the idea that God makes us all good?”
Ask a Deacon: What is a Deacon?
[...] what is a deacon? A deacon is ordained; so, he is a cleric and no longer a layperson. A deacon is ordered not to the ministerial priesthood, to Christ the priest, but rather to Christ the servant. We teach that Jesus instituted the priesthood at the Last Supper. But St. John’s version of the Last Supper has Jesus washing the feet of the apostles. There we read Jesus say, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (Jn. 13:15) This model of servant is the identity into which the deacon is ordered.
A Seeking Rooted in Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict’s written voice was clear and loving and careful and everything that we need most in the world today. Thanks to his writings, we have not lost that voice. We can keep it and return to it. Perhaps someday here we can discuss his writings. But along with his written voice we can find solace in that through his passing we have gained an advocate in him, one who will intercede, God willing, in our lives, and aid us in our prayer and in our being Church.