National Media Watch
Priesthood Is on the Rebound
“Priests today have higher morale than even 15 years ago, when we did the last survey,” Hoge said.
Priests, the survey indicated, have found great comfort in the support of their parishioners.
Another of the survey's findings is that priests most appreciate being relieved of parish administrative duties.
In related news, Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan told a priest's symposium that the priesthood is “on the brink of a genuine renewal.”
New York Judge Takes Leave From Diaconate
Deacon Devlin, who was appointed a judge this spring, is running for a 10-year term. He has been a deacon at the church since 2000.
Cardinal Egan, the archbishop of New York, became the first U.S. bishop to apply a prohibition against Catholic clergymen holding public office to deacons.
“The new [canon] law created a very difficult and conflicted situation, because of my ministry and my desire to be a judge,” Deacon Devlin said. His leave will allow him to remain a deacon in good standing, so that he will be able to resume his service as a deacon once his judicial term ends.
Cardinal Egan is considering exemptions from the ban on a case-by-case basis. One exemption he granted has allowed a deacon at St. Anthony's in Nanuet, N.Y., to run for a ninth term on the Clarkstown Town Board.
9/11 Firefighter Finally Laid to Rest
A memorial service had been held for Baptiste Nov. 16, 2001. Baptiste's remains were identified earlier this year, making a Sept. 7 funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral possible. Lt. Bob LaRocco, Baptiste's supervisor, hoped that the funeral would help Baptiste's family take another step toward moving on.
Baptiste was one of four firefighters from Ladder Co. 9 who perished. He reportedly died on the 33rd floor of the north tower while helping rush people to safety.
“He was driven,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, “by an unbridled passion to help others.”
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- September 25-Oct. 1, 2005