Fr. Dennis and the Curse of the Jilted Jesuit
By Fr. Dennis | June 18, 2008
Sounds like the first in a series of mystery stories a la Nancy Drew, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a story, anyway.
Last Sunday, you’ll recall, I had noon mass at the parish where I was baptized, All Saints Church in St. Peter’s, Missouri. As mass began, the pastor came out to briefly introduce me before I continued on with mass. His introduction was something like:
Today, I want to introduce to you Fr. Dennis Schenkel, a priest of the Diocese of Memphis who was ordained only a week ago. Fr. Dennis is here today because this is the parish where he was baptized.
Now, many of you may know the legend that has been in this parish for many many years, that back in the earliest days of this parish, one of the pioneer Jesuit fathers who worked here was mistreated by the parishioners, and in response he placed a curse on this parish that we would never have a vocation to the priesthood.
Today, Fr. Dennis has broken the curse because he’s the first priest from this parish in the 185 year history of All Saints! Thank you, Fr. Dennis!
It was like playing for the 2004 Red Sox.
Topics: Baptism, History, News, Ordination, humor | 6 Comments »
Last Things First
By Fr. Dennis | June 16, 2008
Tomorrow at 10AM I am presiding at my first funeral. I’m a little nervous because it’s my first one, but I don’t think it will be that difficult.
It’s not going to be a mass because, while the deceased is Catholic, no one else is (except me, the priest, of course). The funeral service will take place at the funeral home. I went through the ritual this afternoon, and I feel like I can get through it without too much fuss.
Toward the end, I will be trying out the idea of letting someone speak about the deceased on behalf of the family. We can fight about whether that’s a good idea or not, but I’m planning on doing it anyway. It’s pretty much expected as the norm in the African-American community, and I want to do what I can to accommodate their customs.
I hope it goes well. I won’t name him on this blog, but if you remember to pray for the deceased of my first funeral which takes place tomorrow, I would appreciate it.
Topics: Liturgy | 4 Comments »
Circle of Life
By Fr. Dennis | June 14, 2008
I’m about to drive to a town about 30 miles west of St. Louis, MO. Tomorrow I will be celebrating the noon mass at the church where I was baptized: All Saints Catholic Church, St. Peter’s, Missouri.
Back on Monday.
Topics: News | 1 Comment »
Faith and Understanding
By Fr. Dennis | June 12, 2008
One of the many (many many) “Congratulations on your ordination to the priesthood” cards I received this weekend has this lovely quote from Saint Augustine:
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand.
Topics: Faith, Ordination, Theology | 1 Comment »
Facebook Hates Catholics
By Fr. Dennis | June 10, 2008
Okay, to be fair, I have no idea if the entire Facebook organization hates Catholics. The headline was just to get your attention. But they do discriminate in particular against Catholic clergy and vowed religious (priests, sisters, etc.).
Facebook will not allow me to change the name of my Facebook account to “Fr. Dennis Schenkel.” When I attempted to do so, the name was kicked out. When I contacted the company, someone named “Diego” wrote back, addressing me as “Hi Dennis,” even though I had signed my email as “Fr. Dennis Schenkel.” Diego claims that religious titles are not allowed and are a violation of Facebook’s terms and conditions. I read all the terms and conditions. Nothing about this “policy” is mentioned.
Turns out I’m not the first to encounter Facebook’s anti-Catholic bias, as you can read about here.
Here is “Diego’s” lame email to me:
Hi Dennis,I apologize for the inconvenience, but we no longer allow users to list religious titles on their names. Additionally, users who currently have religious titles on their names are in violation of our Terms of Use and may have their accounts disabled. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make the name change you have requested. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Diego
User Operations
Suggestions?
Topics: Anti-Catholicism, Evangelization, Internet | 11 Comments »
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