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Would you like to earn an online master’s degree rooted in Catholic teachings?

In as little as 16 months, you can be a graduate! Even better -- you can apply for free and qualify for multiple scholarships!*

*We offer special scholarships for deacons and priests.

Divine Mercy University's Master's in Psychology program is a 100% online graduate program that provides teachings on the study of modern scientific psychology that helps you understand the human mind and behaviors.

It also provides advanced skills that help students to become community leaders. These skills include:

• the ability to recognize and respond to mental health challenges
• learning how to build deep relationships with others
• how to lead a team through a crisis
• and so much more!

With these skills and a Catholic understanding of psychology, you will be equipped for a wide variety of job opportunities, including:

• Case Management
• Director of Volunteer and Ministry Programs (a great option!)
• Serving as a Professor of Catholic Psychology
• Teaching in Special Education
• and the list goes on!

Take your first step to thriving in your vocation as a trained Catholic leader or mental health advocate in your local community!

Want to learn more about the online Master's in Psychology before applying? Attend our upcoming webinar. [Click here to register]

Below is a testimony from a graduate of the program who believes in the life-changing power of combining psychology with Church teachings.

Have questions about the program, scholarships or the application process? Contact the Admissions Advisor, Maria Lees-Dunlap at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-574-1114.

Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. 

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The temptation to compromise

Deacon Dominic Cerrato helps us keep perspective when faith relationships in our families become tense.

The diaconal call to teach

Deacon Anthony Clishem discusses the deacon’s responsibility to practice what he preaches.

What are your thoughts on ongoing formation?

We welcome your input to our next feedback question: Do you believe that ongoing formation is essential to effective ministry and, if so, why? We need your feedback (100 words or less) via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include your name and the city and state where you live. Select responses will be in the March/April issue of The Deacon.

An Advent inventory

Father Kenneth G. Davis provides a five-part examination to prevent irritability and promote gratitude. 

Are you looking for homily helps?

The Priest magazine offers weekly thought-provoking questions to ponder while preparing your homilies.

Around the Diaconate

Deacon Tim Ruoff shares his story of being adopted in a feature in the Archdiocese of Kansas City’s newspaper, The Leaven, that discusses women who choose adoption for their children.

Deacon Stephen Yates of the Diocese of Raleigh examines the issue of hunger around the globe as Americans celebrate the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Deacon Stuart Neslin, a parish administrator at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome, Georgia, shares in the Northwest Georgia News a reflection on Advent. 

My Daily Visitor Advent reflections

It’s not too late! During Advent, we should set aside time for daily prayer to grow closer to Christ. Sign up for a spiritual journey with Our Sunday Visitor editor Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, and start receiving daily video reflections. More information here.

Please help us reach military families!

Donate to Our Sunday Visitor’s Military Program to support our military and vets by keeping them close to their Catholic faith.

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Pope Benedict XVI: A life and papacy centered on God

Larry Chapp assesses the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.

• Also, Australian Cardinal George Pell, just days before his death, shared his thoughts on Pope Benedict XVI with OSV News. 

A married deacon and the domestic church

Father Robert Hater shares some principles to help deacons find a balance between family and ministry.

Distracted? A gentle return

Deacon Joseph Michalak offers some direction on how to turn from the constant distractions of our prayer.

Around the Diaconate

Today’s Catholic reports that Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend ordained 18 men to the diaconate on Jan. 7 at St. Pius Church in Granger, Indiana.

Deacon Greg Lambert writes in the Catholic Stand: “As each new year begins, old resolutions are dusted off, repackaged, and often given a ‘booster shot’ at the start of Lent. … The problem is that there is a big difference between fasting to lose weight and fasting for spiritual growth.”

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Renew International.

Please help us reach military families!

Donate to Our Sunday Visitor’s Military Program to support our military and vets by keeping them close to their Catholic faith.

Subscribe now!

Want to read more? Subscribe to The Deacon magazine!

Did you know? As a Deacon Dispatch subscriber you qualify for 25% off any product from the OSV online store. Just use code DCN25 when you check out.

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“The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

“And with your spirit.”

This simple, yet profound greeting at the beginning of every Mass reminds us of what makes up the very fabric of our lives as Christians: grace, love and communion.

Communion comes from the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity who is the bond of love between the Father and Son. The Holy Spirit is communion.

In our online Spiritual Direction Certificate program, students learn that both the spiritual director and directee are called to listen to the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit who desires that we share in the communion of God himself. This capacity to listen is only possible through an active prayer life, for both the director and directee.

When the Holy Spirit is invited into the conversation, and both the director and directee’s posture is one of receptivity, the director can help the directee recognize and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, which are characterized by a sense of peace, joy, freedom, fruitfulness, and a deeper unity of life. 

Join me on Thursday, November 17 at 7pm ET to learn how you can become a spiritual director who listens to the Holy Spirit to bring others closer to Christ.  

I look forward to speaking with you then.

Sincerely,

Greg Shapero

Admissions Advisor

Unable to attend this webinar? Schedule a short call with me at your convenience.

Want to apply for the Spring 2023 cohort? Submit your application today!

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks in advance for your interest!

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