Definitely praying for Amy and her family.

It just demonstrates that we know not the day nor the hour.

AmP has a post tonight about the rumors surrounding the next archbishop of New York. Mansell of Hartford has been mentioned as a possibility quite a bit. I work a part-time job in the archdiocese and my pastor is looking to build an addition on to the parish center. When he approached Mansell for permission, it was readily given. So the good pastor asked for his permission in writing in case he got transferred to New York. Mansell told him there was no need since he wasn't going anywhere.

Not exactly from the mouth of Benedict, but I've crossed him off my short list (in pencil, just in case).

Dolan would be great... imagine someone of his personality on Madison Avenue!

An important tradition to expose our students to tomorrow. If you can't get a priest or deacon, anyone can perform the blessing of throats, even the students themselves (though I would exercise great caution in that case to avoid it becoming a big joke).

The prayer, said while holding blessed candles at the throat: Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The order of blessing can be found at Catholic Culture. You might consider have a service of the Word in your classes. What a wonderful lesson!

This video may also be helpful: