Stephen Yusko's Blog

Deacon of "Nones" The growth of Americans who consider themselves religiously unaffiliated is on the rise. Pew Research estimates that six in ten fall into the category of "Nones". Bishop Robert Barron, the popular online evangelist spoke about the need to reach the "nones" at the recent Bishop's conference in Baltimore this past November.  “ The young people aren’t going to come to us,” said Barron. “We have to go out to them.” Suspended*  I've called on the Church to be more transparent and for full disclosure, on November 13th, I had received a Decree of Suspension as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. (Which was rescinded once the diocese realized they had rushed to judgment and used the wrong Canon Law, however, the restrictions remain in place on my ministry) November 13th, the day Felix was asked to leave November 13, 2019, was monumental in my new vocation as a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. 

  Spiritual & Emotional Pain - A Diocese in Turmoil  March 30, 2021         Dialoguing with the Diocese of Rockville Centre is very challenging these days. Ask any parish ministry leader, priest, or deacon, and you will find in private, a common response: “…the diocese is not effective at communication”. In non-church speak, his excellency seems to be circling the wagons, and rather not dialog directly, at least with this Rogue Deacon.    “However, the hierarchy's ability to brush dirt under the carpet is noteworthy.” Bishop Barres delivered a scripted video this past Autumn about the diocese's "Reorganization" by filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, an inevitable move, not driven because of lawsuits from the sexual abuse scandal, but in my opinion, from the actions of the men responsible for the well-being of the diocese, Bishop Barres and former Bishop William Murphy (Cardinal Law's right-hand man in Boston during the "Spotlight" scandal). It is due to t

  Dear Brothers & Sisters:   I was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Rockville Centre on June 3, 2017, and assigned to my home parish, the Church of St. Joseph in Babylon, by Bishop John Barres.  Both my wife and I have been active parishioners for the past twenty-seven years. I have a deep love for the Church and a passion for faith and justice. My actions are driven by this passion.  These past four years have blessed me with the joy of service along with the pain of witnessing corruption, harassment, violence, and spiritual/financial abuse at St. Joseph’s parish from June 2016 through July 2018.  Many do not know the story behind the removal of a pastor after just two years, and even less about my forced departure from ministry. An article was published today, March 15, 2021: https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/celebrity-priest-creates-financial-storm-long-island-parish  Through personal experience, and upon receiving documented evidence with corroborated

 Daughter, what do you see? Father when you look at the sky what do you see? Clouds forming a storm about to be Daughter when you look above What comes to mind, what do you love? When I look to the horizon  I hope for the sun Smell sea salt  Viewing gulls on the run I reminisce dawn’s reflection in your eyes Worrying about the storms You see on the rise Don’t concern yourself  Of calamities out at sea Follow God’s path  On whom you are meant to be Concern yourself not  About this old man’s musings My weather-worn mind Too often unsure, thoughts confusing Fires once-raging Daughter you know to tell Dwell on imagination’s embers So vast is the well Dad, I travel the path You and mother prepared for me Hopeful the journeys That wait beyond the sea Promise me Father Set your mind at rest God hardens my steel When life’s crucible begins to test I know about storms The sun rises and sets Ship preparing to sail  Nets meant to cast I embark with the memory  Of the spark in your eyes Mending br