A Beginning by the Bishops, Not the End

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the USCCB General Assembly of November 2021. “The deep divisions in the Church make it clear that the Church needs a big change.… Read More

Who Benefits from the Status Quo?

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the recent reports from the meeting of Pope Francis and President Biden, in which the president claims the pope told him that Biden… Read More

Are We In This Together Or Not?

There’s a scene in Donald Margulies’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Dinner With Friends,” that comes back to me every time a Catholic priest is in the news for sexual misconduct. It… Read More

Rome Remembers

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the martyrs of Rome and how, for the Roman Church, these are local saints. “To a Catholic from the United States, these martyrs… Read More

The All Souls’ Day Fauré Requiem

About twelve years ago, the pastor at St. Bernadette (St. B’s), a suburban parish in Silver Spring, Maryland started a new tradition at the parish: on All Souls’ Day, a… Read More

On Being Hopeful – and Happy- Warriors

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the unpopularity of optimism. “A world running low on hope ought to be world in which the Gospel can find a foothold. The… Read More

Dragon Hoops: A Lesson in Sensitivity

Dragon Hoops is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang that masterfully weaves together a season of Catholic high school basketball with historical vignettes, student stories, and weighty topics such… Read More

Going for Broke

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the wealth of Americans and how it may be a hindrance rather than a help. “Maybe, just maybe, having all the good things… Read More

Why Isn’t Laicization More Public?

Many years ago, I flew to Chicago and drove a few of hours to attend a friend’s ordination to the priesthood.  I considered Chris[1] the best person I had ever… Read More

Speaking of the Synod

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the synod preparatory document released this week. “Why then don’t our shepherds speak and write in a way that is recognizably Christian! When… Read More

Producing the Podcast Crisis as a Catholic

This piece includes discussion of sexual abuse and suicide. Jay Lemberger is the victim who stays with me. He died by suicide before the priest who abused him was brought… Read More

What Ever Happened to the “Lay Moment”?

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the promise and challenge of Lumen Gentium: “By our Baptism, we are all commissioned to proclaim the Gospel – the laity no less… Read More