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The Church: Field Hospital?

One of the prominent images of the Francis pontificate is that of the Church as a field hospital in the midst of battle. “Tend the wounds, tend the wounds!” calls… Read More

On Fatherhood and “Healthy Masculinity”

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on fatherhood as the living-out of healthy masculinity. “That first childish image of Fatherhood – invincible, omniscient, omnipotent, awesome, all-loving – that’s real Fatherhood.… Read More

Human Formation & the Crisis of Trust

In 1990, 238 synod fathers met in Rome for the 8th Ordinary General Synod on “The Formation of Priests in Circumstances of the Present Day.” They presented Pope John Paul… Read More

An up-close look at the state of our priests

For Our Sunday Visitor this month, Catholic University’s Stephen White wrote a summary and reflections on the clergy abuse crisis, the Church’s response, and how it has affected priests. “Of… Read More

The Trouble with Bishops’ Conferences

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the role of bishops’ conferences in view of the comments of Pope Francis in his interview with America Magazine. “The pope’s words can… Read More

Baby Step: Phone Calls

Today I continue the series I promised last time: baby steps toward increased trust between bishops and priests. Today’s step is phone calls—both from the bishop to priests and priests’… Read More

Our Shared Point of Reference

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on the Eucharist as the only sure foundation of unity in the Church: “If the Church is in need of unity, turn to the… Read More

Baby Steps: What’s in a Name?

I have been slowly reading through the first write-in section of our national survey of Catholic priests. We asked priests, “In your opinion, what is one step that should be… Read More

Listen to the Communion of Saints

Stephen White of Catholic University reflects on synodality in light of the celebration of All Saints and All Souls. “Synodality either has deep roots in the life of the Church… Read More

Shot Rolling on the Deck

Sometimes I send my column to particular friends who I think may have insights on the topic that would help either the writing or the content. One friend who shares… Read More

A National Study of Catholic Priests

Stephen White of Catholic University writes about the highlights from the National Study of Catholic Priests that was released on October 19, 2022. “For decades, there have been warning signs… Read More

Authority: Patrick O’Brian and the Church

I wrote recently about obedience in the context of authority in the Church, and I promised a part two on leadership. It is easy to see how obedience can be… Read More