Author Archives: Bill Schmitt

Unknown's avatar

About Bill Schmitt

Bill Schmitt is a Catholic journalist, author, educator, and marketing-communications specialist whose recent work can be seen on the Magis Center blog, in the diocesan newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, and in commentaries at “Phronesis in Pieces” on the Substack platform and at “OnWord.net”. As a secular reporter/editor, he worked at Gannett Westchester Newspapers, McGraw-Hill, Cahners Business Information, Kiplinger Washington Letter, and Chemical Week magazine. Bill has been an adjunct professor of English and media at several schools, including Fordham University and the U of Notre Dame. Full bio: Click "About" at billschmitt.substack.com

Who Put the “Lent” in Valentine?

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Please accept a gift that has no calories but still has a lot of energy in at least two different forms–my excitement about a little book I produced to make people smile about the deeper … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication, Words, Writing | Leave a comment

This Present Is Past and Future

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

I’m still waiting for one Christmas gift to arrive. Actually, I still have to pick it up from a store. And it’s a gift for the whole family, including me. It’s a hard drive that will contain the digital versions … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication | Leave a comment

The Spirit of Christmas Now, in Words & Music

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

“I see friends shaking hands, saying, How do you do? / They’re really saying, I love you.” Louis Armstrong made a good point in the great song, “What a Wonderful World,” which resonates with his own happy heart and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirit of communication, Words, Writing | Leave a comment

Christ the King and the Public Square

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

The Solemnity of Christ the King is capping the 2017 Liturgical Calendar this Sunday. In spite of, or because of, that term “king”—which sounds so old-fashioned and dictatorial to many Americans, this special feast that ushers in Advent offers tips … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication, Writing | Leave a comment

Spanning the Centuries in Photos

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

South Bend’s Century Center, in an evocative photo by Lou Sabo. A picture for all centuries…. Yes, this picture was taken in 1977 by my friend, a photographer whose great pictures show his love for his native city and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication | Leave a comment

Look for Helpers, Make Them Headliners

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

  Thanks to the USA Today website and the previous reporting of Entertainment Weekly senior writer Anthony Breznican for perhaps the briefest and most powerful “webinar” to instruct today’s journalists.  It’s a simple lesson from Fred Rogers (1928-2003), the Presbyterian minister who hosted “Mr. Rogers’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication | Leave a comment

Proud Daddy, Keep on Browsin’

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

Come Holy Spirit! One of your fruits is joy, and it was joyful to see Mary Schmitt among the CUA students bringing up the Gifts to Cardinal Wuerl at the Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 31. Thank you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication | Leave a comment

“Holy Darkness”

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

See this coverage of the total eclipse from WNDU-TV in South Bend Thanks to WNDU TV in South Bend for this access to shared live coverage from NBC. Thanks to Dan Schutte for his song (“Holy Darkness” copyright 2001, performed … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirit of communication, Words, Writing | Leave a comment

Marriage and Family: The Power Couple

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

Don’t miss the current episode of “Franciscan University Presents,” which is a most thought-provoking and grace-invoking discussion of the sacrament of marriage. The guest, Father John Riccardo, sets the stage in the first half hour with a discussion of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Prayer | Leave a comment

Affluenza — The 20th Anniversary

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Bill Schmitt

(Originally written for the blog of my Secular Franciscan Order fraternity in Mishawaka, Indiana) This is the 20th anniversary of the broadcast of a documentary that has lodged itself in my heart and my mind. May I recommend it to you … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Spirit of communication, Words | 2 Comments