Category Archives: Education

“The Devout Life” As a Conversation-Starter

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

Initially posted on McGrath Institute Blog, published at the U. of Notre Dame, January 24 The fine art of conversation, used as an instrument to share hope and advance the common good, has taken a beating. Many Catholics feel inhibited … Continue reading →

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A Franciscan Call for News from a “Good Place”

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

Initially posted on McGrath Institute Blog, published at the U. of Notre Dame, Jan. 23, 2019 Setting aside the missteps in virtue one often finds in sit-com scripts, the show “The Good Place” offers worthy insights about good and evil … Continue reading →

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3 Resolutions for Journalists: Salutes to Truth as We Enter 2019

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

Thought-leaders in the journalism community are starting to talk more openly and urgently about the need for practitioners of the craft to recognize their need to stand tall for truth. Since so many people today are journalists or other purveyors … Continue reading →

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“I Don’t Know”–That’s Music to my Ears

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

  A television commentator recently made a remark that has caused me to ponder once again some trends in our culture and in the way we communicate. With tongue in cheek, he predicted that, in the not too distant future, … Continue reading →

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It’s Saint Francis’ Feast Day! Any Implications?

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

These are days for recognizing fragility. How vulnerable we are to destructive temptations–and to others’ accusations that we are sinful. We tend to let our recognition of sinfulness drive us apart, but it actually should draw us together. We share … Continue reading →

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Accordion in “Africa”–Truly the World’s Instrument

Posted on August 11, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

Here’s something you don’t see–or hear–every day! A great performance of the great Toto song, “Africa,” with an accordionist in the band. And not just any accordionist, but the one and only “Weird Al” Yankovic. Enjoy it, courtesy of the … Continue reading →

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Reap with Those Who Reap?

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

I had not heard about the game show, “Paid Off,” until I read a poignant new piece in The Huffington Post. It  It describes a case of replacing news with entertainment–a case I think has relevance to Pope Francis’ 2018 World Day … Continue reading →

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No Civil War, but a “Civility” War?

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

“Civility, whatever that is….” That’s a phrase used in a recent post I found at the Columbia Journalism Review online. The June 27 piece by Matthew Ingram is an important, carefully considered collection of news and commentary where the use of the word … Continue reading →

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“When Headlines Hurt”–A Guide to Buying and Reading My New E-book

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

Update: 6-26-18: I hope you enjoy this book of reflections on the hope for renewal in journalism, drawing upon the recent World Communications Day 2018 message (and prayer) presented by Pope Francis. See my earlier blog post or my LinkedIn … Continue reading →

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Taps for My Dad: A Memorial Day Parade Film

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Bill Schmitt

I had never been in a Memorial Day Parade before–at least not as a participant who was fully engaged in the honors being bestowed, the opportunity to contribute one’s talent, and the importance of such an event for individuals and … Continue reading →

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