Category Archives: Prayer

Headlines Need Hearts: Sing a ‘News’ Song unto the Lord

It sounds illiberal to suggest mentioning prayer in secular news coverage.  After all, obituary writers frequently avoid discussing a deceased luminary’s faith practices, even his or her religion. When networks provided live coverage of the Sept. 21 memorial service for … Continue reading

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

Thoughts and Prayers—Paths to Turning Points

More than two million subscribers are standing by for an online video, expected next year, in which veteran airline pilot Petter Hörnfeldt will explain what might be the most perplexing aviation disaster of 2025. Many trust he will diligently examine, … Continue reading

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

Men of Diocese ‘Step Up’ for Spiritual Combat

(This news article was published Aug. 13, 2025, in The Evangelist, the diocesan newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, NY. Read the newspaper here.) By William Schmitt, Special to The Evangelist  Nearly 270 men, spanning age groups and hometowns, assembled … Continue reading

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

As Humans and AI Communicate, the Watchword is Relationship

I’ve stumbled onto a story at the intersection of grammar, spirituality, artificial intelligence, and mysteries both timely and timeless. A news bulletin from the multiverse? No, this is simply a collection of insights, some of them mine. As a religion … Continue reading

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

Idea for Pope Leo: A Holy Year for a Moment of Truth

Imaginary and hypothetical, written seriously and wistfully: MEMORANDUM To: His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV From: Bill Schmitt | “Phronesis in Pieces” Re: Proposal for a new Holy Year Date: June 30, 2025 This memo proposes that you declare 2026 a … Continue reading

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

Breakthrough Cure for Anxiety: Truth (Use as Directed)

The scourge of anxiety burdening millions of people is a reality we’re tempted to deny, but its many causes and impacts require attention. National Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, has challenged us to push back against today’s epidemic … Continue reading

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

Mr. Trump, Launch Synodality? Holy Father, Launch DOGE?

President Trump has at least one thing in common with the new pope who soon will lead the world’s Catholics. Particular managerial challenges have been building up for years—in America and in the Church—and now confront both men with a … Continue reading

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

During Lent, One Word Tells Us What Not to Give Up

When our observance of Lent prompts us to drop bad habits or start good ones, those behavioral effects ideally go beyond rote and become “habits of the heart.” Giving up candies for a while helps us to appreciate treats all … Continue reading

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

Words That Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive All Year

by Bill Schmitt Published Feb. 10, 2025, in the blog of the Magis Center, Garden Grove, CA. One way to keep Christmas joy alive into 2025 is to hold tight to and continue reflecting upon bits of the yuletide vocabulary that our … Continue reading

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

A Personal Look at ‘Millennial’ Saint-to-be Carlo Acutis

By William Schmitt, Special to The Evangelist Published Feb. 6, 2025 Fr. Anthony Sorgie, Fr. Robert Hohenstein, Fr. Tom Morrette (pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish), with relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis A parish event in Troy is set to … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Prayer, Writing | Leave a comment