Category Archives: Prayer

Catholics Have Work to Do; Tech Schools Can Help

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Bill Schmitt

To celebrate this Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1, we can channel the earthly father of Jesus and imagine his joy that Catholics increasingly see promise in a “tech school” education. Americans have rediscovered the need to “get … Continue reading →

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After Easter, Shedding Lenten Lessons is a Crying Shame

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Bill Schmitt

It was timely to learn about so-called “cry spas” during Lent. That period of sadness and penitence ushered in Easter, when our tears are “turned into dancing,” as we’re told in song. The tricky part starts now, as our lives combine … Continue reading →

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Homeland Security on an Island of Misfit Toys

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Bill Schmitt

This is a preview of a commentary soon to be published in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Please also see the story below, which is an accompanying sidebar essay. Today’s headlines proclaim wars and rumors of wars—not only between countries, … Continue reading →

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Now We’ve Got God Right Where He Wants Us

Posted on February 20, 2024 by Bill Schmitt

This is the sidebar essay accompanying the story above, “Homeland Security on an Island of Misfit Toys.” Both commentaries will also be published in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Please consider subscribing to that publication. Here is more “grist for … Continue reading →

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A Worldly-Wise Carol That Makes Us Wonder

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This commentary was published in the latest edition of “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. The gently pensive Christmas carol, “I Wonder as I Wander,” offers a few “epiphanies,” so to speak, about our secular politics and culture. American folklorist John … Continue reading →

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We Need a Little Advent, Right This Very Minute

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This is a preview of a commentary to be published soon in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Also, check out my podcast interview by the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. This 2018 “Church Life … Continue reading →

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Propaedeutics: The Last Word in First-Class Learning

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This commentary was also published in “Phronesis in Pieces” at billschmitt.substack.com. Universities often promise they will “prepare students to be leaders,” but it’s not clear how much progress either the teachers or the learners are making. How can we cultivate … Continue reading →

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being Entertained

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

This commentary was published in the Magis Center Blog on Nov. 8, 2023. The Magis Center, founded and led by Rev. Robert Spitzer, SJ, seeks “to restore, reconstruct, and revitalize belief in God, the transcendent dignity of every human person, the significance … Continue reading →

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Pilgrimage: A Trek in Nature Brings NY State of Mind to Shrine

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

Published in The Tablet, newspaper of the Diocese of Brooklyn, on Oct. 28. Sisters of Life precede a Eucharistic procession that was part of a four-day pilgrimage to the New York State Eucharistic Congress. (Photo: William Schmitt) ALBANY — Days … Continue reading →

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“A Game-Changer”: New York State Eucharistic Congress

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Bill Schmitt

Published by The Evangelist, newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, on Oct. 28. Thousands of Catholics attend three-day, New York State Eucharistic Congress in Auriesville as Bishop Scharfenberger celebrates concluding Mass. Photo by Bill Schmitt Over 11,000 Catholics converged on … Continue reading →

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