Category Archives: Words

High Stakes for Global Communication, Solidarity, Sustainability

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

It’s been said that the COVID-19 crisis is “accelerating history.” It seems more decisions have to be made–by individuals, communities, societies, and the entire world–more quickly and with less certainty,  less consultation, and less complete information. Even though it’s hard … Continue reading →

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When Distancing Ends, Questioners Engage

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

Social distancing has created a pivotal time of solidarity mixed with hardship. Enduring to its end may prove to be a cultural and spiritual breeze compared to our next transition from silent quarantines to momentous questions surrounding COVID-19’s legacy. We’ve … Continue reading →

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Social Distancing: Viral Strain or a Step Toward Healing?

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

As someone who’s avidly and anxiously watching the growth of social polarization in America, I squirmed upon hearing that one of the prescriptions for our latest national challenge—managing the COVID-19 pandemic—is a strategy called “social distancing.” Oh, great. What is … Continue reading →

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Pope’s 2020 Message on Communications: Tell Good Stories

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

From Jan. 28, 2020 podcast–Bill Schmitt discusses Pope Francis’ call for communication Pope Francis’ message for the 2020 World Communications Day urges Catholics to be good storytellers–that is, people who know a good story when they hear it and faithful … Continue reading →

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“The Irishman”–A Film Epic of Spiritual Warfare, with a Warning

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

This review of “The Irishman” from a Catholic perspective was first published in the blog of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life on Feb. 5, 2020.    Boomer film buffs might see Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman as a kind … Continue reading →

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This Just In: 2020 World Communications Day Message

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Bill Schmitt

Hello dear readers and fans of the Kyle Heimann Show on Redeemer Radio in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, I was privileged to help “break the news” with Kyle this morning about the Vatican’s Jan. 24 release of the … Continue reading →

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Small Talk: On the Way from Distraction to Action

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

The post below is my Nov. 1, 2019, contribution to the Magis Center blog. Rev. Robert Spitzer, SJ, PhD, is president of the Magis Center, whose missions include the revitalization of belief in God and pursuit of the highest levels … Continue reading →

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“Meeting of Minds” > #TweetingofMinds

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

Despite the disturbing trend toward increased social polarization and weakened civic communication in society, we can still find champions for meaningful, respectful, inclusive conversation in American media–and certainly in values-informed communities around the country. We need to celebrate these champions, … Continue reading →

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Renewing Democracy and News Takes More than “60 Minutes”

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

There’s still time to indulge the patriotism one feels during the July 4 weekend—especially if you also care about news content in today’s media world and productive conversation in our polarized public square. Just take several minutes to watch Brian … Continue reading →

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White House Correspondents Dinner Gets a Taste of Hope

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Bill Schmitt

Pope Francis would have been interested in the keynote speech at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner, which took place at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 27. This year’s event was lacking two elements of previous traditions—remarks by the … Continue reading →

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