Category Archives: Words

Politics, Parades, and All They En-gender

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

The Democratic Party’s “Speaking with American Men” (SAM) project has given Americans plenty to talk about regarding attitudes toward dudes—and even more regarding personhood in the political battlefield. CNN’s Michael Smerconish opened his June 7 program with this summation of … Continue reading →

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Breakthrough Cure for Anxiety: Truth (Use as Directed)

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

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 →

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Two Popes Speak a Common Language on Communications

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Anyone tallying subject areas where Pope Leo XIV is on the same wavelength as his predecessor will find consistent and compelling themes in the Vatican’s 2025 message for the World Day of Social Communications. Pope Francis’ text for the 59th World Communications … Continue reading →

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

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

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 →

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The Fault is Not in our Stars, but in our Supporting Cast

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

If reading the latest batch of books about the 2024 presidential election has already made you feel “burdened by what has been,” plan to pursue a more timeless perspective, from a very different author, on April 23. This is when … Continue reading →

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

Posted on April 5, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

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 →

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New Media Can’t Afford to Think Talk is Cheap

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Newsmakers and their media enablers may or may not have valid ideas to express to the American audience, but the more obvious problem is their occasional failure to express those ideas civilly. One of our crucial democratic norms—authentic, informed public … Continue reading →

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Words That Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive All Year

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

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 →

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Pope’s 2025 Media Plea: Go Gentle into that Good Fight

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Pope Francis says journalists face a tough assignment these days. In this polarized world, it’s never been more important for communicators to remind us of our responsibilities— and to help us carry them out. The media serve socieites which must … Continue reading →

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Did You Hear What I Heard? It’s Streaming in 2025.

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

One way to keep Christmas joy alive throughout the new year is to hold tight to, and continue reflecting upon, bits of the yuletide vocabulary to which our culture grants only a short shelf life. While some spiritual advisors urge … Continue reading →

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