“Fratelli Tutti” and the Culture of Encounter: A Conversation with Marcus Mescher

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Marcus Mescher for an informative, engaging discussion of Fratelli Tutti and its messages of compassion, mercy, and solidarity on October 6. Marcus helped us unpack various aspects of the document, from its historical and social context, to its use of the parable of the Good Samaritan as an interpretative key, […]

A Synodal Church in a Plural World: A Conversation with Mark Guevarra

Our sincere thanks to Mark Guevarra for joining us on January 12, 2022, to discuss the origins, processes, and possibilities of the 2023 synod on synodality. Mark's presentation explored the history of synodality, Pope Francis's vision for a synodal church, and some of the internal work we can all do in preparation for participation in […]

Hope in the Wilderness: A Conversation with Dr. Jessica Coblentz

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Jessica Coblentz for an insightful and engaging presentation on her new book, Dust in the Blood: A Theology of Life with Depression on March 30, 2022. Dr. Coblentz spoke of how we should conceive of and understand depression, ways of accompanying depression sufferers individually and as a church community, and […]

The Way of Saint Phoebe: A Conversation with Ellie Hidalgo of Discerning Deacons

Our sincere thanks to Ellie Hidalgo, co-director of Discerning Deacons, for an informative and wide-ranging discussion on the history and mission of the organization and its active discernment about women in the diaconate. We looked at the role of deacons within parish communities, how women could uniquely contribute to the pastoral, practical, and spiritual aspects […]

Sheltered in the Letter: A Conversation with Mahri Leonard-Fleckman and Amy Ekeh

“Do not venture to understand the teaching of the mysteries and dogmas of Holy Scripture by means of simple reading, without first praying and seeking God’s help, saying: ‘O Lord, grant me the ability to understand the spiritual power contained herein.’ Always keep in mind that prayer before reading is the key to the true […]

God’s Quad: A Panel Discussion on Small Christian Communities on Campus and Beyond

We need to make a preferential option for the young. – Synod report of the Antilles Episcopal Conference Only one way to be a disciple—grow young again. – Jean Sulivan, Morning Light Our sincere thanks to panelists Kevin Ahern, Paulina Halley, and Fr. Joe Healey, and to all of our attendees and participants, for a […]

“Come and See”: Reimagining Evangelization with Michael J. Sanem

The church doesn’t have a mission; the mission has a church. – Bishop Raúl Biord Castillo He said to them, “Come and see.” – John 1:39 Our sincere thanks to Michael J. Sanem for joining us for an excellent discussion on his latest book, Becoming the Good News: A New Approach to Parish Evangelization (Liturgical […]

To Be the Face of the Church: A Panel Discussion on Charles de Foucauld

To be the Church is to render visible the tenderness of God for all. . . . We are called by God to be the “face” of the Church for all those with whom we come into contact. – Brother Charles de Foucauld Lay Fraternity: The Little Guide (Sect. 5.13, "The Fraternity – A Cell […]

The Vision of the Neighborhood Church: A Conversation with Virginia Saldanha

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.      – Romans 15:2 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.      – Ephesians 4:25 You shall love your neighbor as yourself.     – […]

Reflecting the Word: A Conversation with Robert Choiniere

Igreja, Povo que se Liberta (“The Church, a People Going Free”) – Motto of Third Inter-Church Gathering of Base Communities, João Pessoa, Brazil, July 1978 Our special thanks to Robert Choiniere, D.Min, the founder of Ignatian Encounter Ministry, for joining us from Rome on March 14, 2024. Robert shared his background in pastoral planning and […]