listen

World Day of the Sick was established to give attention to the ill and their caregivers; Catholic Press Month celebrates the role of Catholic publications to inform, educate and evangelize the people of God.

As many Catholics try to understand what Pope Francis might mean by a “synodal church,” he highlighted some of the essential characteristics — especially humility and trust — in homilies and speeches over Christmas and early in the new year.

A synod calls on everyone to become experts in “the art of encounter” in a way that is uplifting and transformative, Pope Francis said, formally opening the process leading up to the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2023.

While a Synod of Bishops is not a parliament and its preparatory process is not “an opinion poll,” Pope Francis insisted that involving as many people as possible in the process and prayerfully listening to all of them is the only way to recognize the call of the Holy Spirit.

U.S. bishops urged to pay attention and support teens and young adults in parishes and church programs.

The Pope Francis asked for an examination of conscience to ask are we listening to the poor in a message for the World Day of the Poor — to be marked each year on the 33rd Sunday of ordinary time — will be celebrated Nov. 18 this year and will focus on a verse from Psalm 34, “This poor one cried out and the Lord heard.”

Today, we have so many options available to help us communicate even better with our family, friends, those right next door and around the world. Unfortunately, we seem to be struggling with our ability to communicate with others, with ourselves and with God.