Everybody's talking about Pope Francis!

The interview of Pope Francis conducted over three days by his fellow Jesuit Antonio Spadaro did more than spark a few headlines: it got the whole world talking about what the Pope had said (or not said, as the case may be). There's always a risk involved in going off-script, but Francis clearly believes that it is worth it--and he seems to hope that the world's one-billion-plus Catholics will be able to carry their part of the conversation forward.

Many people seemed to get the Pope exactly wrong. Some fervent Catholics are troubled (perhaps they believe the headlines?), wondering if Francis is selling out on key applications of Catholic doctrine, or making political statements ("I'm not a right-winger" means one thing in the US context; something very different for a person who lived through Argentina's "dirty wars").

America (Jesuit weekly) has a number of thoughtful posts on what has got to be the journalistic coup of the magazine's more than a century-long history.

And one scholar suggests that the discomfort being expressed by many anxious Catholics is an invitation to transform the uncertainty into reflection. The article offers some helpful distinctions about the difference between, say, an interview and an encyclical, as well other insights that shed extra light on the Pope's words.

Here are some additional posts on an interview that deserves to be read carefully, reflected over, and prayed with.

Archbishop Chaput responds to many people's questions, concerns, fears.

An initial post from Patheos editor, Elizabeth Scalia,
Followed by this brief "spiritual antivenin" by the same author
and then a bit of context for those who worry that the Pope might be soft on abortion
and a poignant reflection on the would-be patients in the "field hospital" that is Francis' vision of the Catholic Church
(All of the above from the prolific and profound Scalia.)

Keeping Up with Francis (by Daughter of St. Paul nunblogger, Sister Anne)
First thoughts about the Francis Interview (by Father John Zuhlsdorf)
Pope Francis' Comments about Homosexuality in the Big Interview (by Father John Zuhlsdorf)

Catholics and Marriage: the principles behind the headlines

If all you know about Church teachings on marriage and related issues can be summed up in the short (and often inaccurate) phrases typically found in the headlines, it would be understandable that you might find Church teachings mystifying and maybe out of date. If that's you (or someone you know), you'll be amazed by what those teachings really are, and how they fit into a totally Catholic worldview.

It took Pope John Paul five years, but you can cover his entire Theology of the Body in just three days: May 4, 11 and 18.

Under the guidance of Franciscan Father Robert Sprott, we will devote two hours to each of the four "units" of Pope John Paul's series of talks on the human person in God's plan:

      May 4: Session ONE From the Beginning with Adam and Eve; the Sermon on the Mount
      May 11: Session TWO The Resurrection of the Body; Celibacy "for the Kingdom"; Marriage as the "first" sacrament
      May 18: Session THREE The language of the body; conjugal spirituality; the problem of contraception

Each session meets for two hours in the morning (10-12 Central Time) and two hours in the afternoon (1:30-3:30 Central Time).

If you are in the Chicago area, join us downtown. You can sign up for one day or register for the full program at the discounted rate (student rates, too!).

Outside of the Windy City, log in for the live video stream. Registration opens six weeks before the event dates; each two-hour session requires a separate registration. Your registration gives you access to the archived video even after the event is complete, so if the scheduled dates don't work for you, you can still benefit from the program.

Theology of the Body will fill you in on the background of the most controversial and misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church. You'll be amazed by the beauty, the integrity and the hope this vision of what it means to be "made in the image of God, male and female" really means. Don't keep it to yourself!


The sessions will be based on Pope John Paul's talks, collected in the book "Man and Woman He Created Them." Copies will be available at the bookstore as well as online.

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2013 Bible Study: Psalms!

That's right: eleven weeks, beginning Feb. 9, at our usual time (10:30-12:00). Pre-order the optional workbook ($22.95) for pickup at the first class.

Christmas Music in the Air!

The speakers are wafting Christmas music across the Michigan Avenue sidewalk, prompting passers-by to take a second look at the show window and its large Nativity scene. Some families stop and pray, while the parents point out "Mary, and Joseph, and the child in the manger." This year, we can also boast that all five of our Sisters' choir Christmas albums are now available for download on iTunes, to make it even easier for you to share the inspiring sounds of the season.

New Seasonal FB images for download

Visit our publishing house site to download free Facebook “cover” pictures (to use at the top of your Facebook page) and “message squares” to share inspiration with your friends. These images are designed to fit around your profile picture (which gets inset on the lower left corner) without losing any essential part of the picture or text.

Sample "Message Square" for Week 2 of Advent

Time to Register for Advent Women's Retreat

Join Pat Gohn--Wife, mom, author, columnist, catechist and host of the Among Women podcast--for a day of refreshment for the womanly soul. Includes prayer, presentations, small and large group discussions, lunch and, yes, chocolate! Get geared up for the busiest and best season of the year by preparing your heart and taking time for yourself.

Theme: "Blessed Among Women: Women of the Bible, Women Saints and Mystics" 
Dec. 1, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
St Peter's in the Loop 
(Saturday noon Mass, confessions, evening Mass all available in the Church)

Pre-registration required to reserve your place! 
$35 includes coffee/donuts and lunch (subs) 

Call 312.346.4228

Pat Gohn, Director
Host of "Among Women" Podcast

Pre-order Gohn's soon-to-be-released
"Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious:
Celebrating the Gift of Catholic
Womanhood"