I realize women like my amazing mother and grandmother don’t have to make history to influence others and leave a legacy.

The synod has already begun in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, with about two dozen parishes, plus Catholic Center staff, clergy and religious, having already gone through the process, which entails a listening session immersed in prayer.

How can we approach the new year with the theological virtues of faith, hope and love in mind?

We can never be the kind of missionary disciples our church needs if our lives are not set apart. For us to attract others to Christ, people must notice something different in us – a joy, a goodness and a love for God and others that makes people want to know more about what it means to be a Christian and how they, too, can encounter Christ.

We all want to be saints. That’s our goal as Catholic Christians – to live a holy life worthy of heaven.

Paul McMullen reflects on his years as managing editor of the Catholic Review.

If you love your neighbor, help protect yourself and others. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated.

Even before organizers barred locals from attending events in Tokyo, managing editor Paul McMullen was lamenting the absence of fans from other nations at the Summer Olympics.

Imagine also if we put the same effort that has characterized the pandemic response into achieving world peace, or addressing climate change, or alleviating poverty in general.

Think back to your own first holy Communion – and all the Communions since then. Why would you receive a minimal piece of bread and a sip of wine if not for what it truly is?