Heidi Schlumpf

NCR Connections: Activist Kathy Kelly has been to Afghanistan nearly 30 times. She spoke with me about the U.S. withdrawal from the country, her perception of what's happening on the ground, and what responsibilities Catholics have now.

NCR Connections: I asked about readers' favorites, and nearly 50 of you shared Catholic reading recommendations. Curiously, I did not define what constitutes a Catholic novel, nor did any of you.

NCR Connections: If a journalist abides by a code of professional ethics — and that's a big "if" these days — there are things to consider before interesting, even titillating or explosive, information ends up on Page 1.

NCR Connections: We know 168 U.S. bishops voted in favor, 55 against and six abstained on the proposal to draft a document on the Eucharist. But who voted which way? My answer probably isn't the one you're looking for.

M. Shawn Copeland put out an "altar call" for action on issues of inclusion and racial justice on the part of fellow theologians at the Catholic Theological Society of America's virtual conference, June 10-13.

Susan Wood of Regis College has won the John Courtney Murray Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America — one of three female theologians honored during the society's virtual convention.

NCR Connections: The Catholic Media Association has named National Catholic Reporter the best national newspaper. NCR, EarthBeat and Global Sisters Report together took home 32 awards, including 10 first place ones.

NCR Connections: As the Great Basement Cleanout of 2020-21 was thinning out Andrew Greeley's bodice-ripping books and Father Dowling mysteries from the bookshelves, I found a new favorite Catholic novel at the library.

NCR Connections: As part of NCR's intentional, concerted effort to increase its coverage of and engagement with Latinx voices in the church, we are launching the Latino Catholics Project.

NCR Connections: Over the months, what started as a fluke has grown to be a community of Catholics who wish bishops did things like ask their opinions or apologize when they make a mistake — like they do @usccbp.

Listen: In this episode, hosts Heidi, Father Daniel and David discuss the first hundred days of the Biden presidency — and the reactions from some Catholic quarters. They also look at factors influencing some Catholics to leave the church.

NCR Connections: During a deadly pandemic, public health must be prioritized. The health of the population as a whole is akin to the idea of the common good, something Catholics should be familiar with.

Listen: In this episode, hosts Father Daniel and David talk about anti-transgender bills introduced in state legislatures and the way the free exercise clause is being interpreted. Also, it's the 51st Earth Day celebration April 22.

NCR Connections: As I talk to friends, family and colleagues about what parish life will look like after coronavirus, a consensus is emerging that "they're not coming back" — or at least not in the numbers before the pandemic.

Listen: In this episode, hosts Heidi, Father Daniel and David talk about the new Georgia voting laws and the Derek Chauvin trial. Then, they imagine the Catholic Church of the post-pandemic era.

NCR Connections: Perhaps you heard about the Baptist preacher in Missouri who used his Sunday sermon to remind wives of the need to lose weight and "not let themselves go."

Listen: In this episode, hosts Heidi, Father Daniel and David discuss the recent document on LGBTQ blessings from the Vatican, domestic terrorism in Atlanta, and the governor of New York.

"I like writing about goodness," Mark Shriver said in an NCR interview, where he talked about his new book celebrating "tiny acts of love," as well as about his thoughts on President Biden and Pope Francis.

NCR Connections: We can't help but look back and acknowledge so much grieving, so much suffering, so much loss.

Listen: This episode focuses on the strange path to COVID-19 relief, the conflicting messages of the bishops regarding vaccines and the recent papal visit to Iraq.