Simply Spirit

Christine Schenk's column is a regular feature of National Catholic Reporter.

When Fran saw us, she saw only God

Sep 18, 2019

Recently my spiritual director of 30 years passed away. She was one of many hundreds, perhaps thousands of female spiritual directors who are exercising essential — if largely invisible — leadership in our church.

Community gives us eyes to see sacred

by Christine Schenk

Aug 17, 2019

Simply Spirit: I owe my learning to the women and men with whom I have walked and am walking. Their solidarity helps me to first accept and then join together to alleviate the wounds of our world.

Relationship is key in Magdalene film

by Christine Schenk

Jul 17, 2019

"Mary Magdalene" is a perfect way to celebrate the "Apostle to the Apostles" on or around her July 22 feast day. It is both cinematically beautiful and well-grounded in contemporary scholarship about the religious and political context in which Jesus and Mary sought God and God's reign.

Despair is not an option

by Christine Schenk

Jun 15, 2019

It is difficult to ignore ever-mounting evidence that the clerical system governing the Catholic church is in a significant state of decay. Yet, I can't help believing that the Holy Spirit — who loves creating something new out of chaos — is summoning us to build a new church governance.

Columns ›

When Fran saw us, she saw only God

Community gives us eyes to see sacred

Relationship is key in Magdalene film

Despair is not an option

Patriarchy delays female diaconate

Church's foremothers proclaim Jesus from beyond the grave

Women's authority in the church

We must reform the clerical system

Sisters helped to pioneer 'pink wave'

Witnesses to God's love

The vindication of Leonardo Boff

Mary of Magdala's connection to Jesus

Leadership, women and the early church

Sisters not an 'endangered species'

Catholic schools, March for Our Lives

Dismantling Catholic misogyny

Heart-sharing illumines God's great love

For I was a stranger and you welcomed me

Are any Catholic prophets raising their voices?

Will we build the common good or destroy the bonds that unite us?

'Circling the City with Love' campaign aims to bridge cultural divides

Magdala celebrations heal misogyny, but will our daughters care?

My family and the Sacred Heart

It is time to free Mary and let God have her own maternal face

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