Posted inFaith and Reason

No one fully understands the role of deacons in the church—and maybe that’s a good thing

by Douglas J. Cremer November 3, 2026

Men lie prostrate during their ordination to the diaconate at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Nashville, Tenn., April 1, 2023. Credit: OSV News photo/Katie Peterson, Tennessee Register

In a wide-ranging interview with Elise Ann Allen of Crux last year, Pope Leo XIV addressed the debate over women’s ordination to the diaconate. He said he did not plan to change the church’s teaching, but that a more fundamental question must first be asked: “Why would we talk about ordaining women to the diaconate if the diaconate itself is not yet properly understood and properly developed and promoted within the church?” 

Supreme Court hears challenge to Catholic preschools' exclusion from Colorado-funded program

 

News

Supreme Court hears challenge to Catholic preschools' exclusion from Colorado-funded program

Lindsay Whitehurst, Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press  ncr

The Democratic wave turned into a tsunami

 

Opinion

The Democratic wave turned into a tsunami

Michael Sean Winters  ncr

A Spirituality of Ripening

 

 

 

Ripening: Aging with Grace

A Spirituality of Ripening 

Monday, November 2, 2026

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All Soul's Day

Father Richard describes how a spirituality of ripening allows us to hold greater paradox through an increasing awareness of our union with God:  

Young women pray while listening to Catholic musician Matt Maher perform ahead of the beatification Mass for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Sept. 24, 2026, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis. Blessed Fulton J. Sheen is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. Credit: (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)

Posted inNews

Pew: Religion ‘stable’ in US, with ‘mixed signals’ from young adults

by Gina Christian - OSV News November 2, 2026

(OSV News) — Data points to “signs of strength and stability” in religious behavior in the U.S. — but there are “mixed signals” among young adults, and demographers advise taking a “long view” of any shifts, according to Pew Research Center.

On Oct. 28, Pew and the Knight Foundation released an analysis of several surveys to provide an updated look at the latest trends in religion among U.S. residents, with an additional focus on young adults.

Clergy, nuns, and other religious leaders are serving as poll chaplains to ensure free and fair midterm elections.

Prayer and Participation

Clergy, nuns, and other religious leaders are serving as poll chaplains to ensure free and fair midterm elections.

Heidi Schlumpf

November 2, 2026

Please email comments to letters@commonwealmagazine.org.

A person drops off an election ballot at a drive-through ballot drop box during the California primary election in San Diego (OSV News photo/Mike Blake, Reuters).

Sr. Erin McDonald’s first assignment as a poll chaplain was in Dearborn, Michigan, during the 2020 presidential election. She and a Jesuit volunteer sat at a table with welcome signs in English and Arabic outside a polling station in the heavily Arab American and Muslim community. At one point in the afternoon, a pickup truck with MAGA and Confederate flags circled the block several times. McDonald and her partner stood between the road and those in line to vote, putting their bodies between the passing vehicle and the voter line to encourage and support those who might have felt intimidated. The car quickly moved on. McDonald describes her actions as part of a poll chaplain’s duty to de-escalate and be a reassuring, calming presence during an election fraught with tension. 

Supreme Court takes up religious liberty, LGBTQ rights in Catholic preschool case

 

Supreme Court takes up religious liberty, LGBTQ rights in Catholic preschool case

News

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  Brian Fraga

Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus

James Martin: The saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.

by James Martin, S.J. October 13, 201

In the 10 years since My Life With the Saints was first published, I hope that I have gained a bit more wisdom on the Christian life. This has come as the result of some hard knocks, some retreats, some conversations with insightful friends, some experiences in prayer and some counsel from spiritual directors, mentors and even psychologists. For me, this wisdom comes mainly in the form of insights. I see an aspect of the Christian life more clearly than I had before. Then I try my best to put those insights into practice. I am by no means a saint—you can ask my friends if you doubt that!—but I am trying.