Serving on the altar has formed my experience as a woman in the church.

The synod on synodality has prompted a battle over grand visions for the church. Meanwhile, Catholic parishes are failing to meet the day-to-day spiritual needs of people in the pews.

On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle recap three major moments from the pope’s visit, before giving a preview of three important Vatican events coming up in the next week.

A Reflection for Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time, by Samantha Richardson

A Reflection for the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest, by Cecilia González-Andrieu

“The reality of sexual abuse in our church goes to the heart of the synod’s agenda,” a statement by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said.

To reach Catholics in the pews—and to influence public policy on immigration—church leaders should make it clear that they are not advocating for “open borders.”

A Reflection for the Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time, by Ashley McKinless

A Reflection for Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time, by Colleen Dulle

Advocacy groups, including the U.S. bishops conference, have cautioned against allowing a government shutdown before the deadline on Sept. 30, urging lawmakers to come to an agreement and keep the government open.