Morning Briefing

Synod of Bishops on the family -- Church needs to hear from wounded faithful at family synod

International Theological Commission appointee Sr. Prudence Allen talks about NETWORK sisters and male-female complementarity

Middletown Press Editorial: Archdiocese of Hartford at odds with Pope Francis’ words on money, sex abuse

Vatican City -- Emeritus Pope Benedict joins Pope Francis at Vatican event focusing on the elderly

How education can make a difference in the life of a 12-year-old girl: Making a difference -- one girl at a time by Deirdre Mullan at Global Sisters Report, devoted to covering the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious. It offers news, commentary and reflections on spirituality and theology.

Commentary: Lack of priests continues to close parishes, yet there is still no discussion by Dennis Coday

Sussex, England -- 'Unfaithful' bishop of Arundel and Brighton resigns. The Rt Rev Kieran Conry didn't specify how he had been "unfaithful" to his promises as a Catholic priest, but he did say his actions "were not illegal and did not involve minors." Where have we heard that same phrase recently?

But there is more: The husband of a woman thought to have had an affair with Bishop Conry is threatening to sue the church.

The Tablet of London offers some perspective: Kieran Conry fell from grace, tripped up by tradition. Conry told the Daily Mail later he was “relieved” that his affair six years ago was now out in the open. “I don’t think people would say I have been a bad bishop. But I can’t defend myself. I did wrong. Full stop.”

Hong Kong -- At least 34 injured as police and protesters clash in Hong Kong. Cardinal Joseph Zen, the former Catholic bishop of Hong Kong, is a leader of Occupy Central. Current Hong Kong archbishop Cardinal John Tong Hon issues his own statement: Enough violence in Central, government must put the people first

Detroit -- Nuns confront outcry over gay teacher's firing

St. Paul-Minneapolis -- Catholic music director will not sue Nienstedt

Looking for a little inspiration to begin your day? NCR's sister publication, Celebration, gives you two options, both based on the Scripture readings of the day:

Pencil Preaching is a blog in which Celebration editor Pat Marrin combines Scripture and sketching to reflect on the Word.

Daily Bread is a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings. Daily Bread is intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned Scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. It's a great way to begin the day.