“It is a risk, yes: having a child is always a risk, either naturally or by adoption,” Pope Francis said. ”But it is riskier not to have them.”

My dad was and is an alcoholic. Al-Anon gives me a framework for naming my situation, taking responsibility for my actions and making changes so that I can live a (more) emotionally sober life.

In his letter to families, like in “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis paid tribute to the strength and tenacity of couples as they face real difficulties together on the journey of life.

Thanks to more than 20 years of pondering the teachings, healings and sacrifices of that baby born in Bethlehem, my hopes for this child are that he will be loved abundantly and love generously in return.

What does the church really teach about this widely misunderstood process, and how does it play out in the lives of ordinary Catholics?

How did all of the efforts that had borne buckets a year ago result in so many losses in our final year?