Commonweal Conversation Starter Series 2025-2026
Discussion resources for starting
a conversation in your community.
The Commonweal Conversation Starter Series (CSS) is an annual discussion guide resource ideal for fostering thoughtful dialogue in your parish, classroom, or book club. Adaptable for both virtual and in-person conversation, the CSS is available for download in a PDF format so that you can share this resource right away.
Curated and written by Commonweal's editors and writers, each of the eight topics in this annual series includes:
- An introduction to a topic's history and current relevance
- Reading materials to deepen familiarity with the topic
- Discussion questions to help you unpack the readings
- Suggestions for further reading if the group—or an individual—is inclined
Now available:
The 2025-2026 CSS
Topics include:
1. Technology & the Attention Economy
2. Natalism & the Family
3. Grief & Mourning
4. The Threat of Nuclear War
5. Pope Francis’s Legacy
6. Just War & Pacifism
7. Liberal Catholicism Revisited
8. Resistance & Historical Memory
Each series includes comprehensive discussion materials for eight topics selected and curated by Commonweal's editors and writers. Only one PDF purchase is needed per group. Look inside a sample topic to see what you're buying.
Both Individual topics and complete series are available for purchase.
Important issues. Inspiring voices.
Thought-provoking resources.
What is the Conversation Starter Series?
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