We're not a Church of preservation but rather a Church of proclamation. To achieve this end, we must be open to significant, if not revolutionary, changes in how the Archdiocese with its parishes and ministries is organized, how it's resourced, how it's staffed.

'Dialogue' is not a dirty word; it's our word.

We want to let people know that we can build solidarity with suffering folks so that they are not excluded, they are integrated.

Once we begin to make our churches safety zones in a military-style approach, we're going to lose something of the character of our places of worship.

We don't need military weapons in our society. We're not supposed to be at war with one another.

I want to be a partner with business, labor, civic leaders, foundations, other churches so that we can work together... If I can talk to all of these people and have something in common, maybe I can get them to see that they also have something in common with each other when we come together.

People are looking for a way in which their spiritual life can be deepened. They are finding it in some of our Catholic parishes and sometimes not in others, and that opens the door for them to go elsewhere.

For me, the real goal is how do we make vibrant and vital faith communities that are sustainable for the long run.

I take time to be with people, and I learn a lot.

I don't want the abnormal or something special. I want to have a normal life.

Realities are greater than ideas. Because sometimes ideas can separate us unnecessarily. So let's attend to the realities that we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. That's what I want to do.

The Eucharist is an opportunity of grace and conversion. It's also a time of forgiveness of sins, so my hope would be that grace would be instrumental in bringing people to the truth.

We don't need more divisive language or programs and policies that are going to tear the fabric of the nation apart.

I am never bored in my ministry because I continually see the impact of God in people's lives.

I think that education is a pathway out of poverty for many people. It was for our family.

Listen, talk, be respectful of people - and make sure that you have openness to where people are coming from. And you don't do anything that is unnecessarily antagonistic, that is only going to make you feel good because you've done it.

There is a temptation to have shortcuts and not put in the time and the effort. I think you have to be willing to talk to people and sit sometimes around a table and listen to other people.

Chicago is highly segregated, a fact that both causes and compounds the problems we face in bringing an end to violence.

We have to become involved in the political process - if we don't like it, we can change it.

We are a democracy, and we get the leaders we deserve because we elect them.

It's important for people to give every leader the chance to step forward and look for ways to have dialogue.

We realize there is no political party or politician who fully takes into consideration the issues the church is about. This is nothing new to us.

Radical individualism can be very sad.

I commend the parents who are sending their children to a Catholic school, because they're making a sacrifice, and they're paying twice for their child's education: They're paying the tuition, and they're paying taxes.