One of the things I enjoy about being a journalist and working in the press is the knowledge that there is a saint for the work we do: Saint Francis de Sales, whose feast day was Jan. 24.
In his World Day of Communications message released the same day, Pope Francis said, “We have a pressing need in the Church for communication that kindles hearts … a form of communication founded on humility in listening and parrhesia [boldness] in speaking, which never separates truth from charity.”
With that in mind, you will see some changes in the Catholic Star Herald over the coming year, starting with the addition of OSV News. We announced last summer the closure of Catholic News Service, which was founded in 1920 and owned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. As of Jan. 1, only the CNS Rome bureau remains. As Our Sunday Visitor was among CNS’ subscribers, the Catholic publisher created OSV News to fill the void of national and international news that affects the Catholic Church. Our Sunday Visitor was founded in 1912 by Archbishop John Francis Noll.
We are looking forward to the content OSV creates, which seems, so far, to continue CNS’ legacy of important news and include even more articles concerning leisure activities and other light-hearted subjects. So be on the lookout for more arts and media coverage, suggested reading material and movies/shows suitable for you and your families.
When it comes to online, if you haven’t checked out CatholicStarHerald.org lately, we now have a healthy portfolio of photo galleries from diocesan events, Catholic school news and sports, parish milestones and ministries, and more. The photos are available for purchase – visit CatholicStarHerald.org/photos. Also look for the icon in the pages of the newspaper to see which stories have galleries.
These three elements are less about change and more about opportunity, for both us as communicators and you as our readers. “True peace can only be built in mutual trust,” which needs “bold and creative” communicators, Pope Francis said in his message.
Please trust that all of us at the Catholic Star Herald continue to be dedicated to the mission of evangelization. We are confident that the addition of OSV News, more features, and thousands of photos will help us to grow in new and exciting ways.
Recently, I co-hosted an episode of the Talking Catholic podcast in which Father Jon Thomas, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Haddonfield, discussed Ordinary Time. Father Thomas was amazingly uplifting in addressing how Jesus’ Baptism – commemorated at the beginning of Ordinary Time – marks a fresh start for the world.
If we trust in the Lord and ask for his blessings, this new year can be an opportunity for new goals and fresh starts for us, too.
Readers, I continue to be grateful for the support you show the Catholic Star Herald through subscriptions, advertising, letters, emails, telephone calls and more. Never hesitate to contact me with feedback of what you want from your diocesan newspaper, or let me know what you think of our changes. Please trust in me – and every member of our staff – to always do our best to bring you the Good News.
Jennifer Mauro is the managing editor of the Catholic Star Herald. She can be reached at Jennifer.Mauro@camdendiocese.org.
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