Editor’s Note: The very first issue of the Catholic Star Herald published May 11, 1951. Among the articles to appear on the front page of that inaugural issue: a message from the newspaper’s first managing editor, Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre.
I address myself to you that you may become acquainted with the newly established Camden Diocesan Catholic newspaper, which is published for the first time on May 11, 1951. This newspaper, to be known as The Catholic Star Herald, will be published weekly and will be mailed directly to your home where we hope sincerely it will invariably find its way into the hands of devoted readers who await its arrival with pleasurable anticipation.
The Catholic Star Herald is the culmination of years spent in serious consideration concerning the possibilities of the successful inauguration of a newspaper primarily designed to serve the interests of the Diocese of Camden and the people, Catholic and non-Catholic, who reside within the boundaries of the Diocese. By extension its sphere of usefulness ultimately might envelop greater area in service.
The Diocesan newspaper is now a reality and under God we pray that it will continue as long as the Diocese of Camden exists.
The establishment of The Catholic Star Herald as the official organ of the Diocese of Camden has been formally approved by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bartholomew J. Eustace, Bishop of the Diocese, who sees in this weekly newspaper the answer to a long-felt need frequently expressed by the clergy and the laity of the Diocese.
The paper in the first year of its noble history will have a paid circulation exceeding 17,000 weekly copies. This excellent achievement mirrors but faintly the splendid spirit of cooperation and understanding manifested so generously by the Priests of the Parishes and their various Committees in the Subscription Campaign. We teel that this accomplishment is indicative of the growth which the Diocesan newspaper will experience in its universal acceptance by priests and people.
We welcome you as a faithful reader of The Catholic Star Herald. Words of appreciation for your continued loyal support of the paper convey only feebly the sentiments which are in our hearts toward the Pastors and Assistants as well as the large number of individuals who made the present circulation possible and who shared in the preparation of the first Special Edition of the newspaper.
May I suggest in closing my letter to you that, if you have not yet subscribed to the paper, you should do so today. You will find a coupon on Page 7 of this edition which you can fill out and forward directly to the Diocesan office of The Catholic Star Herald – your weekly copy of the paper will be on its way to you as soon as it can be processed. A subscription to the paper will be a fine gift to relatives and friends – why not include them?
I ask that you will not fail to assist your Pastor in the matter of the subscription fee for the paper by your regular and faithful observance of the method selected by him.
Sincerely yours,
Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre
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