This article from Aug. 25, 1995, announces Carl Peters as managing editor of the newspaper. Peters was a staff writer for six years before becoming editor. (Dave Hernandez)
Bishops, colleagues reflect on working with Carl Peters:
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop of Camden: In many dioceses across our country, diocesan newspapers have been eliminated due to declining revenue or interest. However, in my time in the Diocese of Camden, I am pleased to report that has NEVER been a consideration. The value of the Catholic Star Herald to the faithful in South Jersey is simply too great. Carl Peters, for more than three decades, has provided much of that value. Under his watch, the newspaper has successfully weathered these very turbulent times, and he deserves a great deal of credit for steering it so wisely.
Of course, he is not simply a trusted editor but also a great writer. One of the true joys of perusing the Catholic Star Herald is reading the occasional columns of Carl Peters. His unique look at Christianity through the prisms of popular (and occasionally, esoteric) culture shows a deep understanding of spirituality as it intersects with humanity at very small but powerful angles. I am very pleased that as he is stepping down as the newspaper’s editor, he has agreed to continue to write his columns for many years to come. Thank you, Carl, for your outstanding service to the Church in South Jersey.
Most Reverend James Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen: I remember when I was a young priest and serving as director of communications, Carl Peters was always a friendly, helpful coworker in the Camden vineyard. The work of diocesan communications and that of Catholic media often go hand-in-hand, both working together in service of the evangelizing mission of the Church and helping draw people closer to Christ. Seeing the layout of the paper each week was always an enjoyable and inspiring time of the week, watching as our human efforts were united to God’s own to bring his story to every human being in every age. I have no doubt that Carl’s many years of faithfulness to reporting Church news in Camden, and to telling the stories of how God makes himself present there, have led more disciples to the Lord. How grateful we are to Carl for his work over these many years, which will continue to leave an important mark on the Diocese of Camden and all the faithful it serves.
Father Joseph Wallace, pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco, and CSH columnist: I have been writing a column on the topic of ecumenical and interreligious affairs for well over 30 years for the Catholic Star Herald. I also had a brief stint as the executive editor. During all that time, I have had the privilege of working alongside Carl Peters. Carl as managing editor has been the glue that brings the newspaper together each week. His kind and unassuming countenance always brought calm and harmony midst the tensions of deadlines, printing schedules and a plethora of other moving parts. The Catholic Star Herald consistently wins awards from the national Catholic Press Association due to the leadership and oversight of Carl Peters. I will miss his presence and guidance at the newspaper. I pray he enjoys his well-deserved retirement!
Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden: When I was younger, I would pick my dad up from the train station. He’d drive home and I’d read his copy of the newspaper, starting by opening to the op-ed page hoping Pete Hamill or Jimmy Breslin might have a column in that day’s edition. Similarly, I delighted in reading Russell Baker’s columns. I am reminded of my eagerness to read great newspaper writers as I think how I would quickly rifle through the Catholic Star Herald to see if Carl might have written a piece for the edition I was holding.
Cynthia Soper, longtime business manager for the Catholic Star Herald: Every person should have the benefit of working for a Carl Peters. His leadership has been one of keen observation, gentle guidance, constant calm and always a voice of reason. He has led quietly by example, and has been unflappable in the face of many storms.
Michael Canaris, CSH columnist: I have always considered him a mentor and genuine “man of the Church,” someone who bettered my own writing substantially, offering theological or literary references and bringing to light many nuanced insights, both theological and otherwise. I remain thankful that he answered my letter all those years ago asking if I could contribute something to the paper.
Peter G. Sánchez, CSH staff writer: Carl hired me right out of graduate school and was my first boss. I couldn’t have asked for a better first example. Carl’s a true Renaissance man. Many a Friday afternoon, we would chat in his office, and inevitably he would share with me a funny “Three Stooges” sketch, the book he’d been reading, the Miles Davis album he was listening to, or his recent trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum. His well-rounded cultural character is something I try to emulate. I still remember one Friday, after a difficult week I’d been having, Carl gifted me with a copy of the T.H. White Arthurian legend “The Once and Future King.” Carl was, and is, Merlin in the flesh, a wizard, mentor and guide. First a boss, then a mentor, then a colleague, I’m happy that I can now call him friend.
Jim McBride, CSH photographer who recently retired after 50 years: When Carl started, he was a staff writer and I was a staff photographer. We would travel together a lot on assignment. He always had a knack for getting the best out of what was going on in the Diocese. It was a pleasure working with him. He was a stand-up character, loyal and dedicated.
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