Editor's Desk: Time for Change

By Michael F. Flach
Herald Columnist
(From the issue of 1/6/05)

Change can be disconcerting, especially when people are used to a particular style or system. So it is with a little trepidation that we unveil some slight editorial changes in this week’s edition of the Arlington Catholic HERALD.

The paper’s traditional columns and editorials (including "Letters to the Editor"), previously found on pages 4 and 5, are combined on page 10. The "Know Your Faith" columns (which include the Gospel commentary and Father William P. Saunders’ "Straight Answers") shift from page 6 to 8. Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s weekly column, homily and calendar move from page 7 to 9.

In addition, the Spanish page moves from page 8 to the back of the paper across from the sports page. "Around the Diocese" jumps forward from page 9 to page 4.

There are numerous reasons for this reshuffling. The paper’s overall page layout evolved in recent years to the point that we found ourselves with seven pages of solid editorial copy near the front of the paper. This limited our ability to provide a more diverse blend of local photos and stories and also restricted the placement of ads and use of color.

Increased printing and paper costs have forced us to become more vigilant about tightening up our weekly page counts. We averaged 36 pages per week this past year, a sharp increase from several years ago when a 20-page edition usually was reserved for graduation and back-to-school special issues. For example, our edition welcoming former Bishop John R. Keating in August 1983 was 56 pages. Now, our annual "Graduation" and "Back to School" editions routinely exceed that total.

We believe the changes allow us to include more local news for our readers near the front of the paper, while continuing to provide an outstanding variety of award-winning commentary and spirituality columns. Father Saunders will continue to lead our stable of columnists, including Russell Shaw, Elizabeth Foss, Mary Beth Bonacci, Father John Rausch and Thomas Craughwell.

Newspapers constantly adjust to changing demographics and readership demands. Don’t be afraid to let us know what you think. Drop us an e-mail at letters@catholicherald.com. And don’t forget to visit our Web site at www.catholicherald.com.

As announced earlier, the HERALD’s subscription rate increased to $22 per year, effective Jan. 1, for individual and out-of-state subscribers. The steady rise in postage, printing and payroll costs have led to the paper’s first rate increase in six years.

Diocesan Catholics can continue to subscribe to the paper through their local parishes at a discounted rate. Envelopes are available at the parishes during February, which is "Catholic Press Month." Discounts are available for multi-year subscriptions as well.

For additional subscription information contact the circulation department at 703/841-2565 or visit the HERALD online at www.catholicherald.com.

Finally, the HERALD is seeking local photographs for its Catholic Marriage issue to be published Feb. 10. We are looking for photographs from weddings that took place during the 2004 calendar year in Arlington Diocesan churches. Include the complete name of the couple, the photographer and the priest or deacon who officiated. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the photo returned. The submission deadline is Jan. 27. Sorry, but we can't guarantee publication. Send your photo to: Marriage Issue, c/o Arlington Catholic HERALD, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 600, Arlington, Va. 22203. — M.F.F.

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