Editor's Desk: Remaining Resolute
By Michael F. Flach
Herald Editor
(From the issue of 9/29/05)
Like thousands of other residents along the Gulf Coast, Catholic journalists at the Clarion Herald in New Orleans, the Gulf Pine Catholic in Biloxi and The Bayou Catholic in Houma-Thibodaux had their homes and workplaces destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. (The impact last weekend of Hurricane Rita is still being evaluated.) Despite the hardships, they remain resolute about continuing their ministry in the Catholic press. Some may have to publish online versions of their publications for a few weeks since their subscribers are scattered across the country. Others say they will distribute bulk copies of their papers to churches and community centers that remain operational in the storm’s wake.
Their efforts will be made easier thanks to a recent announcement by Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, chairman of the Committee for Communications of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The committee has set aside $500,000 from the Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC) for grants to the dioceses that have suffered the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina to help them rebuild their communications ministries.
Bishop Kicanas said the committee will handle grant requests in an expedited fashion as soon as these dioceses are able to asses their needs in this area and inform the CCC.
"The CCC is supported by dioceses throughout the U.S. and the committee feels an obligation, in return, to be of assistance to the dioceses who have suffered so much damage to their ability to serve their people as they have in the past," Bishop Kicanas said.
Peter Finney has relocated some of his staff from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Elizabeth Perry, one of his staff writers, has temporarily resettled in Northern Virginia and will be doing some freelance work for the Arlington Catholic HERALD in the coming weeks.
The plight of these Catholic journalists remains dear to our hearts. I have known many of these folks for more than 20 years. Louis Aguirre, editor and general manager of The Bayou Catholic in Houma-Thibadoux, has devoted his entire life to the Church. He worked for the Arlington Catholic HERALD shortly after the paper was established in 1976, but returned to his home state of Louisiana to help launch The Bayou Catholic.
"We have been in communication with the staff of all three newspapers," said Helen Osman, president of the Catholic Press Association (CPA). "They have found computers and desks and are working to rebuild their publications." They are extremely grateful for the prayers and offerings of space and staff, but what they need most is money.
The CPA has established a Hurricane Katrina Publication Assistance Fund. Osman, editor of The Catholic Spirit in Austin, Texas, has appointed a committee of past CPA presidents to distribute the funds. "It is my hope that the money can be distributed as quickly as possible to help meet the immediate needs of our friends," she said.
Catholics in Northern Virginia have been overwhelmingly generous in their response to the ongoing tragedy. The second collection held locally the weekend of Sept. 17-18 has raised more than $1 million so far. That money will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA to help fund their relief efforts in the region.
Readers who wish to contribute to the special CPA fund should send contributions to: CPA, 3555 Veterans Memorial Highway, Unit O, Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779 (make checks payable to the CPA and earmarked for the fund). — M.F.F.
Copyright ©2005 Arlington Catholic Herald. All rights reserved.
