I used to have a bumper sticker that read, “If you know today’s news, thank a journalist.” I’m not the type to put a sticker on my car, but I put it on my metal “file cabinet,” something we used to store papers in before digital options came along.
I also had a bright yellow button with a smiley face that read, “Bless the Press.”
These tchotchkes come to mind this week during Catholic Press Month.
We read about secular newspapers on the decline; younger generations not reading newspapers, even online; and the loss of religion, and now sports, sections in major newspapers. People think they’re accurately informed by reading social posts. But how many take the time to read the full article — from a reputable news source — before they speak out or post on social?
Is there an obligation to inform ourselves? Should we be doing our due diligence to ensure we know the facts, all the facts? Should we be selective on where we get our news?
The Herald has been the news source for the diocese and beyond for the past 50 years. We’ve won hundreds of awards from the Catholic Media Association. We often hear accolades from readers, and yes, even complaints, but we couldn’t do it without you.
We think we know you, and many of you we do — personally. From recent surveys we know you represent diverse age groups, some of you are daily Massgoers, others are the weekly backbone of the diocese. Most of you donate to the church and want to know how your support is being utilized. You have kids in religious ed, Catholic or public schools, and some of you homeschool, and you want to hear about your peers. Some of you are retired and appreciate our Senior Spotlight stories of fellow seniors doing remarkable things. Young newlyweds enjoy the Wedding Guide and stories of building a life together. Others are singles who follow the Scene or look for opportunities to get involved in Coming Events.
We print nearly 100,000 copies of every Herald. Most go directly to homes where the kids grab it for the puzzles and the high school articles; the grandmother reads the Gospel commentaries before the weekend; and the parents pick it up to keep in touch with the local community.
In February, Catholic Press Month, many parishes hold a second collection to support the Herald. The pastors surely appreciate their parishioners writing a check or giving online to help offset the costs of providing the Herald to parishioners. If you missed that second collection, you can still make a contribution, payable to your parish with Herald in the memo field.
From longtime subscribers to the guy who picks up a copy of the Herald in the back of his church or at a metro station, you are the reason we do what we do. We want to inform you about what’s happening in your parish, your diocese and beyond. We want to engage you with relevant and topical articles. We want to inspire you to dig deeper in your faith because of what you read in our biweekly newspaper, online at catholicherald.com, in our weekly e-newsletter, radio spots on WMET and on our social platforms.
It is a privilege to tell stories that matter. And we love hearing from readers. If you have comments, questions, suggestions or other concerns, please reach out. Email [email protected].
