The Value of Diocesan Publications

The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada is comprised of a diverse group of publications. Our members publish newsletters, magazines, newspapers, books, Web sites, catalogs, and much more. Yet all of those formats are just different ways to broadcast the same message: the incredibly good news that God lives and moves among us.

Almost half of the member publications of the CPA, however, are of one particular category. These 173 publications serve a particular geographical area as a diocesan or archdiocesan publication. Often their publisher is the bishop or archbishop. These publications serve a vital role in our local churches. They are vehicles of evangelization and accountability, offering a way for Catholics to make their faith relevant to their daily lives.

Editorial: Finding ‘value’ in Catholic newspapers

The great value of a diocesan newspaper is that it is edited for the needs of a local audience by editors who live within the local church and are sensitive to the information needs of the readers. For many Catholics, the diocesan publication is the only Catholic reading material that comes into their homes. These Catholics may not seek out a subscription to their diocesan publication, but the bishop, as a good shepherd should, seeks them out and offers inspiration, encouragement and guidance through the pages of the diocesan publication. With a diocesan publication:

-- Catholics can learn more about their faith. Diocesan publications are often the first step for Catholics who are interested in reading and learning more about their faith. They are not in competition with national and international publications; rather, they can be windows into the vibrant world of Catholic literature.

-- The bishop can reach out to the people. If the bishop provides a column or interview in the publication, it offers him the opportunity to speak with the faithful on a regular basis. As one bishop noted, it may be the only time his flock hears from their shepherd, other than when they receive his annual appeal for a contribution to diocesan funds!

-- People have the opportunity to realize that they are part of a larger family that extends well beyond their parish. Diocesan publications carry stories of faith, of challenges and of changes; these stories help Catholics understand the needs of their sisters and brothers across town, across the state, even across the world. Readers of diocesan publications recognize their fellow parishioners in stories and photos, and can empathize with others whom they have never met.

-- The people have a reliable source of information about church news. This is an especially vital aspect of diocesan publications, both in terms of their credibility and the church’s credibility. Produced by professional journalists who understand the need for news that is relevant and credible, the “official” publication for the diocese can provide a level of transparency and accountability no other Chancery communication can match. And, at times, it means difficult choices and stories about difficult topics. But, as one church leader once said, “If we don’t report the bad news, they (the readers) won’t believe the good news.” With a spirit of collaboration and a desire to be real witnesses of faith, the professional journalists at diocesan publications can use sources and information that might not be explored by the secular media to tell the full and richer story of the church.

-- The people can also have a forum for the exchange of ideas. Dialogue as a way to enrich the faith has been evident in the church from the very beginning. That exchange is even more important today, not as a means of attacking the church, but as a teaching tool and another way of evangelization. Pope Benedict XVI offered strong support of diocesan newspapers to be professional and faithful. “Continue to be ‘newspapers of the people and among the people,’” he said, “stages for a loyal exchange and debate among diverse opinions in order to promote an authentic dialogue, which is indispensable for the growth of the civic and church communities.”

Recently the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies announced a bold initiative, the opening of 76 new diocesan newspapers. The goal, according to federation president Father Giorgio Zucchelli, was that each of Italy’s 226 dioceses would have at least one publication to serve its members.

That same type of emphasis is needed in the United States and Canada. Diocesan publications can light the fire of faith that warms hearts to action for the good of all. As members of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada, we re-commit ourselves to the highest level of professional journalism to explain our faith with integrity and the utmost credibility. Recognizing the challenges of limited resources, we enthusiastically dedicate ourselves to making our publications worthy of their mission, telling the Good News of salvation.

-- Approved by the board of directors of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada on April 4, 2007