As we celebrate February as Catholic Press Month, I would like to comment on the continued importance of Catholic media in today’s world.
With a plethora of communication tools today (printed materials, computers, cell phones, electronic books), we seem to be bombarded by information. How do we sort it all out? How do we separate truth from fiction? What is important for us to know and what is just garbage?
Getting authentic Catholic information
These questions apply to information about the Catholic faith, too. We can’t believe everything we read is the Gospel truth, let alone authentic Catholic teaching. A lot of material seems to be based on someone’s personal opinion and not backed up by Scripture or the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
That’s why it’s vital for Catholics today to read good Catholic publications. The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada (of which the Catholic Herald is a member) represents Catholic newspapers, magazines, newsletters, books, and Web sites which can be counted upon to give people the truth about their faith.
Importance of diocesan newspaper
While encouraging Catholics to read all kinds of Catholic media, I also want to emphasize the importance of our diocesan newspaper. The Catholic Herald of the Diocese of Madison is the official newspaper of our diocese and, as such, includes official announcements and information about what’s happening in our diocese.
As our publisher, Bishop Robert C. Morlino uses the Catholic Herald to inform and educate people of the diocese about his priorities. He writes a regular column and also provides input on other articles to publish.
For example, in this week’s paper he asked us to publish the Holy Father’s recent ad limina address to the bishops of England and Wales. In that address the Holy Father talks about the importance of clear communication of the faith:
“It is the truth revealed through Scripture and Tradition and articulated by the Church’s Magisterium that sets us free,” the pope told the bishops. “Cardinal Newman realized this, and he left us an outstanding example of faithfulness to revealed truth by following that ‘kindly light’ wherever it led him, even at considerable personal cost. Great writers and communicators of his stature and integrity are needed in the Church today, and it is my hope that devotion to him will inspire many to follow in his footsteps.”
The Catholic Herald offers columns by excellent local, national, and international writers. Every week we publish the Holy Father’s weekly audience. This week’s paper includes an article by noted author and speaker Christopher West, who will speak in Madison this month.
News from nation, world, and diocese
Every week the Catholic Herald includes news from the nation and the world as reported by Catholic News Service. We also cover what’s happening at the local level in our diocesan offices, parishes, schools, and organizations.
Our staff strives to make the Catholic Herald an attractive, interesting, and informative paper. We encourage you to read the Catholic Herald religiously every week, cover to cover. Share the paper with family members and friends. Also visit our Web site (www.madisoncatholicherald.org) which offers news and features, such as audio and video news and Faith Alive! from Catholic News Service.
Parish promotions
During Catholic Press Month, we urge our parishes to promote subscriptions to the Catholic Herald. We will be sending promotional materials for parishes to use as they see fit. Parishioners are also encouraged to help parishes offset the cost of sending them the Catholic Herald by their contributions (most parishes provide envelopes).
Don’t be fooled by inaccurate and misleading information about your Catholic faith. Read the Catholic Herald and other authentic media during Catholic Press Month and throughout the year.