Spread the word

To sharp-eyed readers, the following column may appear to be unfocused. However, if you pay very close attention, you’ll note there are actually several columns, all rolled up into one. (Confession: That’s a literary device used to cover the fact that deadline was approaching and the writer didn’t have a clue what to say.)

There’s something missing from your Catholic New World this issue. And that’s a shame. There should be a big, perhaps full-page—something we call a “house ad”—encouraging you to subscribe to The Catholic New World.

But there’s no room.

We left out a “subscribe” ad in an effort to bring you a broader selection of news, columns and other stories about the church—universal and local. That, after all, is our mission.

And I’m pleased by the selection: everything from news about the likelihood of a landmark plenary session of the American church to information about the National Black Catholic Congress’ upcoming Chicago gathering to journals from World Youth Day 2002 participants to the canonization of Juan Diego. And much more.

There’s no “subscribe” ad because the size of any newspaper—even the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago—is determined by advertising and circulation revenue,.

Advertising has been moderately strong, even during the current economic turndown, and increasing circulation will be an increasingly important task over the next year. Broader, more consistent coverage of The Catholic New World is a vital ministry, especially as a way of seeking to clarify and balance negative (and sometimes incorrect) stories about the church.

In addition to more concrete plans—which may include newspaper boxes on a corner near you—I’m even playing with a few slogans. How does this grab you: “If you’re Catholic, you SHOULD read The Catholic New World.” Or, “Get a faithful point of view from media for a change.”

Got any suggestions? By the way, if you’re reading this issue and aren’t a subscriber, call (312) 655-7771.

-- There are a couple of truths in life: “Don’t play cards with a guy named Ace” comes to mind. So does, “Don’t pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the truckload.”

But sometimes, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Cardinal George was the target of an outrageous and ill-conceived attack in a recent issue of a purportedly Catholic newspaper. He was criticized for participating in a ceremony at a Catholic Church in Toronto during World Youth Day in which Native American symbolism was incorporated into a liturgy. The congregation included Native American Catholics, a strong presence both here and in Canada.

Using words like “mockery” and “pagan,” the front-page piece sputtered that acknowledging Native American symbolism in a Catholic ritual was an “affront” because of the 16th century martyrdom of Jesuits and other missionaries in the New World.

Nonsense.

During the canonization ceremony of Juan Diego last month in Mexico City, Pope John Paul II did much the same thing, celebrating with incense presented by an indigenous woman (see Page 14). Native Americans in traditional costumes danced, as they did a few years ago when bare-chested Polynesian men danced at the Vatican during the Synod for Oceania.

At its heart, “Catholic” means “universal.” The church has absorbed the cultures and symbols of many peoples in order to honor the Lord.

-- We’ve added a new feature on our letters-to-the-editor section (Page 9 this week). Since the subject matter of letters often is ponderous and sharp-tongued, and believing that even Jesus had to have laughed now and again, we thought a little occasional levity might be helpful.

The cartoon is called “Stained Glass.” Let us know what you think.

Tom Sheridan
Editor and General Manager