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The Catholic New World
Observations - by Tom Sheridan, Editor

Feb. 5, 2006

Another perspective

February is Catholic Press Month. If you’re reading this, God bless you.

Catholic journalists are little different from their secular brethren: we both get a kick out of communicating information, ideas, hopes and dreams. When I worked for The Chicago Sun-Times, I enjoyed anonymously watching a reader pause over something I had labored on.

Here at The Catholic New World, the feelings are still the same. The other day I watched as a young woman on the bus pored over our most recent issue. She took in every word, and that made me happy.

That’s communication—that’s media—and it’s at the heart of what brings us together as a society. But sometimes it’s also what drives wedges between us.

The church—and the alleged actions of one of its priests—has been the subject of media attention in recent days. There’s been no lack of information in the secular media about the accusations of sexual misconduct with minors directed at Father Dan McCormack of St. Agatha Parish. And there’s been voluminous coverage of Cardinal George’s comments and concerns.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.

But it’s the Catholic press’ job, too, to report on those actions, given that they affect every Catholic. Such coverage, however, is sometimes immediately suspect. Because we are the “Catholic press,” denigrators dismiss us as mere cheerleaders.

If you’re still reading, thousands of additional blessings for you.

But is that all we are, cheerleaders? If being a cheerleader means ignoring—or worse, misconstruing the—truth the answer is no. However, if it means a lack of sensationalism and offering perspectives not always available elsewhere, well, we’re guilty as charged.

In this issue of The Catholic New World, there is as full an account of the current abuse situation as our deadlines allow; almost certainly there will be developments after we’ve gone to press but before you read this.

Readers like the young woman on the bus and thousands of others (not enough, frankly) deserve more than the too-often-sensationalized stories of the pain and frustration being experienced by people, families, parishes and even the cardinal over the McCormack case.

Why should there be a Catholic perspective on the news?

Pope Benedict XVI’s first message for World Communications Day, which will be May 28, called on the information and entertainment industries to show “edifying models” not “debased or false expressions” of family life and human love.

The pope said workers in the mass media must strive for accuracy, thoroughness and “fair representation of diverse points of view” in their work, but “of particular importance” is the need to promote and protect the sanctity of marriage and the family.”

That sure doesn’t happen all the time, does it?

If you’re STILL reading, there aren’t enough blessings in the world for you.

Of course, the role of the Catholic press is also to tell the stories that are vital and important if overlooked by other media. For instance, this issue covers the March for Life in Washington D.C., the good work done by the Annual Catholic Appeal, how Hollywood is reacting to “good” screenplays and much more. You’re not going to find the spirituality of Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser in the dailies, or Cardinal George’s column.

Despite all that, there are too many Catholics who aren’t getting the perspective of the Catholic media on the news. And that’s too bad.



Still reading? Good. Here’s an opportunity to do a good deed:

Catholic Charities is seeking people willing to write valentine cards to senior citizens served by the agency. It’s a good cause. For information, send cards to Catholic Charities Valentine Drive, 721 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610.

Tom Sheridan
Editor and General Manager

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