Something new in the mail

We hope that part of that difference— our new Page One format— was readily apparent when you spotted it in your mailbox.

Since “different” doesn’t always mean “better”—though it certainly does this time—some explanations are in order.

Consider this a lesson in how to use your new Catholic New World.

If the newspaper feels a little more “magazine-y,” that’s intentional. The reading habits of Americans have changed; television and popular culture have had that effect. Better color, graphics and more are part of our efforts to communicate well.

Religion shouldn’t ignore that. Nor should Catholics rely only on the secular media to tell them about the world in which they live.

“Secular media may tell you the news,” Cardinal George said, “but only The Catholic New World can tell you the Catholic perspective on the news.”

The cardinal wanted subscribers to know that he hoped TCNW “will be a continuous reminder to you of the work of the church and the power of God.”

These changes in The Catholic New World—along with the many others over the past few years—are part of an evolutionary, continuing effort to make the publication more reader-friendly, more informational and more a reflection of the larger church for the average Catholic.

None of that, of course, should mean dull, heavy and hard to read. Here are some of the changes you’ll find:

• Our new Page One format will let us focus on an event or a newsmaker. (And, no, it won’t always be Cardinal George. But as publisher of TCNW, a columnist and a strong supporter of the newspaper, he deserves to be highlighted on our first new-format page.)
• Beginning with this issue, The Catholic New World is being mailed biweekly to as many as 80,000 Catholic subscriber-households throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. This makes TCNW one of the largest-circulation non-daily newspapers in the area.
• In an effort to extend the reach of the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, we will publish fewer issues each year, but larger and more in-depth ones. TCNW will appear biweekly, or 26 times each year—bolder, brighter and bigger.
• In a collaborative effort with the archdiocesan departments of stewardship, evangelization, parishes and other groups, our pages will tell even more of the stories that demonstrate how rich, diverse and vibrant our faith is. Those stories, we hope, will touch hearts and souls as well as minds.
• Inside, you’ll find two full pages of news affecting Catholics from around the country and around the world. We will continue reporting on important legislative issues such as the stem cell debate and other life-issues.
• We’ve added columns that will range from reporting on vital issues to just plain interesting reads, but always from a faithful perspective.
• Obviously, however, one particular column provides Catholics with information, education and a sense of religion vitally important in today’s society. That’s what Cardinal George writes about in virtually every issue. His column remains, as in previous issues, on Page 3.
• Our new Media and Culture section has been expanded to provide an improved roundup of information on religion-related media, including improved television and radio listings, plus highlights of your official archdiocesan radio presence, “Catholic Community of Faith.”

TCNW will continue to provide the faith-connected features and columns that have become staples in our pages: scripture with Father Marcel Pasciak; spirituality with a variety of writers including Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Ron Rolheiser; the goings-on in parishes all over with Dolores Madlener’s Church Clips and Around the Archdiocese; The Interview, featuring a Catholic newsmaker; columnist George Weigel and much more.

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