Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As people of faith, it is our duty to stay informed of our Church and the world around us and better understand the issues of our day. While media sources abound, we are fortunate here in southeast Iowa to have a trusted and award-winning local resource helping us along the way, your weekly diocesan newspaper The Catholic Messenger. For 129 years, The Messenger has served its mission of informing, educating and inspiring us to live faith-filled lives.
This month, during The Catholic Messenger’s annual subscription drive, I am encouraging all Catholic households of our diocese to begin or renew a subscription. Long considered one of the nation’s leading diocesan newspapers, I believe you will find something of value in every issue no matter your age or stage of life.
The Messenger serves as an important communications tool for our diocese. I personally rely on it to announce clergy and lay leadership appointments and to inform the faithful of important events such as the annual Chrism Mass, the Rite of Election and other diocesan liturgical celebrations.
No other media source caters to the unique needs of our 22-county area for reporting news affecting parishes, providing opportunities for catechesis on Church documents such as the new Roman Missal or sharing personal stories of faith. You will also find a Catholic perspective on life issues and developments relating to health care reform, immigration and marriage along with state, national and world news with insightful commentary, editorials and letters to the editor.
In addition to the print edition, The Catholic Messenger website (www.catholicmessenger.org) brings us breaking news in the diocese and expanded coverage 24/7, while also serving as an archive of local Church history. I suggest that you bookmark the site for easy reference.
With its long tradition of connecting our local Church, The Catholic Messenger remains a vital part of the ministry of our diocese, yet it requires your support. The cost of $27 for a year’s subscription is truly a worthy investment. I ask that you subscribe and read it faithfully.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Martin Amos
Bishop of Davenport
