With the final print edition of the Northwest Indiana Catholic being distributed this weekend, we celebrate numerous milestones the faithful have experienced over the years thanks to the many communications professionals who passionately devoted themselves to the ministry of sharing Catholic content with the faithful through the newspaper. As we fully transition the newspaper to a digital format and make plans for an eventual print magazine, today marks an important moment to look back with gratitude as we move forward in hope.
The origins of the newspaper date back to then-Father John Francis Noll (later Bishop of Fort Wayne and eventually designated as Archbishop), who ten years after his ordination, bought a printing press for just $1 and hired a team to help him with publications. He sent the first 35,000 copies of Our Sunday Visitor to priests and parishes across the United States. In just two years, OSV reached a circulation of 1,000,000, becoming one of the world’s largest Catholic Publishers.
In 1987, Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan continued the legacy of trend-setting communications when he established the Northwest Indiana Catholic as a local newspaper dedicated to publishing content originated from OSV, but also to share important local stories and create a sense of community for the Catholics living in Northwest Indiana. For many years, most of our registered Catholic households received the NWI Catholic newspaper.
From the beginning, our parishes have played a significant role in the distribution of our newspaper, making it easy for parishioners to receive the NWI Catholic. Over the years our parishes have provided essential insight, stories and information about events that have been shared through the newspaper. Looking ahead, parishes will continue to play a vibrant role in collaborating with our communications office to share stories and events that matter to the faithful, and others living in Northwest Indiana.
There have been numerous professionals and members of the faithful who have worked “behind the scenes” to bring the NWI Catholic to life. Photographers, writers, columnists, editors, administrators, and parish staff have devoted time and talent to ensure the high-quality product that our subscribers have come to expect from this award-winning newspaper.
Our local advertisers who have supported the newspaper will continue to have opportunities to support Catholic content and reach those who care about our Catholic community.
Those most impacted by the shift to distribute news content on a digital platform are the subscribers, who have come to rely on the Catholic newspaper delivered to their homes. Our goal is to continue to deliver great faith-based content in a different format, through an evangelizing magazine.
We thank the many individuals who have shared their stories for our publication to witness to the power of the Gospel. Many have enjoyed the newspaper’s provision of news, stories, columns and event coverage, including priestly ordinations, Catholic Schools week, the election of a new pope, and a farewell to our beloved Bishop Melczek.
Sharing broad and local Catholic content is as important today as it was in 1987 when Bishop Gaughan established the NWI Catholic. The good news is that we will continue to share excellent Catholic content through new and familiar media.
Daily, news stories are posted on the NWI Catholic website, which can be found on the far-right side of our homepage.
On a weekly basis, readers can receive this diocesan “Good News” free of charge, which contains highlights of NWI Catholic’s top stories and other content to enrich our faith journey with others. We encourage you to share this newsletter with others or share the sign-up link (dcgary.flocknote.com).
Like those who went before us, introducing new communication tools to inform and inspire the faithful, we are committed to exploring trending communication resources that can help us serve the faithful – and those who may be curious about our faith.
We look to the future with hope and faith, as we anticipate being able to expand the gift of communication to reach those who are in and beyond our pews.
Change is difficult. Let us pray for each other and embrace with joy the mission God has given us to bring the Good News to Northwest Indiana – especially to those who most need to encounter His love and mercy.
Your Servant,
Most Rev. Robert J. McClory
Bishop
Diocese of Gary
