The Diocese of Gary is launching a new publication that is expected to arrive in households before Christmas. The new quarterly magazine, Faith Northwest Indiana, will feature content that encourages readers to live their faith in today’s modern world and seek a deeper relationship with Jesus.
The Diocese of Gary is committed to designing the magazine as an uplifting and informative publication for the faithful, which also serves as a vehicle for sharing the joy of Jesus with others.
The magazine will be mailed free of charge to every registered household. Those who would like to receive the magazine can sign up through the magazine’s website (faithNWI). A limited supply of the debut issue will be available through parishes and the Diocese of Gary’s communications office. A podcast featuring the magazine’s content will be available for listening in both English and Spanish. Faith Northwest Indiana is available on popular audio streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
The debut issue’s cover story features a local parishioner whose life was transformed because of an invitation to attend a Christmas Midnight Mass. In keeping with the Advent and Christmas theme, the debut issue features several suggested activities for the season. It includes a list of Christmas Mass times, with a QR code for readers to find the most up-to-date listings on the diocesan website and a link to the website’s “Find a Parish” page.
Reflecting on the timing of the first issue of the magazine, Bishop Robert J. McClory said he is praying that it will offer inspiration to those who receive it as they prepare for the coming of Jesus during the season of Advent.
“I encourage everyone to be aware of the magazine and its evangelizing purpose,” said Bishop McClory. “May it inspire the faithful to respond to the call of missionary discipleship and invite others to receive the love of Christ in Christmas.”
Father Christopher Stanish said what excites him most about the magazine is the opportunity to present the life of the Church in the diocese in a way that is beautiful, mission-oriented and accessible. He stated a magazine is capable of communicating more than just information; it can convey hope, witness and identity.
“The Northwest Indiana Catholic newspaper served us well for many years, but a magazine allows for deeper storytelling, stronger catechetical formation, and more intentional design that can evangelize through both content and aesthetic,” said the vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Gary.
Father Stanish is especially enthusiastic about the possibility of integrating human-interest profiles, stories of conversion, parish initiatives and reflections from lay leaders, teachers and clergy.
“These narratives can build unity across the diocese and inspire a greater sense of shared mission,” he said.
Father Stanish explained that a well-crafted diocesan magazine can become a genuine instrument of evangelization by providing testimony and witness, showcasing the beauty of evangelization, providing formation and clarity, and creating bridges beyond the parish.
“If done well, the magazine becomes a kind of ‘missionary companion,’ accompanying readers through the liturgical seasons, celebrating the good work happening across the diocese, and consistently inviting deeper discipleship,” he said.
Father Stanish will contribute to the magazine through a regularly featured column titled “What’s This, Father Chris?” where he will answer questions provided by the faithful. He feels the strength of such a column is that it can address questions people genuinely wonder about but may not feel comfortable asking. It can also provide clear explanations of practices, terms, or liturgical elements that often seem obscure, and serve as a bridge between clergy and laity, creating a natural conversational space.
“Such a column, presented with pastoral warmth and theological clarity, could become one of the most anticipated parts of the publication,” he said. “It has the potential to catechize without feeling like catechesis, and to evangelize without feeling heavy-handed – an ideal balance for a missionary diocese.”
Colleen McGinty-Rabine is the director of communications and managing editor of Faith Northwest Indiana. She noted that in modern culture, there are plenty of opportunities to consume information digitally, adding that the Communications Department for the Diocese of Gary is honored to provide readers with an alternative, printed resource.
“The magazine is filled with beautiful images and words that inform and inspire – and encouraging tips for our daily journey,” McGinty-Rabine said. “We hope readers will enjoy the fruit of our efforts.”
Each quarterly issue will feature stories of people making a difference within their communities, columns that tackle tough questions about faith and features that encourage one another in our faith journey. There will also be resources that connect readers with tips and activities that inspire faithful living in our modern world and articles that explore current issues through the lens of faith. Overall, the magazine’s mission is to inspire readers to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
“We have created this magazine to enhance the faith life of all readers, whether you are new to matters of faith or a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ,” McGinty-Rabine said.
McGinty-Rabine added she is looking forward to engaging with readers and hearing suggestions from them regarding future editions.
Anyone can sign up to receive Faith magazine by visiting faithnwi.org.
Those interested in helping to support the production costs of Faith Northwest Indiana can make a gift at https://dcgary.org/contribute, with a comment that they would like their gift to support the magazine. For more information, contact Colleen McGinty-Rabine directly by email (crabine@dcgary.org) or phone (219) 769-9292.
