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From 1980-1982, I was in graduate school at the University of New Mexico, pursuing a Master of Arts degree in French literature. When I tell you the reading list for the comps was long, I am simplifying the situation. In addition to what was required for each course, from Medieval through 20th century French works, there were novels, plays and poems that were required in preparation for the exams. These two years were exciting. I was teaching Intermediate French to undergraduates six hours per week, conversational French, an hour a week and religion at a nearby Catholic elementary school in the North Valley of Albuquerque. Given my course load, usually 12 graduate hours per semester, I often found myself reading two to three written works per week. I loved the feel of the books in my hands. I reveled in highlighting what I believed to be important. I enjoyed both the smell of the paper and turning of each page. Yes, my book bills were high, however, how many priests have had the opportunity to spend two years reading the greatest works of French literature? I consider myself blessed.
Since its inception during the tenure of Bishop Edward T. Hughes, “The Catholic Spirit” has been the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen. For 30 some years, the paper has served as a tool of information and evangelization for the Catholic households in the counties served by the diocese — Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex. The Spirit has been the link between the bishop’s office and folks in the pews. And while the staff has changed over the years, the purpose of “The Catholic Spirit” has never wavered: to teach, inform and evangelize the faithful.
Until the COVID pandemic, “The Catholic Spirit” appeared in parishes and homes twice each month. For the past two years, the newspaper is published monthly. However, everything found in the former days still can be found today.
Still, for those who wish, there is an electronic edition available at www.catholicspirit.com. The issues are often lengthier than they were pre-pandemic so that we can continue to feature supplements on different topics, from Catholic education to Religious Milestones, from Ordinations of deacons and priests to Hispanic Awareness, from the works of Catholic Charities and Saint Peter’s University Hospital to a financial overview of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. We cover all topics related to diocesan life and include a page dedicated to what’s happening in the Catholic world and in our nation. There are crossword puzzles for those who enjoy these brain teasers to a page reserved for the Kid’s Corner. Page two is always reserved for the bishop, who provides us with a column in each issue, as well as his schedule and any clergy appointments he has made.
While many dioceses have done away with their written periodicals, we are blessed that Bishop James F. Checchio takes his position as publisher seriously. Not only does he insist on including a column from his desk every month, it is at his behest that we continue to print “The Catholic Spirit” monthly. We are also blessed to have a great staff and team of freelance reporters and photographers.
The title of this article, “hold the press,” is an old command used by editors when breaking news required the presses to be manually stopped, and breaking news had to be inserted by the typesetters, word by word. The phrase is also a double-entendre, that is, it has two meanings, the second of which implies “hold the paper with your hands.” This is what I am imploring you to continue to do. “S’il vous plait,” [“Please”] ties into the French introduction of this column. You see, much like the books I handled during my 20s in graduate school, so “The Catholic Spirit” has been for me: a treasure trove of knowledge. I continue to enjoy the smell of ink on the page and holding those pages in my hand.
As it was in its inception, so this newspaper is today, a tool of information, education and evangelization. It continues to link the bishop to his parishes and to his flock. It remains to this day, a valuable tool in classrooms and homeschooling, a unique periodical among those which fill our homes. As February is Catholic Press Month, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bishop Checchio for supporting “The Catholic Spirit.” I thank my staff, columnists and freelancers for their collaborative efforts and dedication to Catholic journalism.
Finally, I thank all of you, the faithful readers, who take the time to read what we have prepared, month after month, not for a Masters’ Degree in French literature but, for enrichment and a deeper love of the Gospel. Through the intercession of the patron of Catholic journalists, St. Francis de Sales, may Almighty God bless you all.
Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”
