In faith and truth
In the first edition of Catholic San Francisco, dated Feb. 12, 1999, we introduced the newspaper to the people of the Archdiocese with a statement that included these words: "What you have before you is Catholic San Francisco, a new voice in the San Francisco Bay Area. The newspaper takes its place among the ranks of Catholic publications with the goal of serving Catholics in the Archdiocese of San Francisco with faith and integrity."
The roots of Catholic San Francisco can be traced to the archdiocesan pastoral planning process initiated by then Archbishop John R. Quinn in the early 1990s. As part of this process, I chaired a committee which studied the communications of the Archdiocese and drew up a list of recommendations to revitalize the communications efforts of the local Church. Eventually, these recommendations - including advocacy for reestablishing a newspaper -- became part of the document, "A Journey of Hope Toward the Third Millennium," a broad-based pastoral plan for the Archdiocese, which was promulgated in December 1995.
Subsequently, Cardinal William J. Levada, then Archbishop of San Francisco, commissioned a taskforce to consider the recommendations of the pastoral plan regarding communications. This task force emphatically validated the need for a first-rate Catholic newspaper, since many of the other recommendations for more effective communications could be greatly enhanced by such a vehicle.
A subsequent feasibility study, including research and consultation, yielded clear conclusions: the educational level in the Archdiocese indicated high readership potential and an advertising base would be likely to carry a significant portion of the newspaper's budget, notably if it were mailed to every registered Catholic household in the Archdiocese.
Following a series of meetings with archdiocesan groups including clergy in early 1998, Cardinal Levada announced plans to start a new archdiocesan newspaper, saying, "The commitment to a weekly newspaper reflects a deeply held belief that increased communication will help us build a stronger community of faith, a more informed and involved laity, and a renewed commitment to the mission of the Church." His successor, Archbishop George H. Niederauer, has endorsed this view.
The success of Catholic San Francisco rests on a strong foundation of faith and truth. Adhering to the teaching of the Church, our goal is to support the Archbishop in his teaching office and to serve the mission of the local Church - to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do this best by a dedication to the highest standards of Catholic journalism. By providing our readers with accurate and balanced reporting, we build a readership that respects the newspaper, the Archbishop, and the Archdiocese.
Over time, there have been very few instances in which the newspaper has been pressured by groups or institutions to veil part of a story. We tend to resist this pressure because we believe that such a practice undermines our readers' trust in the credibility of the newspaper, and, indeed, the Archdiocese. Catholic San Francisco's role as a "newspaper" -- rather than a "newsletter" - best serves the mission of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
At this 10-year milestone, we want to thank all of you, our readers. Your interest, support and loyalty are a daily inspiration as we work to maintain the respect you have given to the newspaper. We especially express our gratitude to pastors, clergy, religious, schools and organizations for their support of Catholic San Francisco. Also deserving gratitude is our small but dedicated staff - current and former members.
In the end, though, Catholic San Francisco always has been in the hands of God. When doubts clouded our vision, or worries weighed us down, or anxieties clawed at our resolve, we always found peace and strength in Jesus Christ.
By Maurice Healy
From February 6, 2009 issue of Catholic San Francisco
