“… They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints” –1 Cor 16:15

You will soon see some changes with our diocesan newspaper, The Mirror, as well as the makeup of the diocesan staff at The Catholic Center. After much reflection and input, it was determined that The Mirror would go from being a weekly to a bi-weekly publication. This is essentially the schedule we adopt during the summer months. Beginning this year, that schedule will continue year round.

This change made sense for several reasons. For one, it will allow for a more sensible utilization of our staff. The Office of The Mirror and Office of Communications Services will be merged. This new office will be known as the Office of Communications, Media, and Publications, and will be headed by Leslie Eidson. It will be responsible for not only the production of the newspaper, but also important communications tools such as our Web site as well as media relations. I am grateful to Leslie and those who assist her in her office, Glenn Eckl and Angie Toben, for taking on these new responsibilities with the same care and skill they currently exercise with the publication of The Mirror.

To this point, we have had both a diocesan Web site and a newspaper Web site (The Mirror Online, www.the-mirror.org). In the near future, there will be one Web site for the diocese. We will continue to use the two Web addresses to accommodate our users, but eventually both will direct the user to the same Web site. Because more people are seeking information from the Internet, we will be reconfiguring and enhancing our Web site and you should notice some of these changes over time.

Because the newspaper will be published with fewer issues, we intend to make those issues more substantial. While you will receive The Mirror less frequently, the issue you receive will typically be larger by about four pages. All of this will lead to some cost savings, which will allow us to keep the current subscription rate unchanged.

I wish to thank in a special way Recy Moore, who recently departed our staff to assume a new position with Missouri State University. Recy directed the Office of Communications Services with a special skill, grace, and kindness.

Planned Giving

Another change on our staff relates to the Office of Planned Giving. Maureen Jersak, who has been the director of that office, has taken a position on the staff of our Catholic Charities agency, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSM). Maureen will assist with communications and development duties for our growing Catholic Charities.

Her responsibilities for planned giving for the diocese will be assumed by Gene Aug, who also serves as the diocesan director of the Office of Development and Properties. Gene also directs the annual Diocesan Development Fund (DDF). His significant experience with fundraising and development will serve him well as he takes on this added responsibility.

I wish to also thank Maureen in a special way for her kindness and competence in directing the Office of Planned Giving. I know she will bring the same skills to her new position with CCSM. I also am grateful to Gene. His talent, dedication, and love for the Church are assets that our diocese is fortunate to have.

Please keep these and all the members of our diocesan staff in your prayers as they seek to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.