CHARLESTON — Next week, readers of The Catholic Miscellany will see some changes in the paper and Internet versions of their newspaper.
The Miscellany’s paper format has undergone some updates, with the help of design consultant Ed Henninger of Rock Hill, that include easier-to-read fonts, a cleaner layout and more focus on diocesan news.
A redesigned Web site, themiscellany.org, will also launch Nov. 5 with a new, more contemporary look that is user friendly.
The two media are designed to compliment each other and provide the readership with options on how they wish to receive their news.
The Web site is an invitation to another generation of Catholics to participate in the future of their church, while the paper will include almost all of the regular features, special sections and commentary. The Web site, designed by 803Labs.com of Myrtle Beach, will provide daily updates, more articles and photographs, calendars, readings and commentary. Video will be included in the next year.
The Miscellany is the successor to the first Catholic newspaper published in this country. Bishop John England founded the weekly United States Catholic Miscellany on June 5, 1822, to write in defense of the faith. The original circulation was 600 with a $4 subscription rate.
Now, The Miscellany has over 29,000 subscriptions and costs $19 for 44 issues. The paper went through name and editorial changes until the Dec. 11, 1861, fire in Charleston that destroyed the Cathedral of St. John and St. Finbar, and took the press with it. The Miscellany ceased publication until 1951, when it resumed as The Catholic Banner, a section of Our Sunday Visitor.
In 1960, The Banner became part of a collaboration by the three neighboring dioceses with offices in Columbia. It featured local articles and photographs accompanied by national and international news from the Catholic News Service. Bishop David B. Thompson renamed the publication The New Catholic Miscellany and moved it to Charleston in 1995. The word “New” was removed in 2002.
The weekly, statewide newspaper is produced with a small staff based in Charleston and Columbia, and a few dedicated freelancers.
In order to represent every parish in some way and inspire subscribers, The Miscellany continues to rely on its readers. Let us know who is living their faith in the secular world, the way a parish is reaching out to the community, what is inspiring you or your family, or what you would like to read.
For information about sending in press releases or calendar items, visit themiscellany.org or send your comments to editor@catholic-doc.org.
The Catholic Miscellany can only provide the faithful of the Diocese of Charleston with the Good News with your support. It is intended to reach every Catholic home in South Carolina. Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone continues to support the parish plan that allows those who contribute to the church to receive a subscription.
If you wish to subscribe, you may do so at your parish or you can purchase one for yourself or as a gift by contacting Stephanie D. Paetsch, circulation coordinator, at stevie@catholic-doc.org. Call the office at (843) 724-8375.