Keep your eyes open to the joy of the Gospel

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our focus in the Diocese of Davenport becomes clearer each day: to bring the joy of the Gospel to everyone we encounter. The Catholic Messenger, our diocesan newspaper, provides me with a lens to show what evangelization looks like in our parishes, schools, religious communities and the world at large.

The Messenger adjusts the lens for the viewing preferences of today’s audience — ranging from the print edition, e-edition and website to Facebook, podcasts and an e-newsletter for young adults. These options help me, like Paul in the early years of Christianity, to communicate with you the salvific mission and vision of our Church.
During our diocesan Vision 20/20 Convocation last June, I reminded the 450 delegates that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples at Pentecost was meant to gather into one the dispersed children of God. That remains our mission today.

We go out, beyond the church walls, to encounter others in order to fulfill that mission. Last year, in addition to visits to parishes and schools, I traveled to correctional facilities, to Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference, and to the home of the Dalai Lama and to a slum in India. I also spent a couple of days on the road riding RAGBRAI. The Messenger joined me on the journeys, to be able to share with you the story of these encounters in a compelling way.

This weekend, parishes kick off the 2020 subscription drive. To help encourage more people to subscribe, all households in the diocese will receive one free edition of The Catholic Messenger on Jan. 23. That special issue will also include Catholic Schools Week coverage.

No other media, print or digital, covers the Catholic Church in our diocese with the expertise and integrity of The Catholic Messenger. It is a real value at $29 per year for 50 issues — print or E-edition. Watch for the subscription drive in your parish.

My hope is that all households will subscribe to The Catholic Messenger. Please subscribe or buy a subscription for a friend or family member. We want to open everyone’s eyes to the joy of the Gospel.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula
Bishop of Davenport