To better unify, inform, and inspire Catholics throughout the Diocese of Peoria, as well as adapt to evolving communication technology, The Catholic Post’s annual subscription drive has been redesigned as the “Delivering Unity Campaign.”

“The campaign is an historic change in our approach to the award-winning diocesan newspaper that has been a faithful part of Catholic life in central Illinois for three generations,” said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who approved the new plan in December.

“While traditionally we have asked for subscriptions on the first Sunday of February,” the bishop writes in a letter to be read at all Masses Jan. 29-30, “this year we invite contributions to support a new commitment to share the vital information and inspiration found on its pages with every
Catholic household, both via newsprint and new digital technologies.”

Present subscribers will receive a letter in the coming days explaining the new campaign and inviting support.

In addition, the Feb. 6 issue of The Catholic Post — also featuring a detailed explanation of the new plan — will be mailed to all 65,000 Catholic households throughout the diocese.

Envelopes for use in the campaign will be supplied in both the mailing to subscribers and the Feb. 6 issue of The Catholic Post. Contributions may also be made via credit card both online and by telephone.

WHAT’S CHANGING?
For those wishing to continue home delivery of The Catholic Post at the $25 rate of the last several years, very little is changing.

But the “Delivering Unity Campaign” will invite Catholics of the diocese to consider the many benefits of The Catholic Post reaching every home. Not only would individuals find greater support for Catholic living, but church causes such as vocations, pro-life efforts, and the work of Catholic Charities would benefit from greater awareness.

“What couldn’t our fully mobilized “army of God” accomplish in service to the Church and our neighbors in need in central Illinois and beyond,” asks Bishop Jenky. Special mention is made of sharing the newspaper’s inspiring stories with Catholics who are hurting, inactive, or out of work.

While all gifts to the campaign ensure home delivery for a year, “those able to give beyond the traditional $25 subscription investment might consider doing so as a practical way to evangelize those we may not see in our pews every weekend,” said Bishop Jenky.

The campaign also supports the free sharing of news via the newspaper’s website, thecatholicpost.com, including an electronic version of the complete newspaper which can be easily shared digitally with friends and family. The website will feature more daily updates, and persons linked to the newspaper via social media including Facebook and Twitter will be updated on breaking news.

FOUR LEVELS OF SUPPORT
The “Delivering Unity Campaign” suggests four levels of support, including the establishment of a new society honoring the nearly five decades of service to the Catholic press of longtime editor and publisher Msgr. Robert G. Peters.

“That is among my favorite elements of the new campaign,” said Thomas Dermody, editor. “We look forward to honoring Msgr. Peters’ legacy and sharing his remarkable story with a new generation.”

Another level of suggested giving allows readers to sponsor a page of The Catholic Post, perhaps in memory of a loved one or in gratitude for an occasion such as a wedding anniversary.

Other levels are the regular subscriber level of $25 and an “Evangelizer Level” or $50.