Thanks be to God, this year has been quite a journey for America Media, an impressive period of growth and change during some of the most significant events of recent memory: a historic papal visit to the United States, the meeting of the Synod of Bishops on the family and the start of the U.S. presidential election.
I am very proud of the editors and staff who continue to bring you this smart, Catholic take on faith and culture, not just each week in print but every day online and every hour through social media.
This year we added several new editors and correspondents to our masthead; we hosted more than a dozen events; and we led two pilgrimages, one to the Holy Land and the other to Ignatian Spain. In 2015 we also launched new awards and programs for Catholic journalists, and we greatly enhanced our digital and video capabilities—all part of our efforts to realize our vision of America Media as a dynamic, multiplatform media ministry.
We could not have done all these things, however, without the support of people like you. Nor would we want to. America is more than a journal of opinion. We are a community, a resource for spiritual renewal and social analysis, guided by the Jesuit ideal of finding God in all things.
Everywhere I travel, I am reminded that America Media has the most loyal audience in publishing today. Many of you have supported us for decades, through fair and foul, changing editors, changing times and a changing church. Christmas is the time for thanks, so on behalf of all of us at America Media: Thank you. You are warmly remembered in our Masses and prayers each and every week.
In past years, America’s readers have been particularly generous contributors to our annual Christmas appeal. Without the support we receive each holiday season, we would not be able to sustain our commitment to excellence. A contribution to our Christmas appeal will go directly toward our most immediate and pressing financial needs and will enable us to continue to broaden our efforts to lead the conversation about faith and culture in the United States. A strong financial base is also essential in order for America Media to fulfill its vision for the future.
By now you should have received the direct appeal that was sent to our singularly generous group of America Associates and to our active and involved audience of readers and viewers. Regardless of the size of your contribution, we greatly appreciate whatever level of support you can manage. Please respond by sending your check to our offices at 106 West 56th St., New York, NY 10019, or use our donation page online at www.americamedia.org.
If you have already sent a donation, we thank you for your lovely Christmas present! We also thank you who have given America subscriptions as Christmas gifts. You would be surprised at the number of readers who became regular subscribers after receiving a gift subscription.
As I finish this column, night is falling and horns are honking as rush hour hits its peak in Manhattan. I am sure everyone heading home is quite happy that it is not snowing. Normal gridlock is bad enough without snow. But there may be another reason for their smiles: Christmas is coming. Hope and expectation are in the air. We have much to be thankful for and much to hope for. Merry Christmas!
