Great news: Our Sunday Visitor buys Deacon Digest

This press release just arrived in my “in” box:

Our Sunday Visitor announces the recent acquisition of Deacon Digest magazine, a bi-monthly periodical serving deacons, deacon candidates, and their wives and families. The magazine has been in existence for more than 30 years and was most recently published by Abbey Press. “In the past 50 years, since the restoration of the permanent diaconate by Pope Paul VI, there has been a growing need for continuing formation and support for permanent deacons,” stated Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief. “This is especially true in the United States, where more than half of the world’s 30,000 deacons serve. Through this one-of-a-kind publication, Our Sunday Visitor continues to advance our mission of serving the Church by supporting this important ministry.” The number of permanent deacons continues to rise, while diaconal ministry continues to expand and develop in the United States and around the world. The acquisition of Deacon Digest allows Our Sunday Visitor to play a crucial role in assisting this growing community that is vital to the life of the Church. The addition of Deacon Digest also complements OSV’s long-standing commitment to serving Catholic clergy, which began in 1924 with the establishment of the prestigious The Priest magazine. A mid-2018 launch is planned for OSV’s first print issue of Deacon Digest. The magazine will also be available in digital format. In the meantime, interested readers are invited to go to www.deacondigest.com to sign up for a free monthly email newsletter and a special discount when Deacon Digest is once again available. “Our Sunday Visitor continues to expand and grow in areas that are central to our mission: to serve the Church,” stated Joe Wikert, publishing president. “Deacon Digest fits perfectly into that mission.”

I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been a reader and frequent contributor for years.  I also served on the magazine’s editorial advisory board.  I’m delighted that the magazine will go on, under the guidance of OSV, a publishing force like no other in Catholic media. Kudos!