Dear Catholic Times readers:

After 17 years as editor of Catholic Times and over 20 years of service to the Springfield diocese, I am retiring at the end of June. I wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to all our faithful readers. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you. It’s been a pleasure to write and edit stories on how people in our diocese live the Gospel, sometimes in mundane and sometimes in heroic ways.

I’d like to thank the three bishops for whom I have worked: first, Bishop Daniel Ryan who appointed me; then, now-Archbishop George Lucas; and finally Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. I am grateful for their continual encouragement and their vigorous support of the Catholic press.

My thanks also to all the faith-filled, gifted people with whom I have worked over the years as a member of the diocesan Curia. Thanks as well to all the clergy, religious and lay people who help build up the church in the 28 counties of the Springfield diocese.

Finally, thank you to the Catholic Times staff. You guys have been my office family, my teammates and my friends. I’ll never forget working with you.

Effective July 1, Scott Mulford will be the new editor for Catholic Times. I have known Scott for a number of years and have been impressed by his talent and the authenticity of his faith. I am confident that I leave the newspaper in capable hands.

As I begin this new phase of my life, I promise to keep all of you in my prayers — and I hope you will keep me in yours.

In peace,
Kathie Sass