Follow Me ‘Thank you for being In Communion with us’ By Bishop Terry R. LaValley

February 21, 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Searching the word “Communion” on the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, you’ll find four definitions. The first definition is “an act or instance of sharing.” Next, you’ll find it defined as “a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed… as the body and blood of Christ.” The third definition is “intimate fellowship or rapport.” Finally, the fourth definition is “a body of Christians having common faith and discipline.”

This year, as the North Country Catholic begins its annual subscription campaign, we celebrate being In Communion. In the pages of our North Country Catholic, you’ll find many “acts or instances of sharing.” The newspaper shares stories of how our North Country neighbors – individuals, parishes, schools and organizations – are trying to follow the Lord’s call and share His love. Reading those stories, we find similarities with our own lives.  We find ideas to improve our faith and spirituality, and we find inspiration in seeing what the Lord is doing in the world around us. It helps connect us, despite how far apart we may be geographically. The newspaper helps create that “intimate fellowship or rapport” and helps us see our “common faith and discipline” in action, as mentioned on that online dictionary page.  And, of course, we are drawn together by Holy Communion, Christ given to us, body and blood, soul and divinity. We are truly In Communion.

Through the North Country Catholic, I communicate with Catholics around the diocese as we move forward In Communion on this journey of faith, guided by our loving God. The paper also shares local, state, national and international news and information relevant to our faith and our lives.

This weekend, the annual North Country Catholic subscription campaign begins. I ask every family to subscribe to our diocesan paper. If you are a current subscriber, thank you for renewing your subscription in this week’s campaign. Why not consider obtaining a subscription as a gift for a family member? I invite those who do not currently subscribe to consider how important it is today to be an informed Catholic Christian and allow our diocesan newspaper to be a vehicle to help you and your families grow in faith.

Thank you for being In Communion with us by subscribing to the North Country Catholic. I am grateful for your prayerful support.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley
Bishop of Ogdensburg