Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
February 28, 2001
Gratitude, new beginnings and grace
Here's a big "thank you" to each and every person who called, sent cards, e-mailed or visited to congratulate me on my new job. Your kindness increased my joy and bolstered my confidence.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I am both thrilled and humbled by this extraordinary opportunity. I didn't desire to be an editor when I entered this business, but I had editors who encouraged me to join their ranks, so, I prayed long and hard before the Blessed Sacrament to know whether I should accept this position should it be offered. When it was, I knew that with God's grace, I could do the work He wanted me to do.
Which brings me to my next point — change. I cried when Peter Droege walked out the door a week ago. He guided me with brotherly care and I will never forget that. He also left the Denver Catholic Register a better paper than the one he took over. He deleted things, added things, polished things. I intend to do the same.
"In the beginning was the Word..." begins the Gospel of St. John, echoing the first words of Genesis, as it describes Christ's timeless existence. The Scripture goes on to say that creation occurred through the Word, and in the Word. I love that. It makes perfect sense. It speaks to my writer's heart.
Words. Stories. The Scriptures. As a member of the Catholic press I get paid to meet people — God's people — and tell their stories. I can't imagine a better job. It is an awesome privilege. It's almost like writing the Scriptures for today. The honor is made even greater for me because I write for the venerable Denver Catholic Register, which has reported on and reflected the changing times for 100 years.
The Register will celebrate its 101st birthday on St. Patrick's Day next month. That's something pretty special. A long line of fine editors have preceded me. I respect them and their work and I intend to continue their proud tradition of putting out a paper that informs the faithful about what's going on in this beautiful, diverse diocese and in the global Church, that clarifies theological ideas so they can be understood by the average person, and that inspires and evangelizes through stories that show how God is working in our lives.
To do that, the Register needs your help. With a staff of six, we can't possibly be everywhere and know everything. Let us know what's happening in your parish. Tell us about your special people. Because we have limited space, not everything will find its way into the paper, but we will do our best.
With God's grace, the Register will do the work He wants us to do. My prayer is that our work will bless your lives and bring God greater glory and honor.
—Roxanne King
To contact the Register: Send letters to: Denver Catholic Register, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver, CO 80210. Call: 303-715-3215. E-mail: Roxanne.King@archden.org.
