It’s sad to read about the demise of a diocesan newspaper [Youth ministry, newspaper ‘suspended,’ Jan. 2012, p. 1]. The suspension of the diocese of Ontario’s Dialogue is nothing short of tragic. How will members of the diocese keep in touch? How will the bishop communicate with his charges? Mass mailings are expensive. Not only have they cut off the arm of communication, but also the feet of the future in vastly reducing outreach to youth.Without a viable means of keeping in touch, communities fall apart. The Internet is not quite universal enough yet to take the place of print media. Not everyone is computer-literate or has access to electronic media. The hierarchy appears to be closing its hands around the neck of a body already experiencing breathing difficulties. No one can say for certain where the Spirit will blow, but a cool breeze refreshes everyone.
