FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Special Edition of The Long Island Catholic Mailed to All Catholics on Long Island 12 page Wrap-Around Section Raises Awareness In Catholic Schools

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, January 11, 2008 —  A special edition of The Long Island Catholic newspaper featuring a 12 page wrap-around section devoted to Catholic education is set to mail to nearly every household identified as Catholic on Long Island on Jan. 14, 2008. 

The mailing is a key component in the diocesan Catholic elementary school marketing strategy.  By increasing its circulation from slightly under 100,000 homes to nearly 400,000 homes, the diocese will be raising awareness in its 58 elementary schools in advance of Catholic Schools Week and reintroduce the paper to those who may not currently receive it.

Articles in the wrap-around section tell the story of Catholic education from the perspective of those involved in its mission:  alumni, parents, students, teachers and volunteer lay people.  “We’re hoping that people will see the special education section and will be motivated to visit a Catholic school during Catholic Schools Week,” said Sean P. Dolan, director of communications, Diocese of Rockville Centre. “We’re also hoping to stimulate donations to the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation.”

The increased distribution also enables the paper to reintroduce itself to people who haven’t received it in the past. “We are striving to make the paper more relevant to the Catholic-in-the pew,” said Dolan.  Three new lay women columnists give greater focus to Catholic family life and to the Church’s efforts to engage the culture and be a voice in the public square.  “There has much greater attention given to young people throughout our diocese, not only with coverage of various youth events, but also by inviting young people to share their thoughts with readers,” said Dolan.

The special section will raise the drumbeat of news prior to Catholic Schools Week 2008 (Jan. 27-Feb. 2).  In addition, the diocese will air radio spots on the leading Long Island radio stations.  This, along with the efforts of the 58 elementary schools across Long Island will increase interest in the many open houses that will take place during Catholic Schools Week. 

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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island.