Bridging the Gap: A mosaic of talents, work

	Bishop David Zubik

If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing a mosaic you know of the two-fold beauty that lies within the art piece. Built of many pieces, a mosaic offers art through each tile as well as the collective presentation of the tiles. A keen eye sees that each tile is slightly different than all the rest, and yet each tile works in concert with others to create a beautiful and complex piece that can leave the viewer awestruck.

When I think of The Compass newspaper I think of a mosaic. For the last 50 years, different teams of people have worked together to bring to our readers a variety of unique stories and inspiring photographs. Many stories have come from right here in northeastern Wisconsin, while others have come from across the U.S. and around the world. There have been columns, reflections, letters, quizzes, and so much more. And all of these pieces, like mosaic tiles, have come together and provided five decades of Catholic newspaper coverage.

	Special Section: Diocesan newspaper turns 50
	Only in the Print Edition ... Articles found only in the 12-page special section of the Nov. 3, 2006 Compass print edition: • High-flying Register takes aerial photos of all     church buildings • First editorial lays out purpose of the paper • The Spirit felt effects of Vatican II • Bp. Robert Morneau: Current paper carries on     a noble tradition • Circulation and advertising have always been     a concern • Early Compass told many faith stories • Bp. Robert Banks: Sometimes column     deadlines were tough Subscribe to print edition
	Related articles: from November 3, 2006 issue: • Diocesan paper reaches golden jubilee     Actual history dates back to the 19th century     Sidebar: The North Wisconsin Catholic     Sidebar: Editors of the papers • Editorial -- Celebrating 50 years     Diocesan newspaper finishes first half-century

In my three years as Bishop of this Diocese, what has impressed me the most about The Compass has been the sheer volume of work delivered by a relatively small staff. First, there is the hard work of advertising and marketing representative Amy Kawula, graphic artist Katie Mann, and circulation assistant Barb Gauthier. Together, the three work to find advertising clients for whom The Compass is a great vehicle, and they work to deliver a great educational tool into our classrooms, parishes and homes.

Then there is the editorial staff consisting of editor Tony Staley, associate editor Patricia Kasten and assistant editor Jeff Kurowski, who, along with longtime freelance photographer Rick Evans and some freelance writers, cover just about everything under the sun from parish anniversaries to major diocesan initiatives, school projects, parish missions, ordinations, and the many ways our families, teens and individuals are living their faith.

More specifically, I have been impressed with the newspaper staff's coverage of three events. First, the jubilee editions. The Sisters' Jubilee and the Priests' Jubilee special editions are wonderful examples of how we as a community of believers pause each year and recognize the invaluable service given by the countless priests and women and men of religious orders. I have been humbled by the stories of these individuals who have given their hearts and lives to Christ and our Church.

Second, the coverage of my appointment and installation as your Bishop. There's no other way to state it other than I was awestruck and humbled by the coverage. The Compass provided a wealth of information about my background and captured the essence of the people who were most influential in my spiritual formation. There is no doubt in my mind that The Compass played an important role in helping to introduce me to the people of this Diocese. For that, I will always be grateful.

Third, losing a fearless leader or dear friend is never easy. Yet, somehow The Compass' tender coverage upon the death of retired Bishop Aloysius Wycislo, who passed away on Oct. 11, 2005, and my mom, Susan Zubik, who died on Jan. 16, 2006, helped ease the loss of them. Each, in their own right, was a fearless leader and dear friend, and The Compass did an excellent job of capturing each person's commitment to the people of their time and to God. Bp. Wycislo's and my mom's faith were very much alive and at the core of who they were. I hope the stories of their deep dedication to God served to inspire others to draw closer to God.

So, on this 50th anniversary of The Compass I offer the staff of yesteryear and today my heartfelt congratulations. But I also want to thank them for the gift each of them brings to the publication. Like the tiles of a mosaic, each person is gifted and talented; together, they form a terrific staff that publishes a wonderful and award-winning newspaper.

Grateful for the belief that "Nothing is Impossible with God," I am

Bishop David A. Zubik