Celebrating 50 years

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	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 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik --     Bridging the Gap: A mosaic of talents, work     Newspaper shows talents of many in events of 50 years

This week we celebrate the 50th anniversary of your diocesan newspaper. We are the fourth oldest diocesan organization, predated only by Catholic Charities (1918), Education (1928) and the Tribunal (1941).

Since our founding in 1956, we have had three names: first The Register, then The Spirit (1970) and finally The Compass (1978). We've been a broadsheet (1956-77, 1978-85), a monthly magazine (1977-78), and since 1985, a tabloid.

We've been printed as far away as Denver and as near as Denmark - the one in Brown County, not Europe.

It's all been possible with the backing of five bishops, the support of tens of thousands of readers and thousands of advertisers, and the work of numerous staff members.

That staff - stewards of a sacred trust - have all sought to bring a slice of the church - universal, diocesan, parish and individual Catholics - into your homes each week.

To you we say thank you. Not only couldn't we do it without you, there would be no reason to do so. Happy 50th!