Saying goodbye

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

This issue of The Compass ends my 18-year tenure as editor of your diocesan newspaper.

This has been a grand experience that's lasted far longer than I ever imagined when I walked into the offices on Aug. 17, 1989. Back then, I expected to stay 3-5 years, then move to another paper.

	Related articles: from August 31, 2007 issue: • News, information manager begins • Staley retires from Compass to travel, write from Jan. 26, 2007 issue: • Editorial -- Clarifying what's going on

But that thought faded more and more with each year. Even now, my wife, Jackie (known to many people across the diocese as the diocesan coordinator of Renew 2000 and for the numerous classes, talks and workshops she has given), and I plan to stay put. We have grown to love this area - my love began on my first visit from Portland, Ore., in late June 1989, when I came for the job interview. We have made many friends and are active in our parish and civic community.

So why retire, especially since at age 57 social security is still years away? There are a dozen reasons, some personal, some professional. Probably the best shorthand reason is this: It's time. My tenure is by far the longest for an editor of this diocese's newspapers (more than one-third of that 50-year history and three-fifths of The Compass' 30-year history) and nearly twice as long as my longest-serving predecessor.

That's a long way of saying it's time for someone with fresh ideas to take charge. The Compass faces many challenges and opportunities in coming years to meet the needs of print readers and to reach out more to readers on the Internet, using both current and developing technologies.

Those are tall orders, but I am confident that Bp. David Zubik, working in conjunction with the diocesan Communications Department and Human Resources, has found the right person in Sam Lucero.

I have known Sam for nearly as long as I've lived in Wisconsin, first when he was editor of the Catholic Herald in Superior, and more recently as associate managing editor of the Catholic Herald in Milwaukee. In Superior, he put out a high quality award-winning newspaper. In Milwaukee he assisted on another high quality paper and did some wonderful things with their Website. I'm sure he will be a great addition to The Compass and that he will enjoy serving the Catholics of this diocesan church.

I have enjoyed serving three bishops: Card. Adam Maida and Bps. Robert Banks and David Zubik (plus several months in 1990 when Auxiliary Bp. Robert Morneau was diocesan administrator). Each bishop brought his own style as publisher. They are all prayerful men dedicated to the church.

It's also been a privilege to work with the scores of other diocesan employees, all of whom are committed to the work of the church and to helping others in any way they can.

Over the years, I've gotten to know many of you, our readers. I feel privileged, and at times overwhelmed, by your support of and devotion to this paper. We haven't always agreed, which is fine with me. I consider us to be pilgrims on the journey with different ideas on the best route. I've tried to encourage that interplay and exchange.

I can't say enough about The Compass' staff. They are a devoted group of professionals who have taught me a lot. This paper is possible because of everyone working together: Patricia Kasten, associate editor; Jeff Kurowski, assistant editor; Amy Kawula, manager of advertising sales and marketing; Barb Gauthier, administrative assistant; Katie Mann, design and sales associate; Rosemary Campbell (and filling in for her, Dottie Crevcoure, and Chris Rosera, Rosemary's predecessor), proofreader; Barb Wittlinger, our tireless volunteer; plus from the Communications Department, Tony Kuick, director and general manager; Renae Bauer, associate director; Eileen Mach, administrative services supervisor; and in Computer Services, Dan Lee, manager of information technology; Nick Griffe, Webmaster; Mary Jane Heim, administrative assistant; and Bea Seidl, database manager; their predecessors, and our free-lance photographers, writers, columnists and Chris Lee, our Website designer.

As for the future, I hope to do some free-lance editing and writing, including some stories for The Compass, and to write some books.

Thank you, everyone. You are in my prayers every day.