It is with a bittersweet heart that I write this column to you today. After more than five years serving as the Editorial Director of The Catholic Telegraph, I am signing off. Readers may remember that life has thrown some difficult things in my path over the last several years, especially with my children’s health. It’s fitting then, that in this, our volunteer issue, I get to share that I’m stepping down to serve my family with my time and focus.

The path forward is filled with both sadness and hope. I have loved this job and doing the hard work of moving a long- standing newspaper to a beautiful, evangelizing magazine. But there is also great joy and tremendous relief as I move into family time and freelance work.

My youngest daughter, upon hearing the news, exclaimed, “Mama! You’re going to be home now when we get home from school?!” And that was all the reassurance I needed that I’m following the correct path forward.

Perhaps Pope Francis said it best, “Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!”

I, a first-born, workaholic daughter, always worry about letting others down. And while there were many tears from my staff at the news, their words of “Congratulations” drowned out the difficult emotions. My coworker, Greg, said it best. “Now you get to focus on your important vocation as a mother.” And when my family heard the news, not only were they celebrating for me, but a box of Crumbl cookies showed up at my office with the note: “Your mom and sisters are super proud of you!” Is there any better encouragement than that?!

By the time this issue hits your mailbox, new leadership will be at the helm. Margaret Swensen, the archdiocesan videographer and The Catholic Telegraph’s photographer, will serve as interim editor of the magazine. She was my personal choice to step in because I know that she has the skill set to do this job and an amazing eye for editing and beauty. I’m grateful for her brave acceptance of what is often a challenging public role with many moving pieces.

The entire team of The Catholic Telegraph is rising to the challenge, and their fresh ideas and enthusiasm give me great confidence in the future of this publication.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your editor.

With gratitude,