CLEVELAND, Ohio - After extensive study and discernment, Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, is announcing a reorganization of diocesan communications.
Bishop Lennon named Deacon Jim Armstrong, a veteran communications professional, to the newly created position of Executive Director of Communications for the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland. He will lead efforts to enhance, improve and strengthen diocesan communication initiatives on all platforms. Mr. Bob Tayek, Director of Public Relations and Media Relations for the diocese, will report to Deacon Armstrong and will work closely with him in these endeavors.
?Deacon Armstrong brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, in both the religious and secular sense, to this new key position,? Bishop Lennon said.
?I am looking forward to helping strengthen diocesan communication efforts so that everyone who has a desire to know more about the Church and grow closer to Christ may receive His word and answer His call,? Deacon Armstrong said.
In addition, the Bishop said the diocese will partner with Faith Catholic to publish a new local magazine, Northeast Ohio Catholic, which will focus on evangelization and formation. The magazine will be published six times per year and will be sent to all 230,000+ Catholic households in the diocese. It will provide sound Catholic Doctrine and will serve as a tool for evangelization and re-evangelization. Northeast Ohio Catholic will replace the bi-weekly Catholic Universe Bulletin newspaper, which will cease publication with its July 3 issue. ?Of course, I am deeply grateful for the many years of dedicated service of the Universe Bulletin?s staff under the direction of Mr. Joe Polito,? Bishop Lennon said. Mrs. Carol Kovach, Editor of the Universe Bulletin, will become editor of Northeast Ohio Catholic, which will debut in the fall.
?The Universe Bulletin has been a great source of communication, formation and information for the people of the diocese since it began publication in 1874. However, profound changes in the way people receive their information have had a great bearing on the effectiveness of a bi-weekly newspaper. We feel this new magazine will be a good tool to serve our various Catholic audiences,? Bishop Lennon said.
Kovach, an award-winning journalist, brings more than 40 years? experience as a reporter, photographer and editor in print and electronic media to her new position. A graduate of John Carroll University, she is a member of St. Patrick West Park Parish in Cleveland. She also is treasurer of the Press Club of Cleveland and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Deacon Armstrong, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Akron General Health System, is a graduate of Cleveland State University and a veteran of the communications field. He previously was Director of News and Information at the Cleveland Clinic and Director of Communications for the MetroHealth System. In addition, he worked more than 30 years in radio, television and public affairs, earning three local Emmy awards for his work as a television journalist. An ordained deacon, he was a special assistant to Bishop Lennon 2009-2011 and helped direct a major reconfiguration of the diocese. Deacon Armstrong ministers at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish in Parma.
?For the past several months, many priests and laity have provided valuable input on the importance and the need for effective diocesan communication, including a new and different direction to reach the Catholic population of the diocese. I am grateful for their insight and look forward to this new chapter, which I believe will help strengthen the Church in Northeast Ohio,? Bishop Lennon said.
