Catholic columnists share views on news, family life, spirituality

By Malea Hargett Editor, Arkansas CPA board member (Southern Regional Representative)

This is an incomplete list of 30 syndicated Catholic columnists. Every attempt was made to contact columnists and get their information, but some did not respond by the deadline. This list does not include information on the quality columnists you can find on Catholic News Service. We encourage editors to call or e-mail the columnists and ask to see samples of their columns.

B-H Mary Beth Bonacci Bonacci, who has been giving talks to audiences across the U.S. and internationally for more than 20 years, is the author of two books and is the founder of Real Love Inc. 191 University Blvd. #335 Denver, CO 80206 [email protected] www.reallove.net She has been writing her monthly column, which doesn’t have an official name, for nearly 20 years. It appears in an unknown number of newspapers. Topics: Culture, Catholic life, Catholic family life, parenting, single Catholics, general commentary Average length: 800-1,000 words Cost per column: Depends on circulation, starts at $25 Other comments: Columns can be seen at www.reallove.net .

Name of writer: Denise E. Bossert Bossert is a freelance writer who has published articles in 37 diocesan newspapers. She entered the in 2005. 4575 Hopewell Rd. Wentzville, MO 63385 (636) 828-4490 [email protected] www.catholicbygrace.blogspot.com You can find her on @denisebossert “Catholic by Grace” is published monthly in five diocesan newspapers and occasionally in 32 other diocesan publications. She started the column in 2005. Topics: Joys of conversion and gems of Catholicism -- through the eyes of a Protestant preacher's daughter turned Roman Catholic Average length: 650-750 words Cost per column: no charge Other comments: Do you know what it's like to experience Christmas or a first birthday or the first snowfall of a season through the eyes of a toddler? That's what I do as a Catholic writer. As a convert, it's all new and beautiful to me. I share that joy with seasoned Catholics who then remember why they are blessed to be Catholic by Grace.

Rachel Balducci Balducci is an author, wife and mother who writes about finding Jesus (and staying sane and happy) in the midst of life with five lively sons and one baby girl. 2309 Ruby Drive Augusta, GA 30906 [email protected] www.Testosterhome.net as well as Faith and Family Live! You can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Her column, which doesn’t have an official name, appears in two publications on a weekly basis. She has been writing it for three years. Topics: Family life Average length: 650-700 words Cost per column: $40 Other comments you want to share with editors: I have just published my first book, “How Do You Tuck In A Superhero, ” with Revell Publishing Co.

Chris Benguhe Former People magazine writer and tabloid editor-turned inspirational author and Catholic columnist, Benguhe gave up the world of glitz and glamour to make a difference with his words. [email protected] www.OneMoreDayAlive.com You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. His weekly column, “A Better View,” appears in three publications. He has been writing his column for nine years. Topics: A current events-inspired commentary on how to overcome tough times in our everyday lives and everyday world Average length: 600 words Cost per column: $25 Other comments: Recent samples of the column are on www.catholicsun.org .

John Bosio Bosio is a seasoned family life minister, author of “Happy Together, the Catholic Blueprint for a Loving Marriage,” and of “SIX DATES for Catholic Couples” - a DVD program for marriage enrichment at the level. 301 Compass Point Hermitage, TN 37076 (615) 884-9287 [email protected] www.happy-together.net His monthly column, “Faithful Marriages,” has appeared in The Tennessee Register for the past five years, but previously appeared in The Leaven of Kansas City, Kan., for four years. Topics: Marriage - the spirituality of Catholic marriage Average length: 600 words Cost per column: $25 Other comments: My column reminds the readers that everyday events in a marriage are opportunities to grow in holiness. The goal of the articles is to put the wisdom of the Catholic teachings in words that readers can relate to and understand.

Christina Capecchi Capecchi earned a master’s degree in journalism from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, strings for The New York Times and has won multiple first- place awards from the Catholic Press Association. 8124 Clifford Circle Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 [email protected] www.ReadChristina.com You can find her on Twitter @ ReadChristina “Twenty Something” appears monthly in about 50 publications. She has been writing the column since April 2006. Name of column: Twenty Something Topics: pop culture and current events through the lens of a Catholic young adult Average length: 580 words Cost per column: negotiable Other comments: Once an editor buys my column, I offer a free “author’s cut” podcast of it. I believe so strongly that diocesan papers must be more attractive to young people, and you can’t do that by providing columns from older writers who are talking to us. It needs to come from us. Twenty Something is written by 20-something for 20- somethings. That approach works.

Gerald M. Costello/Stephanie Raha Costello, former president of The Christophers, was founding editor of both The Beacon (Paterson, NJ) and Catholic New York. Raha, former producer of Christopher Radio & Television, has been editor-in-chief of The Christophers for twenty years. They alternate writing the column each week. The Christophers 5 Hanover Square, 11th Floor New York, NY 10004 (212) 759-4050 [email protected] [email protected] www.christophers.org You can find The Christophers on Facebook and Twitter. “Light One Candle” is published weekly in 65 publications. The current writers have been writing it for two yeas, but the column started 30 years ago. Topics: Each column uses engaging real-life stories and commentary to remind readers that they are unique and have a God-given mission to change the world for the better. Average length: 500 to 600 words Cost per column: Free Other comments: A month’s worth of Light One Candle columns are sent to editors by e-mail about the middle of the preceding month. Columns may be used weekly or as space permits. We also have Spanish translations of columns (Encienda Una Vela) available twice monthly.

Kay Cozad Cozad is a widow, mother of two, writer, news editor for Today's Catholic newspaper in Fort Wayne, Ind., and certified grief educator who facilitates a widows support group, and offers bereavement education seminars to hospices, churches and universities. 3011 Settlement Creek Run Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 449-1650 [email protected] or [email protected] www.todayscatholicnews.org “Hope in the Mourning: Lessons in Grief” is published once a month in three Catholic newspapers and two Web sites. She has been writing the column for two years. Topics: general aspects of and responses to grieving a loss to accounts of personal journeys, including the faith aspect Average length: 600-800 words Cost per column: $30 Other comments: The Hope column has received good reviews from our readership. Grief is a universal response to loss. This column addresses issues of loss that are neglected in our mourning-avoidant culture and can be a benefit to a wide range of readers as an enlightening educational tool.

Mary DeTurris Poust DeTurris Poust is an award-winning reporter, columnist and blogger, and the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Catholic Catechism,” “Parenting a Grieving Child,” and “Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship.” 12 Reid Place Delmar, NY 12054 518-439-7805 [email protected] www.marydeturrispoust.com AND www.notstrictlyspiritual.blogspot.com You can find her on Facebook and Twitter. “Life Lines” appears monthly in Catholic New York and three other newspapers. She has been writing the column for nine years. Topics: family life, faith lived out in the world, spiritual journey Average length: 650 words Cost per column: $50 Other comments: Catholic New York remains my home paper and has requested the right to submit for awards.

Mike Eisenbath A former professional sportswriter at a major metropolitan daily newspaper, Eisenbath is a husband of 25 years and father of four who currently writes a weekly blog on his Web site. 700 North Duchesne Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 (314) 374-3979. [email protected] www.eisenbath.com You can find him on Facebook at www.eisenbath.com His monthly column, "Man of the House" appears monthly in the St. Louis Review. He started writing the column in 2010. Topics: faith, family, spirituality, mental illness (specifically depression) Average length: 600-700 words Cost per column: negotiable, approximately $25 Other comments: I have authored two baseball books and published a third book last year called "Hence My Eyes Are Turned Toward You: Confronting Depression With Faith and The Prayer of Jehoshaphat." When I left the newspaper business, I went to work with my own office as a financial advisor.

Christopher Fenoglio The author of an award-winning column, Fenoglio is a husband and parent of three college students, a movie connoisseur, music minister, book reviewer, writer of inspirational stories, Web site and interactive marketing manager, avid baseball fan and graduate of the University of Notre Dame. 713 Wagon Drive Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 943-1244 [email protected] www.christopherfenoglio.com You can find him on Twitter: @chrisfig “Reel Life Journeys” appears in three publications monthly. He has been writing it for five years. Topics: films, faith and family. The author uses his Music Row and Hollywood contacts to write about inspirational, spiritual themes in movies, music and books that reinforce our daily walk with Christ. Average length: 850 words Cost per column: Small circulation, $15; medium circulation, $20; large circulation, $25

Kathy Cribari Hamer Hamber is a mother of five, works in student publications at Texas Christian University and has worked in Catholic publications for more than two decades. PO Box 2253 Fort Worth, TX 76113 [email protected] http://kathycribarihamer.com “Something Else” is published twice a month in three publications. She has been writing the column for 15 years. Topics: A combination of humor and seriousness in the areas of family, faith and general commentary Average length: 650 words Cost per column: $75 Other comments: Three first place awards from the CPA for family columns in 2005, 2008 and 2009

Mary Hood Hart Hart is a freelance writer, religious educator at a Catholic parish and mother of four. 293 Brookshire Place Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 (910) 520-4680 [email protected] She has written her weekly column “Everyday Graces” (also known as “Family Ties”) since 1994. It appears in three Catholic publications. Topics: family life (focusing now more on adult children), spirituality, general commentary/culture Average length: 600 words Cost per column: $75 (negotiable, depending on frequency of publication) Other comments: My column won a CPA award -- best regular column on family life - honorable mention -- in 2000. My columns on family life appeal to Baby Boomers, especially parents of young adult children, but I also hear frequently from younger parents.

Rick Hermann Hermann is a speaker and author of “The Spirit Set Me Free” and “Be Joyful Now: The Most Popular Writings of Rick Hermann.” 10 Larkdale St. Louis, MO 63124 [email protected] His monthly column, “The Joyful Catholic,” appears in 38 publications in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He has been writing the column for five years. Topics: True stories of extraordinary faith in everyday life: marriage, family, relationships, health, finances, faith, hope and love. Average length: 600 words Cost per column: $25 Other comments: My favorite topics are life-changing stories of God’s surprising presence in our everyday lives.

L-P Mary Margaret Lambert Lambert is a married, mother of three sons, grandmother of five and executive administrative assistant to Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, the former bishop of Nashville, and Bishop David R. Choby. 8826 Sawyer Brown Road Nashville, TN 37221 [email protected] or [email protected] www.dioceseofnashville.com Her biweekly column, “Pinch of Faith,” appears in the Tennessee Register. She has been writing it for 25 years. Topics: Family life Average length: 700 words Cost per column: $40 Other comments: I have a large fan base of readers and receive very favorable feedback on my columns. Writing is my passion and I am currently compiling some of my past columns for book publication.

Father Jerome G. LeDoux, SVD Father LeDoux was ordained May 11, 1957. He taught at the major seminary in Bay St. Louis, Miss., and Xavier University in New Orleans. He is currently a pastor. 1005 E. Terrell Ave. Fort Worth TX 76104 (817) 335-1695 [email protected] He has been writing his weekly column, “Reflections on Life,” since 1969. It appears in six Catholic and secular publications. Topics: Culture/arts, spiritual, Scripture, general commentary, family life Average length: 1,000 words Cost per column: $20 (negotiable) Other comments: A number of my columns come from an African-American perspective.

Anne McClure McClure is a wife, mom, educator, and writer exploring clear and creative ways to teach and live the Catholic faith. 1965 N. Hicks Road #108 Palatine, IL 60074 (630) 843-1066 [email protected] http://aemwriting.com You can find her on Twitter @/Anne_McClure “Old Made New” appears in the Catholic Herald monthly. She has been writing it since October 2009. Topics: Basic apologetics and family life. Finding kid-friendly language and activities to explain time-honored Catholic traditions. Average length: 500-600 words Cost per column: Negotiable Other comments you want to share with editors: With help from expert Catholics, “Old Made New” offers concrete ways to share Catholic traditions with our kids. It is available for print and/or as a Web extra for papers looking to enhance their online content.

Maria del Mar Muñoz-Visoso Mar Muñoz is the assistant director of media relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and was the founding editor of El Pueblo Católico in the Archdiocese of Denver and director of Hispanic ministry in Denver. 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington, DC 20017 (202) 541-3200 [email protected] http://www.usccb.org/mr/entre_amigos/index.shtml You can find her on Twitter @ USCCBMarMunoz : “Entre Amigos” appears monthly in 35 publications and Web sites, plus more than 300 other individual subscribers. The column, which is available in English and Spanish, began in January 2009. Topics: Catholic issues and bishops' priorities from a Latino perspective Average length: 600-700 words Cost per column: Free Other comments: I write other columns on demand in English or Spanish. Newspapers and Web sites pay according to their custom.

David Mills The former editor of the ecumenical magazine Touchstone, Mills is now deputy editor of First Things and author of “Discovering Mary” and other works. 26 Riverview Drive Leetsdale, PA 15056 (412) 480-4079 [email protected] www.catholicsense.com “Catholic Sense” is published biweekly in two diocesan newspapers and occasionally in others. He started writing the column in 2009. Topics: Practical apologetics for Catholics who have questions they want answered but don't have the time or resources to answer them themselves Average length: 700 words Cost per column: newspaper's standard fee. Other comments: "Catholic Sense" takes the actual questions Catholic laypeople ask -- especially about those apparently devastating criticisms a sometimes hostile culture presents to them -- and gives them answers they can use over the dinner table or in the break room at the office, and in doing so teaches them something about Catholic doctrine and history and encourages them in their faith. It's written in a personal and direct voice, by someone who's struggled with the same questions.

Dr. Michael O’Donnell O’Donnell is a vice president with of Colorado Springs, has written seven books on parenting and spirituality, and has had articles published in USA Today, Better Homes and Gardens, , Christianity Today and Cox News Service. The Colorado Catholic Herald 228 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs CO 80903 [email protected] www.coloradocatholicherald.com You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. “Family Matters” appears monthly in The Colorado Catholic Herald. He started writing it in 2009. Topics: Parenting and family Average length: 700 words Cost per column: $20

Kerry Peetz Peetz is a master gardener in Colorado and a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Catholic Herald 228 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 [email protected] www.coloradocatholicheral.com “Blessings in Bloom” appears in monthly in The Colorado Catholic Herald. Topics: A fun look at plants (flowers, trees, etc…) with a religious bend. Average length: 500 words Cost per column: $10 Other comments: I am not aware of any other column like this available to the Catholic press. It’s a fun column and has slowly become one of our readers’ favorite columns.

Monica Perry Perry is a stay-at-home mother of six with a bachelor’s degree in Catholic liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College. 7848 Garfield Drive Delta, BC V4C 7J4 (604) 594-3952 [email protected] She and two other women have been writing “Homefront” weekly for The B.C. Catholic since October 2006. Topics: culture/arts, spiritual, Scripture, general commentary, family life Average length: 800 words Cost per column: Negotiable Other comments: I write about truth, beauty and goodness, as these three seem to me to need defending, promoting, or explaining given the current state of the world, and, as the name of the column suggests, with a mother's motive that passionately desires to pass these messages on to my own children. Sample columns available upon request.

Roy Petitfils Petitfils is a counselor who specializes in working with young people and those who serve them. 403 Lafayette St. Youngsville, LA 70592 (337) 654-9635 [email protected] www.roypetitfils.com You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. "Our Young Church" appears in four publications. He has written the biweekly column for the past five years. Topics: Youth culture and inspiration for adults who work with youth Average length: 600 words Cost per column: $30

R-W Father John S. Rausch, Glenmary Father Rausch is the director of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia, has a master’s degree in economics and won the 2007 “Teacher of Peace” Award. P.O. Box 1393 Stanton, KY 40380 [email protected] “Faith and the Marketplace” appears monthly in about 15 publications. He started writing the column in late 1992. Topics: social teachings of the Church: poverty, work, labor, immigration, lifestyle and consumer issues, care of creation, energy, taxes, military spending Average length: 592-600 words Cost per column: $10 to $75 a column, with the editor deciding based on the paper’s budget. Other comments: Frequently I quote the encyclicals or Church authorities on matters of economics, such as tax reform, or social policy, such as immigration. I intend my column to inform Catholics-in-the-pew about our social teachings on the common good, subsidiarity, work, solidarity, care of creation, rights and responsibilities and the dignity of each individual as a daughter or son of God. Google “John S. Rausch” for past columns.

Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI Father Rolheiser, a popular writer and speaker, is a member of the Missionary of Mary Immaculate and is currently the president of the School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. 1913 Cairns Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7J 1T3, CANADA [email protected] www.ronrolheiser.com His weekly column, “In Exile,” appears in 100 publications. He has written it for 28 years. Topics: Contemporary spirituality, Scripture, general faith topics Average length: 850-900 words Cost per column: $20

Colleen Roy Roy is a homeschooling mother of four (and a half), with a deep passion for her Catholic faith and family life. 7451 Cedar St. Mission, BC [email protected] She and two other women have been writing “Homefront” weekly for The B.C. Catholic. She started writing the column three years ago. Topics: spiritual/family life Average length: 800 words Cost per column: $25 Other comments: The Homefront column that I share with two other writers won second place for last year's Canadian Catholic writers best column award.

Russell Shaw Shaw, an author of 20 books, is a contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor and consultor for the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and is married with five children and 10 grandchildren. 2928 44th Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 [email protected] “Seen From Washington” appears biweekly in seven publications. He has written the column for eight years. Topic: Commentary from Washington perspective on current political, social, religious issues Average length: 600 words Cost: $25 for circulation less than 50,000; $50 for circulation above 50,000

Dan Spadaro Spadaro is a Catholic licensed professional counselor who specializes in counseling couples in addictions recovery (particularly sexual addiction), is well-versed in John Paul II’s theology of the body and is instrumental in the Diocese of Colorado Springs’ As for Me and My House pornography-prevention program. The Colorado Catholic Herald 228 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 [email protected] www.imagodeicounseling.com . Columns archived at www.coloradocatholicherald.com . You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. “Shameless” appears monthly in The Colorado Catholic Herald. He has been writing it for two years. Topics: Ways a man or woman can rediscover a pure vision of the body and sexuality; identifying and dealing with sexual addiction; tips for healthy relationships and marriages. Average length: 700 words Cost per column: $20 Other comments: Like Christopher West’s column, Spadaro speaks from a personal, affirming perspective. He writes sometimes from a more clinical perspective, too, with his experience in counseling individuals and couples to healing and recovery in a pornographic culture.

Debra Tomaselli Tomaselli is a wife and mother who writes about finding God in the everyday events of life. 205 Spring Isle Trail Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 [email protected] Her monthly column, “Emmaus Walk,” appears in three Catholic publications on a regular basis. She has been writing the column for five years for the Florida Catholic. Topics: Spiritual. My goal is to reach the reader with the message of how much God loves us. Average length: 500 words Cost per column: negotiable Other comments: Readers report that they feel like I am “walking in their shoes.” Some share it with their school-age children. Others give it to their homebound parents.

Paul J. Thomas Thomas is the associate director of the Office of Lifeong Catholic Formation for the Diocese of Beaumont. 3204 Willowood Drive Beaumont, TX 77703 (409) 504-8062 [email protected] “Faith, Formation, and Action” appears in the South Texas Catholic once a month. He has been writing the column for three years. Topics: Spirituality, formation and social action Average length: 400 Words Cost per column: $30 Other comments: My goal is to integrate reflection and formation in order to hopefully motivate faith into action.

Julie VanSpall VanSpal has bachelor degrees in English and education and taught in a Catholic elementary school for nine years before becoming a stay-home mom to four young children. 9279 – 117A Street Delta, BC, V4C 6E2 (604) 585-3614 [email protected] She and two other women have been writing “Homefront” weekly for The B.C. Catholic for three years. Topics: Spirituality and family life Average length: 800 words Cost per column: Negotiable Other comments: I write about finding God in the everyday miracles of life with a busy, young family.

Christopher West West is an internationally renowned speaker and author on Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body and is widely considered to be at the forefront of TOB development in modern day culture. The Colorado Catholic Herald 228 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 [email protected] tobinstitute.org or columns archived at www.coloradocatholicherald.com You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. “Body Language” appears in about 25 publications. He has written the column twice a month for more than four years. Topics: Theology of the body as it intersects faith, sex and culture Average length: 750 words Cost per column: $30 (includes Web reprint rights) Other comments: West’s column is the best in its field. You won’t find a better analysis of pop culture, sex and relationships through the lense of John Paul II’s theology of the body. This column appeals to young adults and older, married couples.