West River Catholic to change formats, publication frequency

Ever since I received the joyful news of being appointed as Bishop of Rapid City, I have been prayerfully considering that which is at the very heart of the ministry of bishop: to communicate the message of the Gospel to all those entrusted to my care, which include those baptized as Catholics and, equally, all those who live and visit our beautiful diocese in western South Dakota. With this wide responsibility, I continue to reflect upon the best use of the resources entrusted to our diocese for this sacred mission.

For 53 years, the publication of West River Catholic has taken a prominent place in this mission.  It is my hope that it will continue to do so for many years, though in a different format and publication frequency.

While we thank God for the fruit born by our publication of West River Catholic, we are also obliged to consider continually how our efforts at this time and in this day contribute to the heart of our ministry—to share the Gospel that saves! What is apparent is that while our newspaper has maintained its high quality, now as a monthly publication, the reading preferences of the general reader have changed, even while the avenues for communication have multiplied dramatically, particularly through digital media. To respond to this changing context into which we seek to communicate the Gospel, and to exercise good stewardship of the resources entrusted to me for this mission (especially as we would expect publication costs to rise significantly if we continued on our current publication format and schedule during this next year), I have decided that, following the publication of the June 2026 edition of West River Catholic in its current monthly newspaper format, we will be modifying the layout of West River Catholic  to a “magazine” format and will publish it seasonally, likely twice a year (with the option of special editions when it seems fitting). I look forward to a new chapter in the publication of West River Catholic as part of our efforts to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I would expect that this newly-formatted West River Catholic magazine will continue to be sent to all our households (though not monthly). With this modification of format and new publication schedule, I recognize that there are some folks who will miss a monthly printed newspaper as their preferred format. We will still employ the printed word as part of our communication efforts, even while the changing context is asking us to reallocate some of our limited resources as reading habits of our large audience have changed. Jesus himself commanded us to “wise as serpents and gentle as doves” (Mt. 10:16) as we seek to advance his kingdom.  Come, Holy Spirit, and give us the wisdom we need to effectively communicate your message that is salvation and life to every human heart, especially to all in your vineyard that is West River!

Bishop Scott Bullock