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Move over, internet: The print version of The Evangelist still gets passed from hand to hand in Canajoharie.

Though individual subscriptions remain ideal for a newspaper's bottom line, readers say that a sharing system among neighbors and friends spreads the faith, engages readers and helps them strike up conversations.

The Evangelist "helps to build community," said Linda Faduski, pastoral associate at Our Lady of Hope parish in Fort Plain, which was formed by the 2009 merger of three parishes in Canajoharie, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville. "I think some people take [copies to others] as a ministry."

Delivering a paper also gives visitors excuses to visit the elderly. For example, at Arkell Hall, an assisted living facility in Canajoharie, the paper supplements the religious life of several residents.

Among them are at least three Catholic parishioners of Our Lady of Hope, a Lutheran and a Christian raised in the Reformed faith.

Though the ladies can't pinpoint the creator of the newspaper swap, Mrs. Faduski says it was Eleanor Brownell, who was recently moved to River Ridge in Amsterdam for physical rehabilitation. Mrs. Brownell would scour the pages for names she recognized before sending it down the chain.

Ultimately, the passed-around copy of the paper lands in a common room for others to read.

The remaining group members at Arkell Hall use Blanche Richards' subscription - they think - to continue the tradition. Mrs. Richards immigrated to America from Quebec, Canada, 45 years ago; she, like countless others in Canajoharie, worked for the Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation.

Mrs. Richard opined that the paper should cover more rural parishes, but she enjoys searching for local names.

Virginia Frank, a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope's former incarnations for more than 60 years, taught religious education, prayed the Rosary in a group and helped the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

She said she enjoys the syndicated national news and entertainment reviews carried by The Evangelist, as well as the features and articles on people and events across the Albany Diocese.

The Fort Plain parish sits three miles from Arkell Hall, where no public buses run. Residents rely on outside rides to make it to Mass (though Mrs. Faduski said a transportation ministry is in the works for the parish, where the median age is 53).

Norma Alter tries to watch Mass on television (for the "Table of the Lord" schedule, see ad on page 15) if she can't find a way to the parish, but missing it still upsets her.

"We're doing our best, but we kind of miss our church," said Mrs. Alter, a former secretary for a lieutenant commander in the Navy. She became Catholic as an adult. Mrs. Frank also served in the Navy in the nursing field.

Rev. Dennis Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Hope, visits the facility as often as he can. Deacon Joseph Cechnicki, along with representatives from other Christian faiths, visits for an ecumenical service every week.

The Evangelist fills the gaps, said Florence Becker, a resident for 16 years and a Lutheran. She favors the opinion page and the question-and-answer interviews with clergy, religious and laity - especially a recent interview with Deacon Cechnicki.

"I love it," Mrs. Becker said. "There are lots of times I read from page to page."

February is Catholic Press Month - a time to remind readers and friends of the vital role of The Evangelist as a means of education, outreach and evangelization. Do you know of someone who is not receiving The Evangelist, but should be? To subscribe privately or through a parish, call 453-6688.

(02/10/11) [[In-content Ad]]

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