Closure of Common Good newsletter signalled

An editorial in the Spring 2025 edition by long-time editor Fr Jim Consedine noted that key people involved with the publication have health concerns. He said this applies to himself and it is unlikely he could continue in the role.

“Passing on the CW writing charism and production mahi has not been an easy task,” the editorial stated.

“But like Dorothy Day, I believe enough seeds have been sown to give the Catholic Worker a viable future in Aotearoa/NZ.”

The editorial noted that, at its peak, the Common Good had a production run of 3500 copies, posted to addresses throughout New Zealand and to the wider world.

“The trebling of postage in recent times has half-killed us, as NZ Post has sought to get rid of letter-mail. We responded by cutting our cloth to suit and changing to a digital copy for many. The result was the print costs have halved, as have the number printed.”

The editorial expressed confidence in future Catholic Worker communication in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“If there are indeed ashes from the demise of The Common Good, I am confident new springs of growth will emerge. Bread and Roses, the CW paper of the most northern CW group, is already well established.

“It has been a huge privilege to have printed and produced 114 issues over these three decades at no cost to readers and no advertising to distract or compromise the message. We always made it free of charge such is our trust that providence would provide – and always has.”

FULL STORY

The Common Good – Spring 2025