February is Catholic Press Month. I know this is only January but it never hurts to think ahead. And that’s what this column will ask you to do.

In this issue of The Observer, we highlight Catholic schools. That too certainly requires thinking ahead. Parents have to decide which school and how to finance it. So my “thinking ahead” thoughts should fit right in.

First, I want to congratulate all the students who have the privilege of attending Catholic schools. You are blessed. In honor of Catholic Schools Week, each and every Catholic student should set aside some special time to thank their parents, grandparents, Godparents or whoever helps support them financially and spiritually during their school years. Thank them for the blessing of a Catholic education.

Next, I extend my thanks to all those who support our Catholic schools and all those who have been called to teach and administer in them. Each one of you is helping to extend the faith and the word and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and you are to be commended for your efforts and your sacrifices. You help bless all of us.

Now I want to ask all those parents, students and educators to consider something … a career in journalism or communication. Become part of the Catholic press. Some of you may wince at that suggestion because journalism is not usually considered a competitive area in these days of dying newspapers, prolific social media and electronic publishing. In fact, a Pew research study says that it can sometimes be a struggle to find jobs in traditional journalism even though most in the field do not regret their choice.

But because practically anyone these days can start a blog, vlog, website, or e-newsletter, it is even more important to have skilled writers, reporters and editors to relay the news with credibility and professionalism. And every day we seem to be bombarded by news snippets, especially about religion, which seem sensational and uncredible. That’s why trained and knowledgeable voices are needed. No matter what you do or where you go, knowing how to communicate effectively — whether in print, online, video or verbal — will certainly set you apart from those lacking those skills.

And if you are reading this you have an interest in your Catholic faith. Why not consider or ask someone you know to consider a Catholic career in journalism or communication? It is just one more way of extending your Catholic education and sharing it with others.

I know Catholic journalists and communicators in every state in this country and I can honestly say I admire most each and every one. They are intelligent, articulate and faithful. They are servants of many. They serve the subjects they write and broadcast about, they serve their audience, they serve the church and most importantly they serve Christ.  Not only do they know about communicating, but they know about the faith.

And there are benefits to the Catholic press that can’t be measured in dollars. Thanks to being a Catholic journalist I have traveled to many parts of the world and even walked where Jesus and Moses walked. I have had the great honor of meeting many people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, and heard their stories and felt their struggles. I have had the great privilege to tell the stories of those who follow Christ by serving the poor, the hungry and the dying.  The words I’ve written have even made a difference to people suffering from disasters and lack of everyday necessities, thanks to the response from readers.

My stories and the stories of other Catholic writers help inform and inspire and offer opportunities for people to reach out through their faith every day, whether the words travel on paper, online or in video. Those are rewards no benefit package can ever match.

And of course, following in the footsteps of the disciples, who were really the first members of the Catholic press when you think about it, is pretty cool too.

So for those of you in Catholic schools, regardless of the grade, consider extending your Catholic education and try a career in the Catholic press. It can help you think ahead from this life into the next.