You hold in your hands the final print edition of the Intermountain Catholic.
This is a bittersweet announcement for me as editor to make. Not only is it the end of a 126-year legacy, but like many of you I enjoy holding the paper and leafing through its pages as I peruse the headlines and read the news. The fact that that will no longer be possible saddens me, even more so because it is occurring under my watch. It’s true that I had no control over the finances, which, as Bishop Solis points out in his message on p. A1, are the reason for this change. Because the costs of printing and postage have increased rapidly in recent years, while readership has remained steady and advertising revenue has declined, there was no feasible way for the print edition to continue. 
I wish I could have done something so that we could have retained the print edition, but alas, it is not to be.
I mourned when I was first told that the IC would cease print publication. However, it’s cheering that the publication will continue online, so we can continue to bring you all your local Catholic news. This is the mission that my predecessors have undertaken in the past 126 years, and I’m proud to be able to continue it.   
The change to online only has some exciting possibilities that I’m eager to explore. First and foremost, we will be able to get the news out faster to our readers. My plan is to post most stories within a day of their occurrence, rather than waiting for a week or more, as happened because of the need to get the paper laid out and then to the printer. Also, because I won’t have to be in the office to produce the printed paper, I’ll be able to get out more, and attend events at parishes and report on them there.
We also will be able to publish obituaries and calendar events as they come in, rather than waiting for the print edition. This will allow readers to know in a more timely manner about funerals and upcoming events that they might wish to attend.
None of this would be possible without the staff of the Intermountain Catholic. The closure of the print edition means that two of them are leaving because their positions are no longer necessary to the paper’s production, but I would be greatly remiss if I were to let them go without acknowledging their contributions. Both of them were superb at their job, which they did so well that I didn’t ever worry about whether they were getting their work done. They freed me up to concentrate on the editorial aspects of the paper, for which I am grateful. Beyond the work aspect, however, was their friendship, and I will miss having them in the office.
I also must thank the two reporters who are remaining. These paper wouldn’t get produced without them, and I can’t thank them enough for being a part of my team. 
I also have to echo Bishop Solis in thanking the advertisers and pastors who have supported this paper throughout the years. In different ways, you have contributed to the continuation of the Intermountain Catholic, which I appreciate very much.
This message would not be complete without acknowledging that this paper, whether in print or digital form, would not exist without you, dear reader. You are the reason the Intermountain Catholic exists – it is our mission to keep you informed of the goings on in our local Church, and to teach and to inspire you to keep the faith. Many of you have reached out to me about the change from print to digital, and I pray that you will continue to bring the Intermountain Catholic into your lives through your email inbox or our website. Please ensure that your parish has your email address so that this paper can be sent to you each week.
Like Bishop Solis, I am grateful for your understanding as we go forward with this endeavor, and my prayer is that I will be able to lead this publication successfully in the future.