It takes a special touch to write about religion and make every religion feel comfortable in having their information presented in the paper.
The Mirror has been fortunate to have Religion Editor Linda Gracey, who has been with us for nearly three decades, the past 10 years of which have been spent in her current capacity.
Gracey considers herself "a Christian," but she has studied respective religions and attended various services of many faiths to better familiarize herself with the subject.
The result has been a diverse weekly Religion section complete with feature stories and pictures and historical and educational perspective of upcoming holiday celebrations along with local, state and national news of the day and week as well as notes on services and events sent to us.
But never has Gracey's passion for the subject been more apparent than in today's eight-page preview section of the upcoming installation of Bishop-elect Mark L. Bartchak, the eighth bishop in the 110-year history of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.
We asked for four-five stories. She wrote six - all unique angles touching Bartchak's life and leading to his ordination.
There are nearly 100,000 Catholics in this region. We're confident they - and you - will all get to know Bartchak and what's driven him to this anointed perch a little better after reading today's special supplement.
Civil War anniversary
Here's hoping you noticed the beginning of our series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Local author Robert Broadwater is an expert on the subject, having written 29 books and more than 100 magazine articles on American military history, primarily focusing on the Civil War and the American Revolution.
His series started April 4 and will continue at least through 2011 on the first Monday of each month.
Typo reaches Sky(s)
We incorrectly listed the movie Paul as having a PG rating. That led devoted reader Roz Sky, a friend to all of us, to load her adolescent grandsons in the car and take them to see it.
Turns out the movie was rated R with language that made the kids laugh and Grandma cringe.
Whoops.
Speaking of movies, I finally got around to catching "Unstoppable," part of which was filmed in and near Tyrone, and I must agree with Cory Giger that it's a fast-paced, enjoyable watch.
My only disappointment was not seeing a glimpse of Virgie Werner and Pat Stoner.
Porch tour
It's almost time for the return of the Porch Tour. If your deck is ready and you'd like to be featured reading your favorite newspaper on your porch, call me and I'll set up your appointment to be a subject.
Save a thought
You may have read in Friday's paper about the struggles of 11-year-old Regina Sweeney, the youngest child from as nice a family as there is in the community.
Please save a thought for her along with one for Erin Dodson.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
