Openers column by Gerald Korson

Good news for OSV subscribers - now we're completely wired

It may sound like a tautology, but one thing that characterizes virtually all OSV subscribers is that they love their OSV. We constantly are hearing from readers how they appreciate the insights on breaking news, the clear Catholic perspective on cultural trends and the faithful support of Catholic teaching and tradition that typify every issue of OSV newsweekly. For that heartfelt feedback, we are grateful.

There is one thing, however, that our subscribers have requested that to date we have been unable to fulfill. They want to be able to access more OSV content online, not just the editorial and "story of the week" that we have provided in the past.

That's a compliment, too, although one we will stop hearing this month. For on Oct. 1, after many months of careful planning and preparation, Our Sunday Visitor will execute a full launch of its revamped and redesigned corporate website at www.osv.com.

With our new-and-improved website, subscribers will receive a bonus: Online access to all the articles that appear in the print version.

To get started, follow these five simple steps:

► Visit our new website at the same old address, www.osv.com.

► Click on the word "Log-in"that appears next to the three tabs at top.

► On the next screen, click the gray box that says "Register."

► The screen after that asks you to provide some information, including your OSV account number from your invoice or mailing label - that's the key to receiving complete access to our publication's archives. You also must select a username and password for your online access.

► Click the word "Submit,"and you are officially registered and logged in to our website.

In future visits, click "Login"and enter your username and password. Click on the "Periodicals" tab to get to the OSV Newsweekly tab.

Our user-friendly website has been designed with the subscriber in mind, allowing you to navigate your way to the publication, archive, book catalog or parish-ministry area of your choice. Best of all, OSV subscribers who register with us now have online access to all OSV articles, including value-added material not published in our print edition.

Once registered, subscribers can view the "OSV4me" page, which brings together the latest Catholic news headlines, breaking stories, faith resources and a prayer request form. You'll also find the selected sections of the OSV Catholic Almanac, downloadable PDF files, and a plethora of handy links to other great Catholic websites.

Separate tabs on the home page help answer the information and customer-service needs of parishes that purchase bulk copies of OSV and retailers that sell OSV products.

We'll continue to expand and improve our website with more interactive features such as online Reader Poll and OSV Crossword, reference and background materials, editors' top choices, online chats, current film reviews and reader feedback. In short, our OSV website will become everything you've come to expect from OSV newsweekly - and more.

So come Oct. 1, check out what's new and exciting at www.osv.com. It quickly will become your primary destination for Catholic news, views, information and spiritual enrichment.

Save our link to your desktop or "Favorites" folder, then send us an e-mail and tell us what you think. We look forward to meeting you online.

Email our web site administrator, Cathy Dee, with questions or comments: webmaster@osv.com.