By John Norton

New day in catechesis: OSV acquires Harcourt

We're excited to announce to our readers that Our Sunday Visitor Publishing has purchased Harcourt Religion Publishers, one of the best-known preparers of Catholic catechetical products.

This is big news, with potential for a major impact on the future of catechesis in this country. The teaming up of the two companies' product lines, services and strengths create an unprecedented, one-stop solution for lifelong faith development in Catholic parishes and schools.

The announcement has won praise from leaders in the catechetical field.

"This announcement brings together two great traditions in catechesis and lifelong faith formation," said Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, former chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

"Our Sunday Visitor has an exceptional history of bringing the Catholic faith to a wide-ranging audience. At a time when education in the faith and strong Catholic identity are of critical importance in our Church, I am confident that Our Sunday Visitor's acquisition of Harcourt Religion Publishers will contribute to a new day in catechesis," the archbishop said.

Anne Comeaux, catechetical director of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, said: "The joining of two Catholic publishing entities with such deep commitment to the catechetical ministry over many years, can only be cause for celebration."

Our Sunday Visitor will retain Harcourt Religion Publishers' existing management team, support staff, field representatives and product line. Harcourt Religion Publishers' customers will continue to work through their established local sales representatives and gain immediate access to a wider array of products and programs. Over the next several months, customers can expect to see expanded service support, expedited fulfillment services, and new hybrid products and services.

Harcourt Religion Publishers is best known for its award-winning Call to Faith K-8 Series, innovative Call to Faith eConnect Web tool, liturgical-catechetical sacrament preparation programs and the nation's No. 1 ranked Catholic high school religion programs.

"The joining of our product lines not only reinforces both missions, but it leverages similar corporate cultures that value innovation, hybrid solutions, and sharing what the Church teaches and why to Catholics of all ages," said Greg Erlandson, president and publisher of Our Sunday Visitor, the nation's largest Catholic publisher.

For more information and answers to common questions: www.newdayincatechesis.com.

I look forward to hearing from you at the mailing address below or at feedback@osv.com.