The next stage of the journey

Posted in News

New Times Editor & Communications Officer Catherine Hoffman shares a final editorial and announces that she will be leaving the Uniting Church SA office on Friday 15 June. This editorial was first featured in the June/July print edition of New Times.

When I start preparing a print edition of New Times, I’m always a little unsure of what title I’ll include on the front cover. Having abandoned the idea of strict edition themes a couple of years ago, I usually look for a common thread amongst the main feature stories. Sometimes it’s difficult to draw out a common idea. But that wasn’t the case with the June/July edition (available online here).

“Life is a journey.” It may sound cheesy, but it feels very appropriate.

The article on pages 10-12 shares how Dr Deidre Palmer moved through study and ministry, from caring for youth and young adults to academia, social work to Uniting Church leadership, and finally the Presidency – quite the journey!

We also hear from Matt and Bek Sarre about a family’s experiences in Thailand (pages 14-15), about Amos Washington’s travelling across Australia (page 13), and the stories of those who have undertaken a Ministry of Pastor (pages 18-19).

But the theme is perhaps most fitting for this page – my editorial. It will be my last as New Times Editor and Communications Officer for the Uniting Church SA. I’ll be leaving this role on Friday 15 June to take up a new position at an arts organisation.

My journey with New Times has had its ups and downs, but it has overall been a very positive one.

I’ve been fortunate to work with wonderful people in the Communications team – some of whom are still on board, others of whom have continued their own journeys elsewhere. I thank all of these people for the things they have taught me, the love they have shown to me, and the skills they have brought to our shared projects.

The other staff members within the Presbytery and Synod office have also been overwhelmingly supportive of me. They forgive my last minute requests and questions about process, and put up with my frantic running around as print deadlines approach.

But I’m perhaps most thankful for what you, the readers of New Times in print and online, have given to me – the wonderful stories of faith, the criticisms that have helped me to grow, and the encouragement so many of you have provided.

It feels strange and sad to be leaving New Times behind. But I have great hopes that whoever takes on my role will breathe fresh life and air into the publication.

If you would like to speak to me before I leave on Friday 15 June, please feel free to contact me on 8236 4230 or email Turn on Javascript!

Thank you for all you have taught me and shown me over the past five and a half years.


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Comments (3)

  1. Sharyn Dobroszczyk 14 june 2018, 16:59 Link
    Thanks for all the words, Catherine… all the best for your future. Sharyn