From Staff Reports
Jennifer Mauro, who has served as associate editor of The Monitor since June 2016, will take over the editorial reins of the diocesan newspaper in her newly announced role as managing editor.
Mauro’s appointment, which was effective July 1, was announced in a statement by Rayanne Bennett, executive director, Office of Communications and Media, and associate publisher of the newspaper.
Bennett stated, “In the year since Jen first came on board, she has been a tremendous asset to our efforts.”
Bennett credited Mauro with, “ introducing and developing important journalistic projects and hard-hitting news packages; strengthening our professional standards; building strong relationships with Chancery staff and departments, and representing the Diocese and The Monitor very well in her work.”
She grew up in Arlington, Texas, where she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications. Upon completion of the Dow Jones News Fund internship program, Mauro began her career as a writer and copyeditor at The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, N.Y. After three years, she moved to New Jersey and went on to work at two Gannett Company-owned newspapers, The Courier-News, now located in Somerville, and the Home News Tribune, East Brunswick, from 2003 to 2010.
Before becoming associate editor in June 2016, Mauro was a correspondent with The Monitor.
According to Bennett, Mauro will be charged with the day-to-day operations of the editorial department and will directly supervise editorial staff. She will coordinate work with the entire Monitor team, and provide support to design and marketing initiatives and projects. Mauro will continue to rely on the experience and dedication of Mary Stadnyk, associate editor.
In responding to her new assignment, Mauro commented, “I am excited to take on becoming managing editor of The Monitor, though I do not take my responsibilities lightly. The Diocese of Trenton is made up of wonderful people with remarkable stories to tell. It is my hope in my new role to continue The Monitor’s history of sharing these stories, enlightening our readers in local examples of Catholic Social Teaching and highlighting the resources of our diocesan network.”
Mauro shared some of her goals for the newspaper, saying, “I want to continue in our efforts of making The Monitor a hyperlocal source for Catholic news, to increase diversity in our correspondents by hiring bilingual writers and photographers, and to keep building relationships with priests, parish staff and the laity around the four counties of the Diocese.”
Another goal is to increase readership. “Like anyone who loves their job, The Monitor staff works tirelessly not only to bring stories that matter to our readers, but to present material in a way that is esthetically pleasing,” she said, crediting the graphic design artists. “If even one person picks up the newspaper or reads our website and is moved by what they have read or seen through photos or design, I consider that a success.”
Just as Mauro’s contributions have been valued over the past year, so, too, has she grown from the experience.
She remarked, “There is a sense of trust that goes into an interview. Not only are people opening up their lives, they are also trusting I will tell their stories in a thoughtful and accurate way. I have experienced this many times over, but in a new, faith-filled way during my time with The Monitor.
“I have truly been evangelized through some of the young adults and social justice activists I have met on the parish levels, and I have been moved to tears in writing about those fighting legislation that would make assisted suicide legal, as well as being welcomed as a reporter the day the Diocese’s four new priests were ordained,” she said.
Most recently, Mauro participated in the history-making Convocation of Catholic Leaders, the national gathering held in Orlando. “I am very grateful to Bishop David O’Connell for inviting me to take part as a delegate for this Diocese. It was an experience that has already inspired the way I think about what I do on behalf of the people of God.”
Mauro credits Bennett and Stadnyk with sharing their knowledge about the wider Church, as well as the parishes and the diocesan structure and culture.
“Editorially speaking, there are more than 50 years of journalistic experience at The Monitor. I encourage everyone in the Diocese to take advantage of that and utilize this newspaper to help them fulfill their missionary work to spread the Gospel,” Mauro said.
“I look forward to continuing working with the staff and correspondents – to challenge and be challenged by such a talented group of people.”
Bennett, who has directed The Monitor operation without a managing editor for the past two years, acknowledged the trust that she has in Mauro. She stated, “As someone who believes in the value and the need of our diocesan news operation, I am confident that The Monitor and the Diocese will benefit from the leadership, talent and sense of mission that our new managing editor brings to this role.”
To contact Mauro or anyone on The Monitor staff with story suggestions, visit www.dioceseoftrenton.org/the-monitor.