From staff reports
Kasia Anderson, a veteran journalist and communication scholar, has been named Managing Editor of The Monitor, the news magazine and website of the Diocese of Trenton. She began her new post July 27, the Diocese announced.
Anderson brings more than two decades in journalism, along with experience in publishing and education, to her new role. She will manage the day-to-day editorial work that feeds The Monitor’s print edition and website, working closely with staff and freelancers alike to provide engaging and relevant coverage of Catholic-based news from around the Diocese and beyond.
In announcing Anderson’s arrival, Rayanne Bennett, Executive Director of Communications and Media and Associate Publisher of The Monitor, said, “We are very pleased to welcome Kasia to the Diocese of Trenton and the work of The Monitor. She brings a substantial professional background as a journalist and communicator, along with a true devotion to her faith. These attributes will be of immense value in her new position as Managing Editor.”
Bicoastal background
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah and raised near Orlando, Florida, Anderson’s educational and professional pursuits have brought her to both east and west coast locations over the decades.
She attended Swarthmore College in the Philadelphia area, earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature and sociology. She began her journalism career in San Francisco as an online reporter covering technology and film during the dot-com boom before moving on to print journalism in New York City and Orlando. She then pursued graduate work at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, earning both master’s and doctoral degrees in communication, and later serving as an adjunct instructor teaching communication and journalism courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Anderson has served as a reporter, writer and editor for numerous publications – both national and international in scope – covering a range of subjects including breaking news, culture and entertainment.
Catholic and cultural roots
Anderson has generously shared details of her Catholic journey, beginning with her Baptism, which she described as an “inheritance” from her Polish mother. However, she grew up in the Episcopal Church and was actively involved in her faith as a youth.
She reflected, “I came to know and appreciate the liturgical similarities that helped guide me to the Catholic Church when I returned as a revert in 2023.”
The self-admitted “theology nerd” studied St. Augustine’s work as part of her doctoral preparation and hopes to tackle St. Thomas Aquinas before too long.
As for her Polish heritage, Anderson has been in search of the best borscht since relocating to the Diocese from Irvine, California in July.
First impressions and next chapters
Anderson shared her impressions of The Monitor and her experience of joining the ranks: “I was struck right away by The Monitor’s impressive breadth, both as a wide-ranging news source and as a multimedia ministry serving the Diocese.”
Bennett described Anderson’s integration into the Monitor team as “wonderfully smooth.” She explained, “It was immediately clear that Kasia works well in a team environment and enjoys advancing stories in a way that honors the writers and maintains our editorial standards. She has been warmly received by everyone she has met here in the Chancery.”
The Monitor has been without a Managing Editor since 2019, Bennett noted, adding that “the responsibilities attached to that post have been spread out over our fine team of staff and freelancers.”
Bennett stated, “I must give special credit to Associate Editor Mary Stadnyk and the freelance support we received from EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor. They have carried incredible workloads to make each issue possible, despite scheduling conflicts for EmmaLee that came along more recently. I am deeply grateful to them both for all that they have done and will do in the new chapter.”
According to Bennett, “The new Managing Editor will take the lead on editorial planning, content development and publication workflows for both the monthly magazine and the website, working closely with the writers and contributors to ensure that every story reflects the publication’s commitment to excellence, integrity and faithful service to its readers. She will also work closely with me in my Associate Publisher role, and will collaborate with staff responsible for design, marketing and digital promotion.”
Anderson shared, “I’m really looking forward to working alongside the team here to help tell the stories that matter to the people and parishes of our Diocese, and to listening to and learning from those who make up our community.”