HUNTINGTON, Indiana, JUNE 4, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Two Catholic publishing groups, Our Sunday Visitor and Harcourt Religion Publishers, will be merged following an acquisition today.
A press release from Our Sunday Visitor announced the acquisition of the publishing division from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
The statement affirmed that the «strategic combination of the two companies’ product lines, services, and innovations represents an unprecedented, one-source solution for lifelong faith development within Catholic parishes and schools.»
Together, it added, the companies «provide a dynamic approach to systematic and intentional catechesis for all members of the faith community.»
Greg Erlandson, president and publisher of Our Sunday Visitor, stated, «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.»
Diane Lampitt, president of Harcourt Religion Publishers, affirmed, «Together, we’ll be able to respond to parish and school needs like never before — with exceptional speed, creativity and new formats.»
The statement noted that in the next months, «customers can expect to see expanded service support, expedited fulfillment services, and new hybrid products and services.»
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington stated that this acquisition «brings together two great traditions in catechesis and lifelong faith formation.»
He continued: «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.»
Our Sunday Visitor produces early childhood curricula, sacramental preparation tools, adult education programs, vacation bible school, books, periodicals, pamphlets, websites, offering envelopes, and many other programs for parishes and individuals.
Harcourt Religion Publishers publishes the «Call to Faith K-8 Series,» the «Call to Faith eConnect» Internet tool, liturgical and catechetical sacrament preparation programs and Catholic high school religion programs.
