CINCINNATI—Franciscan Media is pleased to announce the appointment of Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD, as its new president and publisher. Matthew, a resident of Ankeny, Iowa, brings a wealth of experience in Catholic publishing and education and a deep personal commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church. 

Matthew holds a PhD in Catechetics from the Catholic University of America and is a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. He is also a devoted husband and father of six children. "I know, it's a lot!" Matthew quips, humorously referencing his large family. He also fondly connects his home state with a beloved cultural reference, “You may recall the movie Field of Dreams: ‘Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa!’” 

 As he began his new role, Matthew expressed his profound gratitude for the leadership of his predecessors, Kelly McCracken and Br. Dan Kroger, OFM. Looking to the future, he shared his vision for Franciscan Media. "The next step forward for us, as I see it, is actually a step back—far back!" he said, drawing inspiration from a pivotal moment in the life of St. Francis, when he heard God's call to ‘rebuild my Church.’” 

This message, received by St. Francis while kneeling before a crucifix in the crumbling church of San Damiano, resonates deeply with Matthew. "I sense that many of us feel like we are standing in the midst of a Church (and a world, for that matter) in disrepair," he observed. He cited a 2019 Pew Research study showing that for every newly baptized member, six Catholics disaffiliate. "Our world is becoming increasingly polarized and hostile. Listening and dialogue are lost arts; acknowledging God’s creation as our common home, and treating one another as our neighbor, are at a premium." 

Matthew envisions Franciscan Media playing a crucial role in supporting the mission to rebuild the Church. "We at Franciscan Media will aim to provide faithful, inspiring, and challenging resources that call individuals, families, and communities to participate in the work of rebuilding and renewal," he stated. "We want to help people identify the ‘stones’ that need to be stacked in their lives, while offering gentle guidance on how to stack them in ways that lead to greater wholeness, holiness, and connectedness with God and one another." 

About Franciscan Media 

Franciscan Media, founded by the Franciscan friars in 1893, is committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Franciscan spirit in the world today. It seeks to help people grow closer to God in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Its inspiring content includes books, magazines, and digital media, all dedicated to spirituality, faith, and Franciscan values. 

A smiling man in a blue shirt and clergy collar poses for a photo.

Franciscan Media's new president and publisher, Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD

 

Photos for this article were provided by Franciscan Media.