Interest in learning journalism and news literacy has declined in recent years.

English Department Chair Mr. Hubert teaches the Journalism course at Prep.

“An average class size is 10-16 students,” Mr. Hubert said. “Last year was the low mark with only three students taking journalism, and we only have six students this year.”

“I aim to help students develop an appreciation for journalism and teach them to be thoughtful, critical consumers of news content,” Mr. Hubert said.

In recent years, Mr. Hubert has noticed class sizes dwindle.

“There’s no certainty that [there are enough students interested in taking the elective],” Mr. Hubert said.

A number of factors, such as the pushing of STEM programs and packed schedules are suspected to have contributed to the decline in student interest.

“I’ve had students in the past say they wanted to take the elective, but they couldn’t fit it into their schedule with their science and math electives,” Mr. Hubert said.

The writing aspect of journalism has also been considered a potential deterrent for students.

“Students’ experiences with writing are mainly in English class, so they’re unaware that writing can be something other than the five paragraph essay they’ve done many times before,” Mr. Hubert said.

Mr. Hubert has considered expanding the elective to the underclassmen since they “might have more openings in their schedule.”

“If a few underclassmen are on board with the elective, they might spread the word or even take it again next year,” Mr. Hubert said.

Despite the decline in interest in learning journalism and news literacy, many still read articles.

Seek God Together is a website on Substack that publishes works, such as articles and reflections. Across 200 reflections, Seek God Together has garnered over 350,000 views, Seek God Together boasts.

“The name [of the website] comes from a large stone at St. Joseph covenant in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, where [Fr. Luke and I] grew up,” Fr. Ben said. “[The message on the stone] has always meant a great deal to us [because] it provides a clear focus, a vision for life.”

At the beginning of every week, subscribers receive an email with an article, homily, or other work from the website to read.

“Our mission is to provide short, compelling, and beautiful reflections [and other works that bring readers to God] every week,” Fr. Ben said.

Many readers have expressed their appreciation for Fr. Ben and Fr. Luke’s works, which inspires them to continue publishing.

“I remember visiting a young man with cancer [and noticed that there were] several copies of our articles on his wall,” Fr. Ben wrote. “He would read them regularly and keep his favorite ones close.”

Readers have shown interest in a podcast, though Fr. Ben and Fr. Luke are prioritizing God’s intentions for their website.

“We are taking our time [to] seriously consider what God really wants for Seek God Together,” Fr. Ben said. “Time will tell with the podcast.”

Enjoy reading about sports and music? Visit Mr. Hubert’s website. 

To sign up for weekly works from Seek God Together, visit the website or scan the QR code.