New Catholic teen magazine offers

countercultural twist for underserved market

A new magazine for Catholic teens is set to launch with its premiere issue for February/March 2006. True Girl is the exciting new twist on the typical teen magazine, the magazine you've reached for a hundred times but was never there. Not only does it offer fashion, advice, and entertainment, it does so with a decidedly Catholic flair.

Along with the fun, True Girl also addresses the issues that are close to the hearts of teenage girls. Dieting and body image, maintaining good relationships with family members, and finding the right college are just a few topics slated for coverage during the first year of publication.

True Girl is a magazine of faith, life, and fashion that will positively encourage teens in their love of God and the Church. Articles will provide practical advice on relationships and real world skills. Opportunities for service and positive Catholic role models will be featured. Fashion will focus on healthy bodies and attractive, rather than sexy personal style.

The countercultural Catholic teen magazine's ongoing departments include: Entertainment, Vocations, Social Justice, Health, Teen Issues, Fashion, Religion, Life Planning, "My Say," and Advice. Targeting an audience with a category of publication not currently available, True Girl provides a wholesome, formative focus on real Catholic girls rather than celebrity teens.

Teens are invited to participate in the creation of True Girl by becoming a teen editor and submitting pieces for publication. Brandi Lee, editor, is looking forward to working with Catholic teens around the country. "We

want to involve these young women by offering them an opportunity to write about what's going on in their parish. There are a lot of really great girls making a difference for God, and we want everyone to know it."

When asked how she became involved in this project, Publisher Stephanie Murphy said, "I think every woman, young and old, loves a good magazine. I wanted to make sure my daughters had a truly good magazine to read." Murphy echoes the feelings of all mothers who have been looking for a publication like True Girl.

Bishop Dale Melczek of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana when reflecting on the magazine, regards the publication of True Girl as "a powerful instrument in helping [young women] integrate Jesus' values into their own life, and

inspiring them to be a countercultural model for others in our society."

In the Diocese of Gary alone, there are more than 1,200 Catholic teenage girls. These young women will be the next generation of leaders of the Catholic Church, whether through religious vocation or through lay service.

Advertisers in the magazine will include Catholic schools and colleges, modest yet fashionable clothing, skin and hair care, jewelry and accessories, and music companies who are interested in providing alternatives to popular culture.

For further information on True Girl Magazine contact Stephanie Murphy, Publisher, P.O. Box 874, La Porte, IN 46352; email: stephanie@truegirlonline.com

True Girl’s web site is www.truegirlonline.com