Catholic Review honored by international, national and regional press associations

By Catholic Review Staff

The Catholic Review was honored this year by international, national and regional press associations for excellence in journalism in 2015.

In total, the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore was awarded 25 honors, including “Best in Class” for a regional newspaper by the Associated Church Press and “Best in Show” for religion reporting by the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association. The newspaper also received two second-place awards by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada.

“I am incredibly proud of the work done by the Catholic Review staff in 2015, especially as we worked over the last year to make the change from a newspaper to a magazine,” said Christopher Gunty, associate publisher/editor. “It was especially gratifying to be named Best in Class by the Associated Church Press for the fourth year in a row.”

The honorees and selected judges’ comments are below, along with links to several winning stories and features.

Associated Church Press

General Excellence
Best in Class, Regional Newspaper
Catholic Review Staff

“Front pages are compelling. Layouts are clean and consistent. Great use of graphic elements throughout. Writing is clear and professional. Opinion and news are clearly defined. The Francis in America issue offers the reader a terrific variety of coverage. Stories by Christopher Gunty were especially well done and gave a strong personal touch to the coverage. Great paper.”

Award of Merit

Best in Class, Marketing: Public Relations/Marketing Campaign
“Feet for Francis”

Paul McMullen, Maureen Cromer and Sara Goldscher

In conjunction with the 2015 papal visit, 23 pilgrims walked nearly 110 miles from Baltimore to Philadelphia. Simultaneously, 30 schools and parishes in the archdiocese collected 15 tons of new and gently-worn shoes donated to the developing world.

“Amazing use of multiple components: an event, press coverage, raising awareness, funds and resources. There are many elements to this campaign that are noteworthy. It delivered different story angles: the fundraising component, help for the needy, young folks making a difference, and more. And smartly, the campaign tied to the pope’s visit which attracted the national news.”

Award of Merit

Best in Class, Online: Blog

Open Window

Rita Buettner

“Relatable subject matter, engaging images/graphics, writer willingness to engage with commenters.”

Award of Excellence
Reporting and Writing: IN-DEPTH COVERAGE: Newspaper/Newsletter

Francis in America

Catholic Review Staff Writers

“The organization and breadth of the package indicates deep, sharp editorial planning. And the consistent clarity and quality of the writing indicates a careful attention to detail, even when so many balls were in the air at the same time.”

Award of Merit

Reporting and Writing: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE/1st PERSON ACCOUNT (short format): Newspaper/Newsletter

“Georgie’s Story”

George P. Matysek Jr.

“This story would melt the most hardened heart. The writing and the presentation are superb. The three short paragraphs that start ‘His little jaw fell open’ are like staccato gunfire piercing the soul. The story is so universal that it would bring tears to the eyes of even pro-choice advocates. This puts the pro-life vs. pro-choice debate in human terms.”

Award of Excellence
ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Newspaper/Newsletter Design (Spread or Story)

Sara Goldscher, Maureen Cromer and Paul McMullen

Honorable Mention

ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Newspaper/Newsletter Design (Entire Issue)

Sara Goldscher and Robert Thompson

ART/DESIGN/GRAPHICS: Magazine Cover
“Waiting for the Light”
Sara Goldscher

“Clean cover image from edge to edge. Great layout, leading viewers eye around. Good spacing and well-placed upward gradient to allow more subtitles to come forward.”

Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada

Second Place

Best feature writing

“Georgie’s Story”
George P. Matysek Jr.

“A carefully detailed and powerfully written story of what all parents fear: death where life was supposed.”

Second Place

Best newspaper website

CatholicReview.org

“The Catholic Review clearly designates the most important headlines and newsstories for readers, making it quick and easy to navigate key articles and gain perspective on the news.”

Third Place

Best regular special supplement or section

Catholic Schools Week special section

Catholic Review Staff

“A wonderful peek inside schools that, as one sister put it, develop 21st century learners.”

Third Place
Best coverage of vocations to priesthood, religious life or diaconate

“They’ve got Father Bob’s Back”
Paul McMullen

“This little-publicized aspect of church life is expertly presented in this informative and creative article.”

Honorable mention

Best one-time special issue

“Francis in America pre-coverage”

Catholic Review Staff

“Outstanding preview that highlights many local connections.”

Also in the CPA contest, Archbishop William E. Lori was a nominee for the Bishop John England Award for the Defense of Religious Liberty, and the archbishop was part of the team of Columbia magazine of the Knights of Columbus that won two awards for best coverage of religious liberty issues and best explanation of the church’s position on marriage.

Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association

First Place and Best-in-Show

Religion Reporting

“They’ve got Father Bob’s back”

Paul McMullen