The Catholic Courier won 17 awards from the Catholic Media Association for work published in 2025.
The Catholic Media Association represents more than 600 Catholic publications in the United States and Canada. The organization’s annual conference and awards dinner took place June 16-19 in Atlantic City, N.J.
The Catholic Courier won the following awards:
General Individual Excellence
Multimedia Journalist of the Year
Digital Content Producer Gina Capellazzi won first place for her multimedia work from 2025.
“The breadth of Gina’s work is remarkable,” the judges wrote. “Whether through podcasts, writing, photography, or video, she communicates the truths of the faith in ways that are compelling, engaging, and consistently interesting. Her versatility across multiple forms of media demonstrates both creativity and strong storytelling skills, allowing her to connect effectively with a wide range of audiences.”
Videographer of the Year
Chief Photographer Jeff Witherow received an honorable mention for the videos he produced in 2025.
Best Newspaper – Diocesan Non-Weekly
The Catholic Courier staff received an honorable mention in this category.
Best Website — Newspaper
The Catholic Courier staff won an honorable mention for the CatholicCourier.com website.
First-Place Award
Best Photograph – Catholic Education
Witherow won first place for a photo of a fourth-grader from St. Rita School in Webster taking a shot during a can knockdown game as part of Catholic Schools Week festivities.
“The image is an energetic and engaging photograph, capturing a vivid sense of movement and excitement that draws the viewer into the action, creating a fun and intriguing visual experience,” the judges wrote.
Second-Place Awards
Best Photograph – Catholic Education
Witherow won second place for a photo of a teacher from St. Louis School in Pittsford leading her kindergarten class.
“The image is a creative and immerse photograph, using perspective to place the viewer directly within the scene, effectively telling the story from a personal point of view and enhancing its overall impact,” the judges wrote.
Best Use of Live Video in Social Media
Capellazzi and Witherow won second place for White Smoke Watch: A Conclave Q&A, the Facebook Live show they presented with Don Smith, diocesan coordinator of sacramental catechesis and family life.
Best Photograph – Feature Photo
Witherow received a second-place award for a photo of first responders waiting to process into Rochester’s Sacred Heart Cathedral before the start of the diocesan first responders Mass Sept. 14, 2025.
Third-Place Awards
Best Photograph – Catholic Education
Witherow won third place for a photo of a kindergartner and her grandmother during Grandparents Day at Penfield’s St. Joseph School.
“The image is a beautifully framed and intimate photograph, capturing a tender and caring moment that feels deeply personal and invited the viewer to engage more fully with the story behind,” the judges remarked.
Best Photo Gallery or Slideshow
Witherow received a third-place award for his photo gallery from the annual festival at Canandaigua’s St. Mary Church.
“The photos captured a relatively standard event – a carnival – from a variety of interesting and beautiful perspectives,” the judges remarked. “There was excellent use of angles, color, and foreground and background composition, creating visually engaging images that elevated the event beyond the ordinary.”
Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season – Diocesan and National News Organizations
Witherow won third place for a video of volunteers restoring the Stations of the Cross from Rochester’s Holy Apostles Church.
“This was a visually strong, craft-focused piece with excellent detail shots and a compelling subject that translates well to video,” the judges wrote. “It feels artistic and well executed.”
Honorable Mention
Best Multimedia Package
The Catholic Courier staff received an honorable mention for its 2025 Advent calendar.
Best Use of Video on Social Media – News Organization
Capellazzi received an honorable mention for a video of a ceremony honoring veterans at Chili’s St. Pius Tenth School during the opening ceremony of its Field of Honor.
Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season – Diocesan and National News Organizations
Witherow received an honorable mention for a video on the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature
Witherow earned an honorable mention for photos of the Stations of the Cross being restored at Holy Apostles Church. The photos were published in the Courier’s April 2025 print edition.
Best Photograph – Feature Photo
Witherow received an honorable mention for his photo from the local Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Covenant Community’s monthly Healing Mass.
Best Photograph – Sports Photo
Witherow won honorable mention for a photo of Greece’s St. Charles Borromeo and Fairport’s St. John of Rochester players trying to rebound a ball during a CYO basketball game.
