The Catholic Courier won a total of 25 awards, including six first-place honors, from the Catholic Media Association for work published in 2022.
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 6-9 in Baltimore, Md.
The Catholic Courier won the following awards:
General Individual Excellence
Videographer/Video Producer of the Year
Chief Photographer Jeff Witherow was named second runner-up in the videographer/video producer of the year category for his videography from 2022.
“This series of videos is timely and poignant,” the judge wrote. “With a focus on the reverent and colorful liturgy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church is informative, the videographer captures the age-old tradition place in the contemporary setting of the diocese. The school’s video is creative and fun.”
First-Place Awards
Best Multimedia Package — Depiction of Religious Life
Witherow and New Media Coordinator Gina Capellazzi won first place for their “Called to Serve: Deacon Ordination” multimedia presentation.
“The Catholic Courier tells a simple yet visually engaging and cohesive narrative. Covering the deacons’ ordination, the team captures the emotions of a powerful moment,” the judges wrote. “The story takes the reader through a well-constructed beginning, middle and end with thorough interviews and visuals that complement the narrative throughout. A good example of how a well written story and visuals can come together to tell a powerful story.”
Best Multimedia Package — Seasonal Issue
Capellazzi and Witherow won first place for the 2022 Advent Calendar.
“This calendar is creative, with both visual and audial components,” the judge commented. “It provides a compelling way to enter into the spirit and activity of Advent using creative interactive tech to invite users to engage in Advent practices that are globally and locally centered.”
Best Seasonal Issue — Digital Only
The 2022 Advent Calendar also won first place in this category.
Best Photograph – Sacramental Photo
Witherow won first place for a photo of RIT student Chase Lear.
“This is a nice photo — it tells a story that many people can relate to. And it is taken from an interesting perspective. Nice framing! Beautiful work,” the judge said.
Best Media Kit
Graphics Manager Matt Saxon won first place for the digital media kit he created for the Courier.
“When buying ad space, the first thing I want is immediate and cognizant answers,” the judge remarked. “The Catholic Courier does this in a very nice and enticing package. It is swift and clean. Graphically very pleasing.”
Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing — The Gerard E. Sherry Award — Non-Weekly
General Manager/Editor Karen Franz won first place for her stories about the Diocese of Rochester’s bankruptcy.
“Deeply reported with strong explanatory writing and solid sourcing, resulting in an in-depth story on a challenging and troubling legal topic,” the judge wrote. “The writing and reporting are highly understandable, which often isn’t the case when reporting on legal matters. Clear winner in the category.”
Second-Place Awards
Best Multimedia Package — Depiction of Religious Life
Witherow, Capellazzi and Staff Writer Mike Latona won second place for their multimedia presentation on the ordination of Father Aaron Kelly.
“A beautiful depiction of a day in the life of a Father Aaron Kelly. What makes this entry truly memorable is the enterprising narrative. The author takes the reader on Father Kelly’s journey of faith and hope. From his days as a seminary student to Father Kelly’s first Mass, the author takes you inside each memorable moment of the Deacon’s life via a visual storybook. The project is incredibly well done from start to finish and captures what makes every Deacon’s calling special. This is more than a story, it’s an experience of witnessing a wonderful man of faith and his journey with God,” the judge said.
Best Multimedia Package — Seasonal Issue
Capellazzi and Saxon won second place for the 2022 Lenten Guide.
Best Seasonal Issue — Digital Only
The Lenten Guide also won second place in this category.
Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group — Young adults (18-40)
Staff Writer Jennifer Burke won second place for her story on Sister Cecilia Therese, a Carmelite sister.
Best Photo Gallery or Slide Show
Witherow won second place for his Rochester Ukraine rally photo gallery.
“The color and shot variation in this photo essay were stunning,” the judge said about Witherow’s second-place gallery.
Best Multiple Picture Package — News
Witherow won second place for his photo gallery from a rally in support of Ukraine.
“Colorful and compelling photos that are full of depth and immediately capture and draw in those who view them,” the judge remarked.
Best Photograph — Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate
Witherow won second place for a photo of Carmelite Sister Cecilia Therese.
“Beautifully composed and use of light and color. Fine work,” the judge wrote.
Best Photograph — Catholic Education
Witherow won second place for his photo of Mary Kate Koecheler, principal at Seton Catholic School in Brighton.
Third-Place Awards
Best News Writing on Regional Event — Non-Weekly
Latona and Burke won third place for their coverage of abortion expansion in New York.
“Strong coverage that explains state abortion rights efforts in the wake of the Dobbs decision,” the judge commented. “Provides readers with key information and is well written.”
Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate — Series
Capellazzi won third place for her series of stories on the 2022 deacon ordination.
Best Photo Gallery or Slide Show
Witherow won third place for his photo gallery on the ordination of Father Aaron Kelly.
“Beautiful photos with an impressive shot variety that made me feel like I was in the church watching along with the family members,” the judge added about the ordination gallery.
Best Photograph – Catholic Education
Witherow won third place for a photo of a student from Canandaigua’s St. Mary School during a field trip at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park.
“A cheerful well-composed photo full of energy,” the judge said of Witherow’s third-place award.
Best Photograph — Sports Photo
Witherow’s photo from the McQuaid football state quarterfinals won third place.
“In sports photography, it can be challenging to nail a photograph that captures the motion and drama of a moment,” the judge wrote. “This photograph excels in capturing it in all three subjects: the running player bracing for a tackle, the offensive player, arm outstretched, but being restrained by a third athlete. Its composition is also pleasing, bisecting the photograph into two neat halves.”
Best Use of Photos on Social Media
Witherow and Digital Marketing Specialist Heidi Huntington won third place for an Our Lady of Guadalupe Instagram post.
Honorable Mentions
Best Photograph — Sports Photo
Witherow received an honorable mention for a photo of the Aquinas basketball championship and an honorable mention for a photo of the McQuaid soccer sectional.
Best Freestanding Presentation of Online Video — News
Witherow received an honorable mention for his video on the Auburn community rallying for Ukraine.
Best Use of Photos on Social Media
Witherow and Capellazzi won honorable mention for their Ash Wednesday Instagram post.
