First place for news writing on a regional event by a non-weekly newspaper and first place for best podcast series were among 23 awards and honorable mentions received by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Office of Communications June 27 at the annual Catholic Media Conference (CMC) in Phoenix.
The Catholic Spirit took third place for best newspaper in the non-weekly category, and staff photographer Dave Hrbacek received an honorable mention as photographer of the year. For best newspaper, the awards committee considered selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall graphic design.
Tom Halden, director of the Office of Communications, thanked the judges and those he works with.
“I am grateful that the judges from the Catholic Media Association were able to see what I am blessed to experience every day: True communications professionals who share their God-given talents and skills and love for Christ and his Church, with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and beyond,” Halden said. “These dedicated women and men bring such great passion for making Christ known and loved, they are really good at what they do, and they are fun!”
The awards banquet, held at the conclusion of the CMC held June 24-27, celebrated the 2024 work of Catholic Media Association members. Participants submitted work for the awards in a variety of categories that highlight writing, design, production and editing. There were 3,125 submissions and 433 award categories this year, according to the awards committee. For comparison, there were 3,111 submissions and 480 award categories in 2024 recognizing the 2023 work of association members.
Rebecca Omastiak, news editor of The Catholic Spirit, and former Catholic Spirit reporter Anna Wilgenbusch combined to win the best news writing on regional event award for a non-weekly newspaper for their coverage of the Source and Summit Eucharistic procession in May 2024. The procession along Summit Avenue in St. Paul drew more than 7,000 people and was part of the Marian Route that began in Minnesota. The Marian Route was part of a national pilgrimage that included three other routes. The pilgrimage ended in Indianapolis for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Eucharistic Congress.
The podcast series — “The Countdown to Priestly Ordination 2024” — consisted of interviews with 13 men as they anticipated ordination for the archdiocese. Patrick Conley, Kayla Mayer and Paul Sadek produced the series, which was broadcast on the “Practicing Catholic” radio show, hosted by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Relevant Radio.
“Practicing Catholic” awards included an honorable mention as best podcast. Communications staff members won first place for best video for catechesis with its “Mary Always Points Us to Jesus.”
Below are the awards The Catholic Spirit and the Office of Communications won this year.
First Place (4)
Best News Writing on Regional Event — Non-Weekly: “Historic Eucharistic Procession on Summit Avenue Draws Over 7,000” (June 6, 2024, edition). Anna Wilgenbusch and Rebecca Omastiak, The Catholic Spirit. “This article offers thoughtful, in-depth coverage of an important national event that had a significant impact on the region,” wrote the awards committee.
Best Photograph — Spot News: “Ash Wednesday at Transfiguration” (Feb. 22, 2024, edition, page 4). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit. “It is such a simple photo, but the creativity and simplicity make it wonderful!” wrote the awards committee.
Best Podcast Series: “The Countdown to Priestly Ordination 2024” (April 8, 15, 22 and 29; May 6, 13 and 20). Patrick Conley, Kayla Mayer and Paul Sadek. “Practicing Catholic,” Office of Communications. “This podcast series excels with its polished production and multi-episode narrative that delves deeply into the journey toward priesthood. Its engaging interviews, varied perspectives, and extensive distribution across digital platforms set a high standard for quality and impact,” the awards committee wrote.
Best Video — Catechesis, Diocesan and National News Organizations: “Mary Always Points Us to Jesus.” Office of Communications staff. “Archbishop Hebda’s compelling storytelling, his joy and his knowledge of the history of the rosary create an engaging experience for viewers. The use of music, graphics, art and quotes from saints artfully combine to keep the viewers’ interest. This is a lovely, informative and entertaining video,” wrote the awards committee.
Second Place (4)
Best Interview — Audio: “Supporting Abuse Survivors with Paula Kaempffer.” Patrick Conley, Rachel McCallum and Paul Sadek. “Practicing Catholic,” Office of Communications. “Audio quality was well produced. The topic created an interesting interview and the guest was well prepared to answer the host’s questions. The host provided supportive questions that engaged the guest and audience together,” the awards committee wrote.
Best Photograph — Spot News: “Bishop Kenney Ordination” (Nov. 7, 2024, edition, page 2A). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit. “This was fun to see the reaction from the other side,” wrote the awards committee about the photo.
Best Story and Photo Package — By an Individual: “Dairy Farmer Marries Baker.” Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit. “This profile stands out for its charm. Its photos, though few, encapsulate the story simply and eloquently,” wrote the awards committee.
Best Video — Religious Life: “Catholic Sisters Week.” Nicole Bettini, Zach Jansen and Kayla Mayer. Office of Communications. “The Habit offers a compelling look at the stories of the men and women who have devoted their lives to Christ through consecrated life. Joy serves as a central theme in the narrative and it shines through in the interviews with individuals, each of whom has discovered true joy in their faith. What truly sets this entry apart is the diverse range of voices that are featured throughout the story, providing a rich and varied perspective on the shared experience of consecrated life,” the awards committee wrote.
Third Place (5)
Best Interview — Audio: “What Every Catholic Can Learn from Rural Life with Monsignor James Shea.” Patrick Conley, Kayla Mayer and Paul Sadek. “Practicing Catholic,” Office of Communications. “The topic is unique and creates an interesting interview topic. This interview was well mediated and the guest was engaging,” the awards committee wrote.
Best Newspaper — Non-Weekly: The Catholic Spirit. The Catholic Spirit staff. The awards committee considered selection of stories, originality, quality of writing and headlines, columns, editorials and letters to the editor, quality and appropriateness of art and graphics, and overall graphic design in determining this award.
Best Photograph — Portrait. “Rural Life” (April 25, 2024, edition, page 1). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit. “This photo has very nice composition of a man who embodies rural life,” the awards committee wrote.
Best Print Special Supplement — On a Bishop’s Transition: “‘Filled with Joy’: Bishop Kevin Kenney Ordained Oct. 28” (Nov. 7, 2024, edition). The Catholic Spirit staff. “This series is an excellent example of putting together the life and profile of Bishop Kenney from the perspectives of those who know him well, and in whose ministry he has had influence. The layout, especially the variations in style from narrative to Q&A, and the placement of each of the elements flowed in an order that makes sense,” wrote the awards committee.
Best Video — Explainer, Diocesan and National News Organizations: “Mary Always Points Us to Jesus.” Office of Communications staff. “Excellent, layered storytelling in video form that reaches the correct audience while informing and educating,” the awards committee wrote.
Honorable Mentions (10)
Best Coverage — Racial Inequities: “Ignatian Volunteer Corps hosts Jesuit forum on racial reconciliation” (Nov. 7, 2024, edition). Maura Keller, for The Catholic Spirit. “Local event aims to foster understanding of Native American boarding school harms” (Oct. 10, 2024, edition). Rebecca Omastiak, The Catholic Spirit. “Bishop Kenney’s ministry has ‘touched the hearts and the lives’ of many” (Nov. 7, 2024, edition). Rebecca Omastiak, The Catholic Spirit.
Best Diocesan Pastoral Message — Letter: “Beards: Balmed or Banned?” Office of Communications staff.
Best External E-Newsletter: “Together on the Journey from Archbishop Hebda.” Office of Communications staff.
Best Headline: “Dairy Tale” (Sept. 26, 2024, edition, page 1). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit.
Best Photograph — Spot News: “Source and Summit” (June 6, 2024, edition, page 1). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit.
Best Podcast: “Practicing Catholic.”
Best Print Special Supplement — One-Time Special Issue: “Eucharistic Pilgrimage” (June 6, 2024, edition, pages 2A-4A). Anna Wilgenbusch and Rebecca Omastiak, The Catholic Spirit.
Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group — Young Adults (18-40): “Finding husbandry … and a husband” (Sept. 26, 2024, edition, pages 10-11). Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit.
Best Video — Explainer, Diocesan and National News Organizations: “Catholic Sisters Week.” Nicole Bettini, Zach Jansen and Kayla Mayer. Office of Communications.
Photographer of the Year: Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit.
Complete awards details can be found online on the CMA website.
