Diocese’s communications department honored with 16 awards

From staff reports

The Catholic Star Herald and the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Communications have been recognized with 16 awards from the Catholic Media Association, including a first place honor for Best Diocesan Pastoral Message.

The awards, judged by a group of Catholic publishers and media professionals, were announced during the association’s annual conference, held July 4-7 year in Portland, Ore. Formerly known as the Catholic Press Association, the organization’s members include hundreds of Catholic newspapers, magazines, journals, books, wire services, video, TV, podcasts and other multimedia sources from across the United States and Canada. For a list of all the award-winners, Click Here.

“For more than six years, I’ve often referred to my colleagues as amongst the best in their fields. It is gratifying to see them recognized across the board – from pixels and soundwaves to ink and paper – for the quality of their work,” said Mike Walsh, diocesan director of communications and associate publisher of the Diocese’s newspaper.

“This year, every member of our team of 11 received a Catholic Media Association kudo, along with several of our contributors,” Walsh said. “Of course, none of us do this work for the recognition, but to promote and support the work of the Catholic Church, here in South Jersey and around the world. We promise to keep working hard for our readers, viewers, listeners and all the faithful. And we thank Bishop Dennis Sullivan for encouraging us to keep trying new things to bring Christ’s message to all people.” 

Among the top awards was a first place honor for Bishop Dennis Sullivan, who wrote a pastoral message on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In his writing, he recounts his experiences of ministering in Lower Manhattan during and after the World Trade Center attack. Peter G. Sánchez, staff writer, was recognized with a second place award for his “A Priest & His Chalice” series, which features priests of the Diocese sharing the heartfelt backstories of their chalices. Staff and freelance partners were also awarded for the “Talking Catholic” and “Talking Saints” podcasts.

Full List of Catholic Media Association 2022 Winning Entries:

Diocese of Camden, Communications

Best Diocesan Pastoral Message – Letter 

First Place: “Through 9/11, true strength found in generosity, sacrifice” by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D., Bishop of Camden 

Judges’ Comments: On the 20th anniversary, a riveting account of 9/11 and the community’s response in the moment. 

Best Use of Social Media 

First Place: Diocese of Camden – Maria Toci D’Antonio, John Kalitz, Tom O’Shea, Mike Walsh, Mary McCusker, Peter G. Sánchez, Dave Hernandez and Mike Bress 

Judges’ Comments: The Diocese of Camden provides a great example of using multiple accounts on multiple platforms to collaborate and cross-promote news and information. 

Best Podcast Program 

Second Place: “Talking Catholic” by Mary McCusker, Marianela Nunez, Kari Janisse, Jennifer Mauro and Mike Walsh 

Judges’ Comments: The casual conversational tone of this podcast makes in fun to listen to! The topics are interesting, and the hosts engage with guests in a relatable way. 

Best Podcast Series 

Second Place: “Talking Saints” by Laurie Power and Peter G. Sánchez

Judges’ Comments: Hosts Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez have very good chemistry; I really enjoy their interaction. Both hosts bring substance to the conversation. I imagine that both prepare for each podcast. I appreciate that each podcast episode is about 15 minutes; long enough to be substantive but not too time-consuming. 

Best Freestanding Presentation of Online Video – Catechesis 

Third Place: “Lenten Retreat w/ Father Chris Walsh and Richara Krajewski” by John Kalitz, Mike Walsh, Donna Ottaviano-Britt, Mike Bedics 

Judges’ Comments: The animated delivery and high-quality production of these series of videos make the viewer feel like they are sitting in person with a friend, teacher and mentor to receive the spiritual guidance they need. 

Best Use of Photos in Social Media 

Third Place: Mike Walsh 

Judges’ Comments: Solid communication product. Good work! 

Best Interview – Video  

Third Place: “Youth Ministry Insights: Sharing Vocation Stories” by Kari Janisse, Mike Walsh and John Kalitz 

Judges’ Comments: Nice work on a multi-person interview. The interviewer did well to use questions to help give a specific narrative or story. The questions and answers were authentic and felt like friends just having a chat – not simply performative. 

Catholic Star Herald 

Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate – Series 

Second Place: “A Priest & His Chalice” by Peter G. Sanchez, staff writer, and Dave Hernandez, staff photographer 

Judges’ Comments: A fascinating look at vocations as told by looking at three different priests’ chalices and the symbolism they represent. Excellent descriptive writing that holds the attention of readers from start to finish. 

Best Photograph – Sports 

Second Place: “The Eyes Have It” by Dave Hernandez

Judges’ Comments: The photographer expertly captures the winning moment, even with the hockey puck centered in the photo so the eye is drawn to it. The framing is also well done, with the players photographed up close. 

Best Regular Column by Bishop or Archbishop 

Third Place: “Attack was the result of hate, not politics” by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan 

Judges’ Comments: The Bishop’s recollection of the courage and compassion he witnessed on 9/11 was detailed and moving. The three columns focus on timely subjects and effectively explain how readers may respond to news events in ways that reflect their Catholic faith. 

Best Reporting on Catholic Education 

Honorable Mention: “Ambassadors of Christ: Saint Rose of Lima students assist relocated Afghans” by Jennifer Mauro, managing editor; and Dave Hernandez

Best Multiple Picture Package – News 

Honorable Mention: “Life-Giving Waters” by Mike Walsh, Dave Hernandez, Maria Toci D’Antonio, Tom O’Shea, Alan M. Dumoff and Jennifer Mauro

Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication – Color 

Third Place: “Thank You! South Jersey Catholic School Nurses” by Tom O’Shea, production coordinator & graphic designer 

Judges’ Comments: This page is well organized and formatted. It employs a simple design with soft, bright colors that elicit a calming and lighthearted response. This ad is comforting and cheerful! 

Best Ad Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser 

Third Place: “Frank Vincent” by Tom O’Shea

Judges’ Comments: The ad effectively communicates its message of window/roofing improvements with an image of a house featuring prominent windows and roof. The call to action is clear, and the addition of coupons spurs physical engagement. 

Most Effective Use of Small Space 

Third Place: “St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chapel, Mausoleum & Columbaria” by Tom O’Shea

Judges’ Comments: Grouping like ads into a “Funeral Directory” is an effective technique to engage the reader as shopper. Labeling it as such at top and offering the ad department’s number is a successful call to action for a separate audience. 

Best Media Kit

Honorable Mention: “2022 Advertising Media Kit” by Neal Cullen, advertising sales director; Paul J. Worthington, sales account manager; Cynthia E. Soper, business manager; and Tom O’Shea