The Catholic Star Herald and the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Communications earned multiple honors from the Catholic Media Association during the organization’s annual Catholic Media Conference, which was held this year in Atlantic City.
For the staff, the recognition carried added meaning as the Diocese of Camden served as the host diocese for Catholic media professionals from across the United States, Canada and beyond.
“It was especially gratifying this year to be recognized by the Catholic Media Association while also welcoming so many of our colleagues to South Jersey,” said Mike Walsh, director of communications for the Diocese of Camden. “None of us do this work for awards. We do it because the stories of faith, service, Catholic education, parish life and community outreach in this Diocese deserve to be told well. Still, it is encouraging to see the work of the Catholic Star Herald and our diocesan communications team stand alongside the excellent efforts being produced throughout Catholic media in the United States and Canada. These honors reflect the creativity, professionalism and dedication of our staff, contributors and collaborators across the Diocese.”
Jennifer Mauro, managing editor of the Catholic Star Herald, received third place for Editor of the Year: English-language.
“Jen Mauro revitalized and strengthened the Catholic Star Herald, adding innovative and creative new media products while balancing the needs of an older audience devoted to traditional media,” the judges wrote. They also praised her local-news focus, collaboration with schools and diocesan ministries, and leadership, saying her “vision and dedication have produced impressive results for both the publication and the wider diocesan community.”
The Catholic Star Herald also earned second place in Best Regular Column – Family Life for Deacon Dean Johnson’s column, “On Super Bowl Sunday, Don’t Leave Faith on the Sideline.”
Judges praised the column for bringing “Scripture and the writings of the saints and the Church into everyday experiences of life and the family,” while noting that it was written in a flowing, accessible style.
In sports coverage, Mark Zimmaro earned second place in Best Sports Journalism – Sports News for “PVI Girls Soccer Finishes Perfect Season with 2nd Straight State Title.” The story chronicled Paul VI High School’s championship victory and undefeated season, capturing both the drama of the title game and the larger accomplishment of the team’s back-to-back state championships.
“This is a great story that captures the thrills of a championship game and season,” the judges wrote.
Lori M. Nichols, assistant editor and staff photographer, received second place in Best Photograph – Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate for her image accompanying “Friends Share Memories of CFR Foundress a Year After Her Death.” The photo reflected on the life and legacy of Mother Lucille Cutrone, CFR, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, through the memories of those who knew her.
Judges singled out the photograph’s “excellent contrast of light and shadow.”
The Diocese of Camden Office of Communications earned third place in Best Video – Catechesis: Diocesan and National News Organizations for “Walking Through Lent with Sister Emily.” The Lenten video series featured Sister Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM, offering brief reflections to help viewers enter more prayerfully into the season.
The award recognized the work of Sister Emily, Jennifer Mauro and John Kalitz. Judges noted that while the series used a simple approach, Sister Emily’s “warm personality helps her connect naturally with viewers” as she reflected on themes including responding mindfully during Lent and letting go of unforgiveness.
The Catholic Star Herald also received an honorable mention in Best Story and Photo Package – By Two Individuals or More for “Serving Lunch with a Side of Hope,” by Lori M. Nichols and Peter G. Sanchez. The story and photo package highlighted the Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen at Bridgeton’s parish community and its ministry of providing meals, dignity and care to those in need.
The Catholic Media Association’s annual awards recognize excellence in Catholic journalism, communications, photography, video, digital media and publishing.
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