Archdiocese of Newark wins 10 Catholic Media Awards
The Archdiocese of Newark Office of Communications and its news outlet, Jersey Catholic, have been nationally recognized for their impactful contributions to communications and Catholic journalism.
At last week’s Catholic Media Association (CMA) awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, the Archdiocese of Newark earned ten prestigious awards – winning placements for journalism, including four first-place prizes and one second-place honor.
“We have a great team, and I am delighted that others recognize that our light is not under a bushel basket,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark. “I am proud and grateful for all.”
“We are proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of this year’s award recipients,” read a statement issued by the Catholic Media Association to all competition entrants. “Their hard work, dedication, and talent have set a new standard of excellence in their respective fields. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you for inspiring us with your outstanding contributions.”
The annual CMA conference and awards ceremony bring together Catholic publications and professional communicators from the U.S. and Canada to celebrate and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations who excel in portraying Catholic teachings, values, and stories in a compelling and authentic manner.
Among the Archdiocese of Newark’s award-winning journalism placements are the heartwarming coverage of a parish basketball program for adults with autism and a poignant narrative of a man’s journey from the World Trade Center on 9/11 to becoming a deacon, both penned by Sean Quinn, public relations manager.
Former staff member Joe Jordan won awards for reporting on one of the oldest priests in the archdiocese, how a martial arts champion became a youth minister, and how the fight for faith in Nicaragua hit home for several local Catholics.
Jaimie Julia Winters, communications manager and editor of Jersey Catholic, won for coverage of the hundreds of archdiocesan youthes that headed to World Youth Day last summer. She also won, along with Quinn, for a series on a revered statue of Our Lady of Fatima’s visit to the archdiocese, and with Jordan for coverage of priests, religious, and deacons in the Archdiocese of Newark throughout 2023.
Maxim Almenas, marketing manager for Catholic Cemeteries, garnered an award for his coverage of Boy Scouts and military veterans uniting to honor fallen heroes.
In addition to those awards, archdiocesan communications team members Maria Margiotta and Alexandra Rojas received an Honorable Mention for Best New Website.
“We have an exceptional team of professionals who strive each day to fulfill our Church’s mission, informing and inspiring our faith community and fostering their connection to our faith,” said Maria Margiotta, executive director of communications for the Archdiocese of Newark. “These stories, which touched the lives of many, are a testament to our commitment to the community. It’s gratifying when our peers nationally acknowledge our work.”
The award categories and archdiocesan winners are as follows:
Best Reporting on a Special Age – Young adults (18-40)
First Place
Jaimie Julia Winters
Archdiocese of Newark Faithful Head to World Youth Day
Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate – One-Shot
First Place
Sean Quinn
9/11 Hero Found Relationship With Christ After Tragedy, Now Helps Others as Deacon
Best Sports Journalism – Sports Feature or Column
First Place
Sean Quinn
Adults With Autism Make Friends, Have Fun at Unique Parish Basketball Clinic
Second Place
Joe Jordan
How a World Champion Martial Artist Became a Youth Minister
Best Personality Profile – Non-Weekly
First Place
Joe Jordan
Priesthood of 101-year-old Msgr. Turro
Best Reporting on a Special Age – Children and Teens Younger than 18
Honorable Mention
Maxim Almenas
On Veterans Day, Young Scouts and Veterans Unite to Honor Fallen Heroes
Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event – Non-Weekly
Honorable Mention
Jaimie Julia Winters and Sean Quinn
Our Lady of Fatima Tours Archdiocese of Newark series
Portuguese celebrate Our Lady
What a blessing!
Podcasts offer insight into Our Lady
Statue parades through the streets
Statue visits 13 parishes
Best News Writing One Shot – International Event
Honorable Mention
Joe Jordan
Fight for Faith in Nicaragua Hits Home
Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate – Series
Honorable Mention
Jaimie Julia Winters and Joe Jordan
Priesthood, Religious Life, Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Newark
Father Patrick ordained in historic moment
400 Filipino priests converge on Newark
Priests revive the gift of ordination clothes to mothers
Nicaraguan bishop inspires local priests
Soon-to-be priests share message
Best New Website
Honorable Mention
Alexandra Rojas and Maria Margiotta
www.RCAN.org
The complete list of Catholic Media Association winners is available here.
The Catholic Media Association (CMA), established in 1911, acknowledges the work of those in Catholic media through its annual award programs. As a global network of Catholic communicators, the CMA recognizes the diversity of media available today and facilitates a wide variety of honors programs for its members and those in related professions. This year’s program included approximately 2,700 entries in 472 categories, with more than 160 organizations entering. To read daily stories about the Archdiocese of Newark’s faith community, visit www.jerseycatholic.org. Sign up here to receive Jersey Catholic’s weekly newsletter. Follow us on social media @NwkArchdiocese on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and YouTube.
