Archdiocese of Newark wins awards from Catholic Media Association
The Catholic Media Association (CMA) held its annual awards ceremony last week in Portland, Ore., where Catholic media outlets and dioceses across the nation were recognized for outstanding work in various categories. The Archdiocese of Newark was recognized with two award-winning placements.
Sean Quinn, public relations specialist for the Archdiocese of Newark, was honored with a first-place award in the category “Best Online Content Not Published in Print – Feature.” His feature story, Priest and man with autism share special bond through concerts, details the inspiring connection between Fr. Jim Worth, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Maplewood, and a parishioner, Ben Hack, as the pair enjoyed a shared passion for music to remain in touch amid COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
The CMA outlined why Quinn’s article was so deserving, noting: “Positive and unique products make this entry a clear standout. Exceptional media and copy are engaging. Excellent example of industry’s best!”
The Archdiocese’s other honor came in the category “Best Freestanding Presentation of Online Video,” in which its video, 2021 Blue Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J., claimed third place.
“This succinct and well-edited video captures the highlights of a Mass honoring active, retired and deceased law enforcement. It portrays many angles of the scene and shows through the emotions of the participants that the experience was meaningful for them,” the CMA judges remarked.
The video was among the Archdiocese’s most successful in 2021, receiving more than 2,000 views on YouTube and engaging highly on social media.
With additional praise, Maria Margiotta, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Newark, stated: “It’s thrilling when our team’s work and efforts are recognized locally, and especially on a national level, by Catholic communications peers and professionals such as the CMA. We strive daily to convey the mission and service of our local church via faith-inspiring and informative content and storytelling, and we’re honored to receive distinguished awards for our efforts and dedication.”
The Catholic Media Association, established in 1911, acknowledges the work of those in Catholic media through its 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. The 2022 Press Awards program included approximately 2,700 entries in 472 categories, with more than 160 organizations entered in this year’s program.
To keep up to date on all the news and content from the Archdiocese of Newark, follow @NwkArchdiocese on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and visit JerseyCatholic.org.
