Newark, N.J. – The Archdiocese of Newark and its news outlet, Jersey Catholic, have been nationally recognized for their contributions to communications and Catholic journalism, earning 10 prestigious awards from the national Catholic Media Association (CMA) at its annual Catholic Media Awards ceremony in Atlanta on June 21.

Archdiocesan staff members won multiple awards for outstanding journalism, including four first place prizes and one second place distinction. Additionally, the recently redesigned Archdiocese website (rcan.org) earned an honorable mention in the category of “Best New Website.”

“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.”

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.

The winning award categories and archdiocesan staff members are as follows:

Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group – 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-Group – 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

“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 complete list of Catholic Media Awards winners is available on the CMA website.

The Catholic Media Association, 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 Catholic Media Awards competition included approximately 2,700 entries across 472 categories, with more than 160 organizations from throughout the North America entered. All content judged for the contest was created in 2023.

“We are proud to recognize the exceptional achievements” of this year’s award recipients, read a statement issued by the Catholic Media Association. “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.”

Since launching in 2020, Jersey Catholic has earned 20 Catholic Media Awards for its coverage of the Archdiocese of Newark, including five first place accolades. To read daily stories about the Archdiocese’s faith community, visit www.jerseycatholic.org and sign up for its weekly newsletter that highlights the week’s top articles.

About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 212 parishes, 68 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.