America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Catholic New York won nine awards, including first place for General Excellence, in journalism awards competitions announced at the annual Catholic Media Conference June 19-21 in Denver.
Seven of the awards honored submissions in the annual Catholic Press Awards competition sponsored by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada.
It was the second time in the last four years Catholic New York was judged the top Catholic newspaper in its circulation category—40,001-plus—the largest in the competition. CNY also received the top prize in 2010.
Catholic New York reporters Ron Lajoie and Juliann DosSantos each received honors in other national competitions also announced at the conference.
Lajoie was one of four recipients of the first Egan Journalism Fellowship, given by Catholic Relief Services, the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The award recognized journalists who have demonstrated excellence in their reporting for Catholic media in the United States.
The four fellows will travel with CRS to Rwanda in the fall to witness the work of CRS and the Catholic Church on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.
Mrs. DosSantos earned second-place honors in the Knights of Columbus’ Father Michael J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Journalism for her article “Bronx Students Take Stand Against Tobacco Products,” published in CNY’s March 8, 2012 issue.
The story chronicled an after-school program, “Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Products,” a collaboration between the Archdiocese Drug Abuse Prevention Program and the Bronx Smoke-Free Partnership, available in eight Catholic elementary and high schools in the Bronx.
Co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Conn., and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Department of Communications in Washington, D.C., the award recognizes outstanding writing on volunteer efforts performed for the Church and community in the spirit of Venerable Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus.
The Catholic Press Awards, including judges’ comments, are as follows:
First Place, General Excellence, 40,001+ circulation diocesan newspaper, Catholic New York staff.
Judges’ Comments: Catholic New York once again dominates because of its outstanding journalism in every aspect. From news briefs and captions through news sections to tracking Cardinal Dolan’s sojourn among Catholics and thoughtful, trenchant articles...
First Place, Best One-Time Special Issue: “Joy Rising: The Elevation of Timothy Cardinal Dolan,” Catholic New York staff
Judges’ Comments: A very thorough job on a story that was important to the diocese and the American Church. Good use of photos to help tell the story.
Honorable Mention, Best Editorial, 40,001+ Diocesan Paper: “Put ‘Choose Life’ Plates on Road.”
Judges’ Comments: Interesting local issue, broached on a larger scale. Good reporting. Clear, concise, thoughtful writing.
Honorable Mention, Best Editorial, National or International, 40,001+ Diocesan Paper: “Mother Dolores Still Shines.”
Honorable Mention, Best Photograph (Portrait category): “House Proud: Family in a New Kitchen,” by photographer Chris Sheridan
Judges’ Comments: Nice moment for the family. Not easy to photograph nine people and see everyone’s faces.
Honorable Mention, Best Special Supplement or Special Issue With Advertising Emphasis: “The 2012 Catholic High School Guide,” Catholic New York Staff
Judges’ Comments: This section does one thing—and does it well. The overview of New York Catholic high schools is a huge task, and Catholic New York is up to it.
Honorable Mention, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication-Color: “Reconciliation Monday,” by Molly Gallegos, production manager.
Judges’ Comments: Imagery, size and copy work together well. Audience and purpose are clear.
