Catholic Review Media received 53 awards from various press associations for work published in 2023, including top honors from the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association as News Organization of the Year for the sixth year in a row.

The MDDC awarded the Catholic Review 26 awards, including one Best of Show honor each for Kevin J. Parks’ photography and Gabriella O’Brien’s design. CatholicReview.org garnered first place for Website General Excellence and staff received several other first-place honors. The MDDC awards were presented May 3 in Annapolis.

The Catholic Media Association recognized Catholic Review Media with 21 awards, including top individual honors for: Editor of the Year, first place for George Matysek Jr., managing editor; Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year, first place for O’Brien; and Podcaster of the Year, first place for Matysek and second place for Christopher Gunty, associate publisher/editor. The CMA awards were announced June 21 in Atlanta.

The Associated Church Press, comprised of a number of Christian and Catholic publishers, honored Catholic Review Media with six awards, which were presented May 17 in Chicago.

The Catholic Review’s coverage of clergy sexual abuse of minors factored into recognition from all three contests. The year included the release of the Maryland Attorney General’s report on an investigation of 80 years of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and the filing for bankruptcy by the archdiocese in order to continue its ministries while providing equitable compensation to as many victim-survivors as possible.

The MDDC gave Matysek’s interview with two clergy abuse victim-survivors first place in Religion Reporting. The same story received third place for Best Feature Article in Diocesan Magazines from the CMA. The ACP recognized stories on the topic throughout the year with an honorable mention in In-Depth Coverage by a Magazine or Newsletter. The topic was also covered in podcasts by Matysek and Gunty, and in content not in print that received honors.

Stories by freelance correspondent Kyle Taylor and Gunty won first place for Best Coverage of Racial Inequities.

“We are pleased that the hard work of our staff and correspondents has been acknowledged by three different professional journalism organizations,” Gunty said. “We strive each day, each week and each month to provide news that is important to our readers in the print magazine, online, in our enewsletter and on the radio. That’s the root of our tagline, ‘Real Life, Real Faith,’ because we want to connect what’s happening in the archdiocese and in the world to our Catholic faith.”

A list of awards follows. Judges’ comments are listed, if available.

Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association – 26 awards

First Place

• News Organization of the Year (Category C) – Staff – The MDDC changed member categories this year to measure total audience (print, and online) and newsroom staff size, not just print circulation. Based on that, the Catholic Review moved up into a higher competition category – and won News Organization of the Year for the sixth year in a row, as well as 25 other awards. The MDDC gives prizes for first and second place.
• Page 1 Design: (also awarded Best of Show) – Gabriella O’Brien – October Cover – Sanctuary
• Feature photo: (also awarded Best of Show) – Kevin J. Parks – Love to Troubled Streets
• General Website of Excellence: Staff – CatholicReview.org
• Custom Publication: Staff – Teacher of the Year
  Judge’s comment: “This ad (supplement) could have been quite boring, but the color scheme and cute artwork really make it stand out!”
• Feature Page Design: Gabriella O’Brien – Junk into Funk
  Judge’s comment: “I like seeing the dress on the model but the real-life usage of the women wearing it.”
• News Page Design: Gabriella O’Brien – A Time for Reckoning
• Feature story: profile: George Matysek Jr. – God’s scribe
• Feature story: non-profile: George Matysek Jr. – Love to Troubled Streets
• Religion reporting: George Matysek Jr. – Believe us
• Sports Page Design: Gabriella O’Brien – Preakness memories
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Kyle Taylor – A Time for Reckoning
• News-driven infographics: Gabriella O’Brien – Tuition chart
• General News Photo: Kevin J. Parks – Heart of a Lion
• Sports photo – feature: Kevin J. Parks – Early Rise (Preakness)
• General social media reporting: Mitzy Deras, Kevin J. Parks – #GoodNews
• Features video: Kevin J. Parks – St. Frances Academy pilot
• Local column: Critical thinking: Archbishop William E. Lori  – High Anxiety
• Public service: Yvonne Wenger – For the love of Grace
  Judge’s comment: “The story shows the reporter has well-placed sources and the ability to act quickly to cover news as it happens.”

Second Place

• Page 1 Design: Gabriella O’Brien, Kevin J. Parks – September Cover – Pilot
• Sports photo – sports action: Kevin J. Parks – Milan Brown
  Judge’s comment: “This photo stands out for its crop, angle and excellent composition. Everything brings the reader back to the focus on the player watching her shot sail toward the basket.”
• Online blog commentary: Rita Buettner – Power of Presence
• Local column: feature or humor: Gerry Jackson – Hold the tuna
• Local government: Gerry Jackson – Catholic group pushing for inclusive housing

Associated Church Press – six awards

The ACP gives three awards: Award of Excellence, equivalent to first place; Award of Merit, equivalent to second place; and Honorable Mention, equivalent to third place.

Award of Merit

• Local reporting – Short Format: George P. Matysek Jr. – Love to troubled streets
• Publication website: Staff – CatholicReview.org
• Single photo with article or cutline: Kevin J. Parks – Love to troubled streets
• Photo spread or essay – printed : Kevin J. Parks – Student pilot

Honorable Mention

• Best in Class – Denominational or other special-interest magazine: Honorable Mention – Staff – Catholic Review
• In-depth coverage – magazine or journal: Staff – 2023 Abuse coverage

Catholic Media Association – 21 awards

The CMA awards first-, second- and third-place certificates and, sometimes, honorable mentions.

First Place

• Editor of the Year: – George Matysek Jr.
  Judge’s comment: “The best editors give voice to people who deserve it and insight to the readers who need it. That is certainly the case here. George Matysek Jr. is an exceptional word editor and a strong advocate of insightful coverage of sexual abuse survivors.”
• Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year: – Gabriella O’Brien
  Judge’s comment: “Nice work highlighting the funky student fashions. A very polished portfolio showing the ability to work in a variety of ways.”
• Podcaster of the Year: George Matysek Jr. – Various Catholic Review Radio episodes
  Judge’s comment: “These episodes impressed me with their variety. The conversations were lively and didn’t sag – something that is a frequent challenge with this format. Matysek is a strong, informed interviewer.”
• Best Coverage – Racial Inequalities: Kyle Taylor, Christopher Gunty
  Judge’s comment: “Well-written and well-illustrated articles tell the stories of those seeking to literally and figuratively unearth deep-rooted, pervasive racial inequities. Excellent portrayal of need to address historic roots of racial inequity or otherwise fuel its insidious persistence.”
• Best Reporting on Catholic Education: George Matysek Jr. – Fishy Business
  Judge’s comment: “This story of one small program at one school recognizes innovation and creativity that should inspire everyone who plays a role in Christian education.”
• Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate: George Matysek Jr., et al. – Love to Troubled Streets and new priest profiles
  Judge’s comment: “Incredibly beautiful storytelling”
• Best Photograph – Catholic Education: Kevin J. Parks – Taking Flight
  Judge’s comment: “Creativity and photo variety made this entry a winner.”

Second Place

• Podcaster of the Year: Christopher Gunty – Various Catholic Review Radio episodes
  Judge’s comment: “I was especially impressed by the in-depth discussion about the bankruptcy and the impact on the faithful and the victims. I thought that discussion in particular was thoughtful, compassionate and candid.”
• Best Online Content Not Published in Print – News: Staff and correspondent: Christopher Gunty, George Matysek Jr., Gerry Jackson, Gary Lambrecht  – Various articles 
  Judge’s comment: “This publication represents the pinnacle of high-quality reporting on fascinating local issues. Everything from the headlines to the content is of sterling quality. That reporting stands out, making exceptional use of quotes and featuring strong interviews and thorough research. Combined with good storytelling and excellent photos, it all comes together seamlessly. What truly shines through is the representation of the face of the local church, making this publication a pleasure to read from start to finish.”
• Best Website – Magazine or Newsletter: Staff – CatholicReview.org
  Judge’s comment: “Full website. Lots of good information. Easy to navigate. Meets objectives.”
• Best Special Section: Staff – Catholic Schools Week
  Judge’s comment: “The courage in tackling diverse topics made ‘Catholic Schools Week’ a standout winner for Catholic Review. From robotics and hip-hop to dual-language and features on exceptional teachers and students with special needs, each article inspired. Particularly impactful was the piece on tuition, shedding light on the cost of education and convincingly demonstrating its value.”
• Best Portrait Photo: Kevin J. Parks – Life and Death
  Judge’s comment: “The facial expression of the subject of this story is compelling. Great lighting, great context to the story.”

Third Place

• Best Illustration with Graphic Design or Art: Gabriella O’Brien – A Time for Reckoning
  Judge’s comment: “Lovely illustration. It’s eye-catching and piques interest. Captures article as well. Very good.”
• Best Use of typography: Gabriella O’Brien – Life and Death
  Judge’s comment: “The bold, striking headline of shocking words portends a shocking story. The colors of the words also reflect the meanings of the words perfectly. The drop cap connects the headline to the breakout lead in which is effective in breaking up the design because of its explanatory length and single-column width compared to the three-column story.”
• Best Feature Article – Diocesan Magazines: George Matysek Jr. – Believe Us
  Judge’s comment: “This important story centers the responses of two women who were abused as children to the release of the Maryland Attorney General’s report on sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The story sensitively covers their range of emotions and provides valuable context to help readers understand the lifelong consequences of the abuse.”
• Personality Profiles – Laity: George Matysek Jr. – Remarkable Talent
  Judge’s comment: “Wonderfully crafted piece bringing us into the world of young church organist who at 21 uses hands and feet to propel music throughout a cathedral, music he describes as sometimes weeping and sometimes heavy. The story sends us into this music and into the life of the person who joyfully powers musical sermons into our lives.”
• Best Sports Reporting: Gerry Jackson – NDMU Championship
  Judge’s comment: “This piece is interesting and the writing is enthusiastic. The photos are exciting and elicit a feeling of celebration.”

Honorable Mention

• Best Regular Column – Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine: Archbishop William E. Lori – Charity in Truth
• Best Regular Column – General Commentary: Christopher Gunty – Amen
• Best Feature Photo: Kevin J. Parks – Preakness Memories
• Best Photograph – Catholic Education: Kevin J. Parks – From Scratch

Also see

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Radio Interview: Baltimore sportscaster reflects on his career and Catholic faith

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