Catholic Review Media brings home 82 awards from journalism competitions for 2025 work

Catholic Review Media garnered 82 awards from various journalism organizations for work published in 2025, the highest total in six years. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association honored the Catholic Review as News Organization of the Year for the eighth year in a row for Division C, based on circulation and web audience size.

The Catholic Review completes in three different professional press associations.

The MDDC is comprised mostly of secular publications from the region and awards first place, second place and best of show. Catholic Review Media won 32 awards in Division C against secular publications such as Baltimore Fishbowl, the Capitol Gazette and Maryland Matters.

The Catholic Media Association serves Catholic publications, websites and communications professionals in the United States and Canada. Catholic Review Media won 33 awards.

The Associated Church Press serves publications from various Christian denominations and issues Awards of Excellence (first place), Awards of Merit (second place) and honorable mentions. The ACP awarded Catholic Review Media 17 awards.

MDDC awards included Designer of the Year for Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien, who was also honored for third place as Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year by the Catholic Media Association. The Catholic Review also earned five Best of Show awards, honoring the best work in a category across all circulation divisions.

Four features earned awards from all three groups: a video from the Army-Navy game rosary by Kevin J. Parks, visual journalist; a profile of TV journalist Stephon Dingle by George P. Matysek Jr., managing editor; a look back at the Scopes Monkey Trial 100 years later by Matysek; and coverage by Parks and Matysek of a visit of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux to Baltimore.

Overall, Catholic Review Media earned five Best of Show, 30 first-place awards, 24 second place, seven third place and 16 honorable mentions. 

The awards are listed below, with comments from the judges, when available.

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

Given May 8 in Annapolis. The MDDC reported 1,465 entries in 68 categories. The association awards first- and second-place prizes in circulation divisions, and Best of Show across all divisions. 

News Organization of the Year: Catholic Review – Staff

Page 1 Design – Division C: First Place – “Open Arms” May 2025 – Kevin J. Parks, Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Judge’s comment: “This imagery on the cover truly ties to the feature story and is a heartwarming and engaging image.”

Feature Page Design – Division C: Second Place – Airborne – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

News Page Design – Division C: First Place – Taking Away the Stigma – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Judge’s comment: “The design is simple yet so impactful. Well done!”

News Page Design – Division C: Second Place – Heartache and Hope – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

News-Driven Info Graphics – Division C: First Place – 2025 Grads by the Numbers – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

News-Driven Info Graphics – Division C: Second Place – Tuition is Competitive – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Designer of the Year: First Place – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Breaking News – Division C: First Place – Two-alarm fire damages St. Rita – George P. Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “Complete same-day coverage, with terrific access to the scene. Well done”

Continuing Coverage – Division C: First Place – Bankruptcy – Christopher Gunty

State Government – Division C: First Place – House approves bill limiting payments to victims of child sexual abuse – Christopher Gunty – and Best of Show of 39 entries in all divisions

Judge’s comment: “Very informative article. Very well written.”

Education Reporting – Division C: First Place – Emmy award-winning journalist navigates path to success with help from Catholic education – George P. Matysek Jr. – and Best of Show of 48 entries in all divisions

Religion Reporting – Division C: First Place – Scopes Monkey Trial ignited century-long debate on evolution and belief – George P. Matysek Jr. – and Best of Show of 22 entries in all divisions

Judge’s comment: “Very well written. You can tell you had to do your research. I saw online that there were a few things that were never mentioned in any newspaper or radio coverage from the Tennessee State Museum. You didnt go into any of that information but stayed with how law and courts handled the matter. I like to read about how things were perceived many years ago and how it may be relevant today.”

Features-driven Multimedia Storytelling: First Place – Tears and prayers greet St. Thérèse relics in Towson – George P. Matysek Jr. and Kevin J. Parks and Best of Show of seven entries in all divisions

Headline – Division C: Second Place – Sr. Flo ready to go – George P. Matysek Jr.

Feature photo – Division C: First Place – Gold Star Mom – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “It’s impossible to look at this photo and have it not evoke emotion. This is a perfect illustration of a picture is worth a thousand words. You can literally feel both her pride and her heartbreak through this photo. Nice use of framing with the background.”

Sports Photo (Action) – Division C: First Place – The Classic – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “Captures two emotions — the disappointment of loss of one team and the elation of a win of the other team.”

General News Video – Division C: First Place – St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s relics visit Baltimore – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “First rate! Great use of historic photos, current video and stills from the relics visit. Nice pacing and editing. Well done.”

Special Event Video – Division C: First Place – 2025 Army-Navy Game Praying of the Rosary – Kevin J. Parks – and Best of Show of eight entries in all divisions

Judge’s comment: “Loved this video. So many different varieties of footage and media. A mixture of football game, interviews, praying, still photos with special effects and crowd participation. A great job putting this video together.”

Special Event Video – Division C: Second Place – St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s relics visit Baltimore – Kevin J. Parks

Website General Excellence – Division C: Second Place – Catholicreview.org – Staff

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: First Place – St. Frances Academy restores chapel that welcomes all – George P. Matysek Jr.

Advertising-driven Special Section – Print – Division C : First Place – Catholic Schools Week – Staff

Advertising-driven Special Section – Print – Division C : Second Place – Open House – Staff

News-driven Special Section – Division C: First Place – Pope Francis – Staff

News-driven Special Section – Division C: Second Place – Pope Leo – Staff

Custom Publication – Division C: First Place – Teachers of the Year – Staff

Catholic Media Association

Announced June 15 in Atlantic City, N.J. The CMA awards first-, second- and third-place certificates and, sometimes, honorable mentions.

Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year: Third Place – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Judge’s comment: “Excellent use of a classic newspaper-style grid layout. The black-and-white design creates a strong visual foundation, making the use of color even more impactful and effective. The overall presentation is clean, polished, and highly professional, demonstrating a strong understanding of traditional design principles while maintaining visual interest and readability throughout.”

Multimedia Journalist of the Year: Honorable Mention – Kevin J. Parks – Kevin J. Parks

Podcaster of the Year: Third Place – Christopher Gunty, Catholic Review Radio

Judge’s comment: “This is a polished package with consistently high-quality production from piece to piece. The guest list is especially impressive, ranging from cardinals and bishops to voices from Gaza, creating a strong sense of meaningful insider access. The work excelled in its ability to hold interest, inspire action, and elicit a response from audiences. It not only informs, but also encourages listeners and readers to learn more and become more engaged. The professionalism, thoughtful content selection, and compelling presentation make this an outstanding and highly effective body of work.”

Video Feature – Diocesan and National News Organizations: Honorable Mention – 2025 Army-Navy game praying of the rosary – Kevin J. Parks

Use of Video on Social Media – News Organization: First Place – The Little Way – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “This is a wonderfully told story with powerful and emotional moments captured.”

Use of Video on Social Media – News Organization: Honorable Mention – Halftime Rosary – Kevin J. Parks

Use of Video on Social Media – The Clergy – Diocesan and National News Organizations: Honorable Mention – Ask a Bishop – George P. Matysek Jr., Mitzy Deras, Bishop Adam J. Parker

Podcast – News: Second Place – Situation in Gaza with Catholic Near East Welfare Association – Christopher Gunty

Judge’s comment: “Catholic Review Radio, through it’s interview with a member of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, provided important context and firsthand experience to what people are experiencing on the ground in Gaza. The podcast also highlighted the plight of Catholics in the region. The episode sought to move beyond political perspectives to honestly portray the daily reality.”

Blog – Expression of Faith: Second Place – An Unforgettable Lesson – Rita Buettner, Open Window

Judge’s comment: “Rita Buettner’s blog at the Catholic Review speaks with an easy and gentle tone to the everyday Catholic, experiencing everyday life with glimmers of God. She presents both challenging moments and moments of celebration with thoughtful reflection that any reader could apply to their own life circumstances. This is a blog to return to for comforting perspective on what it means to live faithfully.”

Online Content Not Published in Print – Articles: Second Place – Various stories November and December 2025 – Kevin J. Parks, Nelson Coffin, Katie V. Jones, George Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “This is people-first storytelling done well! Even when reporting on specific events, the writing pulls in readers with individuals’ narratives of what they experienced. Local, diocesan, and global topics felt personal and approachable.”

Diocesan/Parish Directory: Second Place – 2025-2026 Archdiocese of Baltimore Directory – Christopher Gunty and Staff

Judge’s comment: “This directory is compact and easy to negotiate. The information is clearly organized in easy to read sections. Church photos add interest. Information tabs help the reader find what they seek.”

Best Interview – Audio: First Place – John Harbaugh on faith, family and football – Mark Viviano, Catholic Review Radio

Judge’s comment: “This started out as a fairly typical sports celebrity interview but then morphed into one about issues that are much on the minds of Catholics today. Those include how one’s faith plays out in family life and the sense of disconnect and alienation felt by young people today. The questions posed by the interviewer were the key to bringing these vital insights out.”

Best Interview – Audio: Second Place – The death penalty – Christopher Gunty, Catholic Review Radio

Judge’s comment: “This interviewer posed many of the hard questions that have to be asked of those opposed to the death penalty. These questions elicited nuanced and informed answers about why the Catholic Church is so firm in its stance against the death penalty.”

Best House Ad – Print: Third Place – CR Radio ad – Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Judge’s comment: “The piece is simple, clear, and effective, communicating exactly what it is and how to access it in a straightforward and user-friendly way.”

Regular Column – Family Life: Honorable Mention – The Domestic Church – Rita Buettner

Regular Column – General Commentary: First Place – Amen – Christopher Gunty, George Matysek Jr., Mark Viviano, Carole Norris Greene

Judge’s comment: “There were many different pieces there, but they were so strong and impactful. When using different authors, you risk having your quality fluctuate, but you miss out on having such passionately and strongly written columns like these are.”

Coverage of Immigration: Honorable Mention – Immigration Coverage – Christopher Gunty, Carole Norris Greene, Kurt Jensen, Marietha Góngora V.

Essay – Diocesan Magazine: Third Place – Witness to truth – George P. Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “This is an uncomfortable story of forgiveness and facing past trauma that makes readers consider how the Church can do more for victims such as Elizabeth Ann Murphy.”

Analysis Writing on the Sacraments: Second Place – Confirmation now set for 9-year-old children in Archdiocese of Baltimore – George P. Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “This is smart, grounded analysis of a major pastoral and sacramental shift. It does an excellent job connecting theology, church practice, research on disaffiliation, and parish-level experience, so readers understand not just what is changing, but why it matters. The story turns a policy decision into a meaningful conversation about confirmation, initiation, and family faith formation.”

Personality Profies – Laity: First Place – Emmy award-winning journalist navigayes path to success with help from Catholic education – George P. Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “An amazing and multilayered story, this piece covers an impressive amount of ground without losing clarity or momentum. Its organization is especially strong, skillfully weaving together past and present to create a compelling narrative flow. The reporting is thorough and enriched by powerful, well-placed quotations that heighten the emotional impact. Combined with an inspiring central subject, the result is an engaging and deeply memorable story.”

Obituaries: Honorable Mention – Father Gregory Rapisarda, revered for his accompaniment of the sick, dies at 78 – George P. Matysek Jr.

Obituaries: Honorable Mention – Father Thomas Gills, Western Maryland pastor and military chaplain who aided wounded, dies at 71 – George P. Matysek Jr.

Reporting on a Special Age Group – Young Adults: First Place – Finding answers in faith: Surge of young adults entering Catholic Church – Katie V. Jones

Judge’s comment: “This entry stands out for pairing a strong personal lead with a broader trend story. The reporting shows young adults in a pivotal moment of searching, belonging, and conversion, then widens effectively to multiple campuses and concrete examples, giving the piece both heart and news value. It is well-structured, well-sourced, and highly on point for this category.”

Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Dignity and Rights of Workers: Third Place – Lasting Impact: Unthinkable tragedy unites community in prayer and service after Key Bridge collapse – Gerry Jackson

Judge’s comment: “This is a well-written, heartfelt piece and a moving account of a story easily forgotten by those who don’t live nearby.”

Sports Reporting: First Place – Archbishop Curley’s 1975 soccer squad defied the odds – and Cold War barriers – Gary Lambrecht

Judge’s comment: “This article recovers a remarkable sports story, puts real stakes around it, and gives the reporting a broader historical frame through the Poland trip, the Cold War setting, the team’s 4-2-1 record against seasoned club competition, and the enduring bond among the players. It has strong narrative shape, memorable detail, and a genuine sense of why this sports story still matters.”

Sports Reporting: Third Place – More than a game – Gerry Jackson

Judge’s comment: “This is a strong local sports feature because it understands that coaching at Catholic schools is about culture as much as wins and losses. The reporting is broad enough to cover four new football coaches across the Baltimore area, while still giving each one a distinct angle, and it ties athletics to school mission, formation, family, and identity in a natural way.”

Special Section: Second Place – Pope Leo XIV – Catholic Review Staff

Judge’s comment: “This is a strong, timely section that mixes biography, chronology, local relevance, and ecclesial significance effectively. The opening spread on Pope Leo’s path from Robert Francis Prevost to the papacy is clear and engaging, and the section does a good job giving readers both the global sweep of the moment and the local Baltimore connection. It feels polished, informative, and very readable.”

Special Section: Third Place – Catholic Schools Week – Catholic Review Staff

Judge’s comment: “This is an appealing, serviceable, well-designed package with strong visual identity and useful variety. The section’s mix of features on uniforms, school culture, reporter formation, and Blue Ribbon excellence gives readers a vivid look at Catholic education, and it does so in a way that feels accessible and celebratory without becoming flat.”

Analysis Writing: Honorable Mention – Scopes Monkey Trial ignited century-long debate on evolution and belief – George P. Maysek Jr.

Portrait Photograph: First Place – Gold Star mom – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “A creative and moving way to tell a story, this image succeeds both as a portrait and as a work of art. The layered composition gives the background a haunting, lingering presence that deepens the storytelling and emotional impact. The lighting and balance are especially strong, guiding the viewer naturally through the frame. While a tighter crop and slightly softer color treatment could improve the presentation, the overall execution is thoughtful, visually compelling, and highly effective.”

Photograph – Catholic Education: First Place – Graduation love – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “This is a lovely photo! ”

Photograph – National/International Event: Honorable Mention – Tears and prayers – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “This is a nice capture of a flash of emotion at viewing relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.”

Spanish-Language Podcast: Second Place – Protagonistas de Fe – Lia Garcia

Judge’s comment: “The work is a high-quality production, featuring excellent audio and a strong, diverse range of guests and topics that enhance its overall depth and appeal.”

Associated Church Press

Given May 15 in Toronto, Ont. The ACP reported more than 700 entries in nearly 90 categories. The entries were judged by Christian professionals from across the U.S. The ACP issues Awards of Excellence (first place), Awards of Merit (second place) and honorable mentions

Best in Class – Blog: Award of Merit – Open Window – Rita Buettner

National Reporting (Broader Topic or Trend) – Short Format: Award of Merit – Lasting Impact: Unthinkable tragedy unites community in prayer and service after Key Bridge collapse – Gerry Jackson

Science Writing for the World of Faith – Short or Long Format: Award of Merit – Scopes Monkey Trial ignited century-long debate on evolution and belief – George P. Maysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “This is a well-reported and historically rich feature that revisits the Scopes trial with nuance, especially from a Catholic perspective. The piece avoids a simplistic “faith versus science” frame and instead explores the more complicated intersections of evolution, biblical interpretation, eugenics, public education and Catholic intellectual tradition. Its expert sourcing gives the article depth, and its centennial hook is strong.”

Denominational Politics: Honorable Mention – Book details Redemptosrist priest risking everything to reveal hidden dramas pf Vatican II – George P. Maysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “This article seamlessly blends history, mystery, and church politics. This review of “The Mole of Vatican II: The True Story of Xavier Rynne” is an excellent story about how history was written.”

Convention or Meeting Coverage: Honorable Mention – Hundreds gather at Rebuilt Conference 2025 to ‘imagine what’s possible’ in parish ministry – Katie V. Jones

Judge’s comment: “Summary: This engaging article captures the energy and purpose of the Rebuilt Conference with clear writing and well-chosen detail. The piece highlights key themes of parish renewal and leadership while offering practical insights drawn from speakers and sessions. The use of participant voices adds immediacy and helps convey the event’s impact. While the scope is more limited than a full package, the article succeeds in translating the experience of the conference into an accessible and informative narrative. Overall, a strong and effective piece that serves its audience well. This is a clear and engaging piece that effectively captures the energy, scale, and purpose of the Rebuilt Conference, with strong descriptive detail and well-chosen quotes that convey both inspiration and practical focus. The article highlights key themes – parish renewal, hospitality, and leadership development – while offering concrete examples from workshops and speakers that help readers understand what participants experienced. More than 800 attendees gathered to explore strategies for revitalizing parish life, giving the piece a strong sense of scope and significance. The writing is accessible and well-paced, balancing event coverage with insight into broader ministry trends. As institutional coverage, it appropriately reflects the perspective of organizers and participants. Additional synthesis or takeaway themes could further strengthen its impact for readers beyond attendees. Overall, a well-crafted and informative conference report that serves its audience effectively.”

In-depth Coverage: Honorable Mention – Bankruptcy Coverage – Christopher Gunty

Biographical Profile: Honorable Mention – Emmy award-winning journalist navigates path to success with help from Catholic education – George P. Matysek Jr.

Judge’s comment: “A clear profile that shows how Catholic education shaped the journalist’s path and purpose, though it’s more straightforward than narrative-driven.”

Single Editorial: Award of Merit – Then and now – Carole Norris Green

Magazine Cover: Award of Merit – May Cover – Kevin J. Parks, Gabriella Ferraro O’Brien

Publication Website: Award of Merit – Catholicreview.org – Gerry Jackson and Staff

Photo Spread or Essay – Printed: Award of Excellence – Called to foster – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “Ahhh, that cover picture. The pure bliss on her face in mid-hug. Reminds us that fostering doesn’t just give a child love – it gives the foster parents the opportunity to love. Other virtues here: Double spread jump, with three photos in an interesting asymmetrical layout. Pictures of the family playing with the child, immersed in large, colorful toys. Kevin J. Parks did an excellent job with candid, available-light shots. Ragged right text, relieving the three-column layout. Including the foster father in the photos. After all, he’s half of the team. Infobox on how to become a foster parent. “Open Arms / Called to Foster” is a both a parable of redemption and a call to fill a big social need. It’s worth every inch of the cover and two pages CR spent on it.”

Photo Spread or Essay – Online: Honorable Mention – St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park celebrates newly renovated church – Kevin J. Parks

Video – News Story, Current Event: Award of Excellence – 2025 Army-Navy Game Praying of the Rosary – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “I smiled big to see this video. In a brisk 3 minutes, it blends reverence, patriotism, commitment and camaraderie. Catholic Review crew were sharp to include the exuberant singing of “Livin’ on a Prayer” – but it showed genius to center especially on a group of cute cadets. Their exuberance was irresistible. At the end, I wanted to say, “God bless America, and the military, and Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Review.”

Video – News Story, Current Event: Honorable Mention – St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s relics visit Baltimore – Kevin J. Parks

Judge’s comment: “Nice touches: Camera panning, even in stills; swelling orchestral accompaniment, more dramatic than the usual quiet background music; people clasping hands over the reliquary; Woman in a lacy veil touching her head to the reliquary; tearful teen touching the class cover, with her hand over her mouth; child gazing wonderingly.”

Video Series: Award of Merit – CR Radio – Staff

Awareness/Advocacy Campaign: Award of Excellence – Gun Buyback – Mitzy Deras

Judge’s comment: “Considering the fairly limited reach, this was an amazingly successful post. Obviously the reach extended to one-on-one sharing of the campaign, etc. and perhaps signage also played a large part. Very interesting!”

Awareness/Advocacy Campaign: Award of Merit – Behavioral Retreat – Mitzy Deras

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