The Catholic Times received seven awards in the newspaper division from the Catholic Media Association for its work during 2022, the organization announced Friday, June 9 at the conclusion of its annual conference in Baltimore.
The June 5 “Blessed with a new bishop” issue featuring Bishop Earl Fernandes’ installation and ordination as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Columbus on May 31 at Westerville St. Paul Church received first place in the Best Print Special Supplement – On a Bishop’s Transition category among all Catholic publications in North America. Contributors included Tim Puet, writer; Kimberly Colston, designer; Patty Bitler, copy editor; and Ken Snow, photographer.
A story by Puet, a Times contributor, titled “Last priest out of Afghanistan” was awarded second place in the Best News Writing One Shot – International Event category for all publications and Catholic wire services. The article focused on Father Daniel Swartz, a diocesan priest who is currently serving as a military chaplain, and his dramatic exit from Afghanistan when U.S. troops pulled out of the region in 2021.
Puet also contributed to a package of stories on senior priests in the diocese that won third place for Best Reporting on a Special Age Group – Senior Citizens.
The Times received second place among all publications for Best Regular Column – Pro-life Issues, third place for Best Editorial on a Local Issue – Non-Weekly Newspapers, and honorable mention for Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event for its coverage of the diocese’s downsizing.
Snow, a Times contributor, took third place in the Best Photograph – Spot News category for all publications with a shot of Bishop Fernandes’ ordination.
The annual Catholic Media Association awards recognize the work of content producers in newspapers, social media, magazines, books and communications departments for dioceses, publications, news services and organizations throughout North America.
Founded in 1911, the Catholic Media Association (formerly the Catholic Press Association) has more than 600 member organizations that reach more than 26 million people with their work.