Northwest Catholic, archdiocese win 17 national awards
Jul 8, 2022
Local
Northwest Catholic magazine and the Archdiocese of Seattle have won 17 Catholic Press Awards for writing, online content, photography, advertising and design.
The first-place awards include best new website for the Archdiocese — of Seattle’s redesigned website, archseattle.org, that was launched in early 2021. “Great clean design, with lots of original art/photography,” a judge commented.
Bishop Eusebio Elizondo was awarded first place for his regular Spanish-language column in Northwest Catholic magazine. “The topics chosen are timely and are written in a way that touches the lives of people,” a judge wrote.
Northwest Catholic also won first place for best media kit and best coverage of political issues, for a package of content about local Catholics’ response in the wake of Covid-19.
The awards from the Catholic Media Association were announced July 7 during the Catholic Media Conference in Portland, Oregon.
“We are grateful for this tremendous recognition from the Catholic Media Association, which is dedicated to supporting all of us with our evangelization efforts,” said Helen McClenahan, Chief Communications Officer for the Archdiocese of Seattle.
“Our team has worked hard to ensure Northwest Catholic and the Archdiocese of Seattle print and digital channels are engaging people and helping spread the Gospel. It’s wonderful to be recognized for these efforts.”
Here is a rundown of Northwest Catholic’s awards in the division for all magazines (unless noted), with links to the award-winning content:
First place
Spanish Language Division: Best regular bishop’s column (all publications)
Bishop Eusebio Elizondo:
Ruido bueno — Insomnio Cristiano
Profetas hoy - Vocación solitaria
Best coverage — Political issues
“A moment of great hope”
Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, Jeffrey M. Barker, Jean Parietti, Dougall M. Hewitt, Northwest Catholic Staff:
Rising to the challenges of the pandemic year
What does the church really think about the COVID-19 vaccines?
Catholic schools – not just surviving but thriving amid pandemic
Serving the homeless with more dignity, security
Judge’s comments: “How Catholic communities in north Washington state handled a year of different aspects of the Covid crisis. The articles are well-written and loosely tied together by outstanding photos and a design that makes the four articles easy to read.”
Best Media Kit
Northwest Catholic Media Kit 2021
Keri Hake, Janis Olson, Joan Patterson
Judge’s comments: “Very well done. Some complex info simplified. Awesome presentation. Reader friendly. Potential advertisers must love this.”
Second place
Best regular column – Bishop’s column in a diocesan magazine
Archbishop Paul D. Etienne:
Encountering Christ through word, sacrament and charity
It is time to return to the Eucharist
Judge’s comments: “Challenging topics addressed head on with candor and compassion. Strong writing and editing.”
Best online content not published in print (all member division)
Jean Parietti
Seattle Prep student helps dozens get COVID-19 vaccinations
Bishop Elizondo, parishioners at White Center parish get COVID-19 vaccinations
Parishes honored for helping shelter Thurston County’s homeless during COVID
Pope is bringing ‘peace from Christ’ to Iraq, says local Iraqi Catholic
Four Tacoma parishes will merge, changes in other regions being studied
Judge’s comments: “This was a really nice Covid package. It really portrays clear impact at multiple levels: what the pastor is doing. What teens are doing. What the outreach response is. The prep student helping arrange appointments was fantastic. What a great story.”
Spanish Language Division: Best regular column — Spiritual Life
“Semillas de la Palabra,” Mauricio I. Pérez:
12 propósitos Eucarísticos de Año Nuevo
Dios bendice a sus hijos a través de sus propios hijos
Judge’s comments: “Mauricio Perez’s article on 12 ways to better celebrate the Eucharist is very helpful … and down to earth.”
Best photograph, Catholic education
Ellen Bollard, Kristin Zwiers/Fulcrum Foundation
Judge’s comments: “The photo has great energy and eloquently captures the energy of children at play.”
Best promotional house ad
“Northwest Catholic Collection: Now more than ever we need the good news”
Northwest Catholic advertising and creative studio
Judge’s comments: “This ad is visually engaging with an eye-catching color scheme. It is clear what it’s advertising and what the message is. The text is readable and well-written.”
Best single ad campaign with publication
“Matthew House ad”
Keri Hake, Joan Patterson
Judge’s comments: “This ad had a compelling feel-good component that helps to entice people to want to donate. The image of children who actually benefit from the services (or are symbolic of the beneficiaries) paired with the slogan makes for a powerful ad.”
Third place
Best guest column/commentary
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me”
Chris Koehler
Judge’s comments: “Excellent presentation of a complex issue, translated simply to make complexity accessible, supported by data and complemented with actionable information.”
Best promotional house ad
“Check out the new NWCatholic.org”
Keri Hake, Ellen Bollard
Judge’s comments: “This ad is simple and easy to read. It clearly shows what is being advertised in a visually appealing way.”
Honorable mention
Best layout of article or column — Diocesan magazine
“Serving the homeless with more dignity, security”
Nicole Eckenrode, Joan Patterson
Best reporting of social justice issues — Option for the poor and vulnerable
Serving the homeless with more dignity, security
Jean Parietti
Best essay — Diocesan magazines
“How confession and Communion go hand in hand”
Father Thomas Aquinas Pickett, O.P.
Best reporting on Catholic education
“Learning the power of prayer and community”
Jean Parietti
Best multiple picture package – Feature
Learning the power of prayer and community
Joan Patterson
