The Catholic Herald garnered 33 awards from the annual Catholic Media Association in its annual competition, including best newspaper website, and sweeping two categories by winning first, second and third place.
Judges evaluated work published in 2025, and the awards were announced at the association’s annual meeting in Atlantic City, N.J., June 19.
Anna Donofrio, staff writer and photographer, won three first place awards, for analysis writing (“Hidden toll of online violence,” in the wake of the Charlie Kirk killing); social justice writing on a family topic (“A new meaning of family,” concerning adoption); and news writing on a regional event (“Grieving families,” profiling Father Frederick Edlefsen’s ministering to those mourning the victims of the tragic January 2025 mid-air collision over Reagan National Airport).
The latter was part of a trio of articles by Donofrio and Staff Writer Jim Hale recognized for excellence in covering a disaster or crisis. Hale won individual awards as well for a feature on Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde (“A priest for 60 years”) and photography in sports and general news.
Three Catholic Herald columnists won awards, including first place for Elizabeth Foss (family life) and Father Alvaro Montero (Spanish language, spiritual life), and second for Carmen Briceno (Spanish language, regular column). The Herald’s Back to School special section was named best newspaper print supplement, and the Catholic Schools Week section won second place in the category of newspaper supplement with advertising emphasis.
The diocesan Office of Communications won two awards, both second place finishes for best podcast (the “Walk Humbly Podcast,” co-hosted by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Chief Communications Officer Tom Shakely) and best video personality profile (for “A Pilgrim of Hope: The Story of Francisco Fredrickson”).
In two fields, the Herald took all three top places: news writing on a regional event (Donofrio, Hale and former staffer and freelance writer Ashleigh Kassock) and use of small space for advertising. Advertising was a strong suit again this year, as the Herald won nine awards in the field overall, led by David Garica, graphic artist, and Pia Hovenga, design and production specialist.
“Congratulations to all the winners in this competition, which always features the most talented Catholic journalists in the country. Your dedication and that of the entire Herald team to deliver compelling and uplifting Catholic content to readers is reflected in every issue of our publication and online. Thank you,” said Kevin Schweers, executive editor. “We also reflect with gratitude for those whose support makes all of this work and these awards possible: Bishop Burbidge, Tom Shakely, the Herald board of directors, as well as our readers, advertisers and parishes across the diocese.”
Catholic Herald awards
Best Website – Newspaper
First place, Arlington Catholic Herald, Catholic Herald Staff
Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing – The Gerard E. Sherry Award – Diocesan Non-Weekly
First place, “Hidden toll of online violence,” Anna Donofrio
Best News Writing on Regional Event – Non-Weekly
First place, “Grieving families,” Anna Donofrio
Second place, “Social media sensation,” Ashleigh Kassock
Third place, Holy Year 2025 pilgrimage, Catholic Herald staff
Honorable mention, “All Saints takes gold,” Anna Donofrio
Best Personality Profile – Religious Leader
Honorable mention, “A priest for 60 years,” Jim Hale
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Call to Family, Community and Participation
First place, “A new meaning of family,” Anna Donofrio
Best Regular Column – Family Life
First place, Elizabeth Foss
Best Coverage – Disaster or Crises
Second place, “Grieving families;” “From loss to hope;” “Texas flood survivor,” Anna Donofrio and Jim Hale
Best Coverage on Catholic Education
Third place, Anna Donofrio and Zoey Maraist
Best Feature Writing – Non-Weekly
Third place, “Harvesting life lessons,” Anna Donofrio
Best Seasonal Issue — Print
Second place, Holy Week 2025, Catholic Herald staff
Best Print Special Supplement: Print Only – Regular Special Supplement
First place, Back to School, Catholic Herald staff
Best Story and Photo Package – By an Individual
Third place, “Harvesting life lessons,” Anna Donofrio
Honorable mention, “Last things,” Anna Donofrio
Best Photograph – Feature Photo
Third place, “From loss to hope,” Jim Hale
Best Photograph – General News Photo
Third place “From loss to hope,” Jim Hale
Best Photograph – Sports Photo
Third place, “Pope inspires Quo Vadis campers,” Jim Hale
Honorable mention, “A brotherhood on wheels,” Jim Hale
Best Regular Column — Spanish — General Commentary
Second place, Carmen Briceño
Best Regular Column — Spanish — Spiritual Life
First place, Fr. Alvaro Montero
Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser
Second place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Third place, Pilgrimage of Hope, David Garcia
Most Effective Use of Small Space
First place, Canonization Pilgrimage: Ireland, Pia Hovenga
Second place, Executive Home Care, Pia Hovenga
Third place, Canonization Pilgrimage: Italy, Pia Hovenga
Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis
Second place, Catholic Schools Week, Catholic Herald staff
Best Ad Designed by a Publication for a Client — Print
First place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Third place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Best Ad Designed by a Publication for a Client — Digital
First place, Terra Sancta Tours, David Garcia
Second place, Cathedral of St. Thomas More, David Garcia
Best Use of Graphics – Art or Graphics
Honorable mention, Holy Year 2025 Pilgrimage, Pia Hovenga
Arlington diocese awards
Best Podcast
Second place, “Walk Humbly Podcast,” Office of Communications
Best Video – Personality Profile
Second place, “A Pilgrim of Hope: The Story of Francisco Fredrickson,” Kerry Nevins, Hannah Camerota and Mary Brodeur
