PORTLAND, Ore. — Ann Augherton, managing editor of the Catholic Herald, is the recipient of the 2022 St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Media Association.
The award — named for the patron saint of writers and journalists — recognizes “outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism” and is the highest honor given by the CMA.
The announcement was made July 7 during the 2022 Catholic Media Conference in Portland.
“I’m so honored, thank you,” Augherton said in accepting the award. “What an opportunity I’ve had to tell stories that engage others. It’s been a great privilege to bring readers along with me.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ann Augherton on being named the 2022 winner of the St. Francis de Sales Award, the highest award the Catholic Media Association presents to an individual for his or her outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “For more than three decades, Ann has used her God-given gifts to serve our diocese as an editor, writer, podcast host and more for the Arlington Catholic Herald. Throughout that time, she has mentored countless Catholic journalists, ultimately spreading the good news of the Gospel by nurturing quality Catholic journalism. We are blessed and grateful that Ann has shared these gifts with our diocese and beyond, and that her gifts are being recognized by her peers throughout the country as well.”
“Ann is a wonderful representative of what it means to be a Catholic journalist and an ideal recipient of the St. Francis De Sales Award,” said diocesan Chief Communications Officer Billy Atwell. “Her legacy echoes throughout the church and we are blessed to have her as a colleague.”
The CMA board also gave a special St. Francis de Sales Award to Timothy Walter, who retired as executive director of the association in 2021.
“I had the best job at the end of my career,” Walter said as he accepted his award. “I hope all of you have that same pleasure.”
Augherton was one of four finalists for this year’s St. Francis de Sales Award, often nicknamed “the Franny.”
The other three finalists were Michael J.L. La Civita, executive editor for ONE Magazine; Jesuit Father Matt Malone, president and editor in chief of America Media; and John Woods, editor of Catholic New York, newspaper of the Archdiocese of New York.
During her acceptance remarks, Augherton thanked several of her family members and mentors who helped her along the way, but especially her fellow staff members at the Catholic Herald.
“We all know that it takes a village to do what we do,” she said.
“(Ann) has reported on stories near and far, from local parishes to the diocesan mission in the Dominican Republic, as well as from Central America, Europe and Asia,” read the letter supporting Augherton’s nomination for the award. “Along the way, she has mentored dozens of reporters and editors who have gone on to serve the church and journalism in countless ways.”
