By Mary Powers
Catholic San Francisco magazine received 16 awards from the Catholic Media Association during its annual conference held June 16 – 19 in Atlantic City, NJ. The awards recognized excellence in journalism, photography, and design.
The winning entries reflected a broad range of coverage including parish life, Catholic education, vocations, charitable outreach, archdiocesan ministries, informative features on AI and new sustainable options for Catholic burials.
While the awards recognized the storytellers, they reflect collaboration with parishes, schools, and ministries to share the many ways God is working in the local Church.
“The Catholic Media Association awards are a recognition of the vibrant faith communities we are privileged to serve and cover,” said Peter Marlow, executive director of communications for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and editor of Catholic San Francisco magazine. “Every story begins with a parish, school, ministry, or individual who is living the Gospel in a significant way. We are grateful for the opportunity to share those stories with our readers.”
According to its website, “the Catholic Media Awards honor outstanding achievements in Catholic journalism, communications and other forms of digital media. This annual competition encourages media professionals to continually strive for the highest standards of faith-centered storytelling and communications, promoting a culture of excellence in media that serves the Church in its mission to spread truth and hope.”
Catholic Media Association
MAGAZINE AWARDS
June 2026
First Place
Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis
“Catholic Schools Week” and “Mission Anniversary Issue”
Christina Gray, Lead Writer; Karessa McCartney, Production Manager; Francisco Valdez, Writer and Photographer; Philip Monares, Advertising Director; Nancy O’Brien, Copy Editor
“The content is strong and engaging, supported by a dynamic presentation that captures attention. The overall design enhances the message and keeps the viewer interested throughout.”
Best Cover – Large (over 6 x 9½”)
Christina Gray, Lead Writer;
Karessa McCartney, Production Manager; Father Joseph Illo, Pastor, Star of the Sea
“What an incredible photo, and leaving the space at the top so you get people to look down and see the Blessed Sacrament is so powerful. The crucifix up against the rock on the right is a small little touch that adds impact for those who do catch it.
Best Photograph—Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate
Father Joseph Illo, Star of the Sea Parish
“There is much to praise in this striking and thoughtfully composed image: the mountaintop setting creates a powerful sense of transcendence, while the priest elevating the Eucharist at dawn — with vestments moving in the wind — captures both motion and reverence. The improvised altar of rounded stone, the prayerful posture of the server, the distant mountain silhouettes against the golden sky, and even the visible hiking gear all work together to tell a rich
and compelling story of devotion, sacrifice, and encounter.”
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues – Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Standing at the Foot of Another’s Cross
Mary Powers, Assistant Director of Communications
“This is a beautiful portrait of service. It’s wonderfully simple and hands-on reporting.”
Second Place
Best Layout of an Article or Column –Diocesan Magazine
Mission Facts
Karessa McCartney, Production Manager; Christina Gray, Lead Writer
“The piece is a strong and creative concept, effectively using design to communicate information in an engaging and accessible way.”
Best Guest Column/Commentary
Can I Go Green With My Funeral?
Father Vincent Woo, JCD, Guest Columnist; Karessa McCartney, Production Manager
“Excellent work exploring green funerals within the Catholic tradition, combining forward-thinking ideas with strong research and thoughtful execution. The piece skillfully weaves together theology, prayer, doctrine, composting, chemistry, and practical considerations into a cohesive and highly informative whole. Innovative, well-developed, and deeply engaging throughout.”
Best Reporting of the Celebration of a Sacrament
Steeped in Ancient Tradition: Archbishop Resurrects Full-Immersion Baptisms at Cathedral
Christina Gray, Lead Writer
“The headline is strong and engaging, drawing readers into one of the most interesting entries in the category. The piece explores multiple compelling angles and connections, ranging from historical roots in Cyril of Jerusalem to contemporary inspiration from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Its depth of reporting and thoughtful development of the subject significantly strengthen the overall impact.”
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues—Dignity and Rights of the Worker
A Rectory Reimagined: West Marin Parish’s Old Rectory Offered in Housing Crisis Project
Christina Gray, Lead Writer
“Well done! The piece does a great job of taking what seems a small, local story and bringing out a much wider appeal.”
Best Photograph – Feature Photo
Father Joseph Illo, Pastor, Star of the Sea Parish
“This is a beautiful photo that speaks of knowing God as the author of creation, and the profound giving and receiving that is at the heart of the priestly vocation, with the Eucharist at the center. So much meaning in one photo!”
Third Place
Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature
Standing at the Foot of Another’s Cross
Mary Powers, Assistant Director of Communications
“This is an excellent set of photos depicting an urgent and important news story.”
Best Photograph – Sacramental
Catholic San Francisco
Father Joseph Illo, Pastor, Star of the Sea Parish
“This is a beautiful photo that would capture a reader’s attention. The framing, perspective, and coloration are top-quality. The photo transports the reader to the location in a way and words could not do. Great work!”
Honorable Mention
Best Layout of an Article or Column – Diocesan Magazine
St. Francis and the Archdiocese of San Francisco
Karessa McCartney, Production Manager
Best Layout of an Article or Column – Diocesan Magazine
Angels: The gift of God’s heavenly messengers
Karessa McCartney, Production Manager; Mary Powers, Assistant Director of Communications
Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate
Mary Powers, Assistant Director of Communications
Best Guest Column/Commentary
Holy Ghost in the Machine: Wisdom From the Church in the AI Age
Aaron Lambert, Guest Columnist
Best Reporting of the Celebration of a Sacrament
Sacrament Fosters Loving, Lasting Unions
Lidia Wasowicz, Writer
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