The Archdiocese of Newark Office of Communications and its news outlet, Jersey Catholic, have been nationally recognized for their contributions to communications and Catholic journalism. At last week’s Catholic Media Association (CMA) awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, the Archdiocese of Newark earned ten prestigious awards – including four first-place prizes and one second-place honor.

“We have a great team, and I am delighted that others recognize that our light is not under a bushel basket,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark. “I am proud and grateful for all.”

“We are proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of this year’s award recipients,” read a statement issued by the Catholic Media Association to all competition entrants. “Their hard work, dedication, and talent have set a new standard of excellence in their respective fields. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you for inspiring us with your outstanding contributions.”

The annual CMA conference and awards ceremony bring together Catholic publications and professional communicators from the U.S. and Canada to celebrate individuals and organizations who excel in portraying Catholic teachings, values, and stories compellingly.

Among the Archdiocese of Newark’s award-winning journalism placements are coverage of a parish basketball program for adults with autism and a narrative of a man’s journey from the World Trade Center on 9/11 to becoming a deacon, both penned by Sean Quinn, public relations manager.

Former staff member Joe Jordan won awards for reporting on one of the oldest priests in the archdiocese, how a martial arts champion became a youth minister, and how the fight for faith in Nicaragua affected several local Catholics.

Jaimie Julia Winters, communications manager and editor of Jersey Catholic, won for coverage of hundreds of archdiocesan youths heading to World Youth Day last summer. She also won with Quinn for a series on Our Lady of Fatima’s statue visit to the archdiocese. With Jordan, she was honored for coverage throughout 2023.

Maxim Almenas garnered an award for his coverage of Boy Scouts and military veterans uniting to honor fallen heroes.

In addition to those awards, archdiocesan communications team members Maria Margiotta and Alexandra Rojas received an Honorable Mention for Best New Website.

“We have an exceptional team of professionals who strive each day to fulfill our Church’s mission,” said Maria Margiotta. “These stories touched many lives; it’s gratifying when our peers nationally acknowledge our work.”

The award categories include:

Best Reporting on a Special Age – Young adults (18-40)

First Place: Jaimie Julia Winters

Archdiocese of Newark Faithful Head to World Youth Day

Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate – One-Shot

First Place: Sean Quinn

9/11 Hero Found Relationship With Christ After Tragedy

Best Sports Journalism – Sports Feature or Column

First Place: Sean Quinn

Adults With Autism Make Friends at Unique Parish Basketball Clinic

Second Place: Joe Jordan

How a World Champion Martial Artist Became Youth Minister

Best Personality Profile – Non-Weekly

First Place: Joe Jordan

Priesthood Of 101-year-old Msgr. Turro

Best Reporting on Children And Teens Younger than 18

Honorable Mention: Maxim Almenas

On Veterans Day Young Scouts Unite To Honor Fallen Heroes

Best News Writing On Local Or Regional Event - Non-Weekly

Honorable Mention: Jaimie Julia Winters & Sean Quinn

Our Lady Of Fatima Tours Archdiocese Of Newark Series

Best News Writing One Shot - International Event

Honorable Mention: Joe Jordan

Fight For Faith In Nicaragua Hits Home

Best Reporting On Priesthood Religious Life Or Diaconate - Series

Honorable Mention: Jaimie Julia Winters & Joe Jordan

Priesthood Religious Life Diaconate In The Archdiocese Of Newark

Best New Website

Honorable Mention: Alexandra Rojas & Maria Margiotta RCAN.org

The complete list is available here.

The CMA acknowledges work in Catholic media through its annual programs since 1911. This year included approximately 2,700 entries across 472 categories from more than 160 organizations.

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