Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has received eight awards at the 2025 Catholic Media Association national awards competition. The event, which took place during the annual conference from June 24-27 in Phoenix, recognized various contributions to Catholic media.

Among the accolades, the Diocese earned an honorable mention for best weekly newspaper. The Criterion newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis won top honors in this category.

The Diocese achieved three second-place finishes. Notably, a series titled “Echoes of Faith: Remembering Our Catholic Inspiration” secured second place in the Best Multimedia Package Series category. This series featured daily stories about individuals who have passed away but continue to influence their faith.

Judges praised the series as a "moving, often-touching catalog of unrecognized saints," describing it as "a very creative idea that was executed well."

Bishop James Conley’s column in the Register also garnered recognition with a second-place award for Best Regular Column by Bishop or Archbishop. Judges noted that his columns were "deeply personal" and highlighted one on gender ideology for its "well-researched, timely writing."

Journalist Shelby Siegfried's story “Championing Faith: A Catholic Wrestler’s Journey” earned second place in Best Sports Journalism – Sports Feature or Column. A judge remarked on its storytelling and how it captured people effectively.

Photography from the Southern Nebraska Register received three awards. Cathy Bender and Natalie Bender won third place for Best Multiple Picture Package with their coverage of an ultimate frisbee tournament at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward. Their work was noted for illustrating both fun and community spirit.

A third-place award for Best Photo Story – Feature went to Cathy Bender, Natalie Bender, and Kevin Clark for photos capturing a May 2024 ordination Mass. Judges described these as a "beautifully curated collection" depicting joy and celebration.

Additionally, Corbin Hubbell and S.L. Hansen received honorable mention for their photos accompanying “Lincoln Diocese Pilgrims Attend National Eucharistic Congress.”

Dennis Kellogg, Communications Director of the Diocese of Lincoln, earned honorable mention in his category after winning first place last year.

The conference brought together nearly 400 journalists from across U.S.-based Catholic media organizations and dioceses. The competition entries were judged by veteran journalists from various Catholic media outlets.

Founded in 1911, the Catholic Media Association supports Catholic media's role in communicating Church missions and evangelizing modern society.