On June 27, the Catholic Media Association announced the winners of the 2025 Catholic Media Awards at their annual conference, held in Pheonix this year. The Diocese of Burlington earned nine awards with recognition given to past and present Vermont Catholic staff, development staff, and Bishop John McDermott.

Bishop John McDermott received two honors – third place for “Best Diocesan Pastoral Message — Audio or Video” for his Christmas Message posted to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GFzH3ihEW/), for which the judges stated “Bishop McDermott’s singing was great! I appreciate the length, the simplicity and warmth of the message.” He also received second place for “Best Diocesan Pastoral Message — Letter” for an article published in the Inland See in which Bishop McDermott recounts how he received the news of being named bishop (https://www.vermontcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024.05.18-24.pdf).

Longtime Vermont Catholic editor and writer Cori Fugere Urban earned an honorable mention in the category of “Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate” for her article “Love in a Loaf: Sister Paul Mary Dreger Finds Peace Baking Bread, Receiving the Bread of Life.” Additionally, Alice Urban Lothers received an honorable mention in the category “Best Personality Profiles — Laity” for her article “Cori Fugere Urban reflects on 45 years as Diocese of Burlington Writer and Editor.”

The Fall 2024 Vermont Catholic issued which covered the ordination and installation of Bishop John McDermott received second place for “Best Special Issue,” the judges stated “This is an excellent special issue with all parts outstanding.” Communications staff Mary-Margaret Mulligan and Alayna Fox received third place for “Best Social Media Campaign — Liturgical Seasons.” The campaign titled “Advent in Vermont” featured Vermont churches illuminated at night. Judges stated “This entry is simple but evocative of where hope and light can be found in a world that can seem dark and cold.”

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Full list of awards won:

 

Best Social Media Campaign — Liturgical Seasons

Third Place

Advent in Vermont

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

Alayna Fox and Mary-Margaret Mulligan

Judges’ comments: “This entry is simple but evocative of where hope and light can be found in a world that can seem dark and cold.”

 

Best Personality Profiles — Laity

Honorable Mention

Cori Fugere Urban reflects on 45 years as Diocese of Burlington Writer and Editor

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

Alice Urban Lothers

 

Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate

Honorable Mention

Love in a Loaf: Sister Paul Mary Dreger Finds Peace Baking Bread, Receiving the Bread of Life

Vermont Catholic

Cori Fugere Urban

 

Best Special Issue

Second Place

Bishop John J. McDermott Ordination and Installation

Vermont Catholic

Vermont Catholic Staff

Judges’ comments: “This is an excellent special issue with all parts outstanding.”

 

Best Photo Story — Feature

Second Place

“God Alone Suffices”: The Ordination of Bishop John J. McDermott

Vermont Catholic

Evan Wing

Judges’ comments: “The lighting is excellent and the photographer captured wonderful expressions.”

 

Best Photograph — Sacramental

Honorable Mention

Episcopal Ring

Vermont Catholic

Russell Fox

 

Best Diocesan Printed Fundraising Appeal — Produced by Communication Department Staff

Third Place

Bishop’s Annual Appeal 2024: Year of Peace

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

Diocese of Burlington Communications and Development Staff

Judges’ comments: “The materials present a clear, consistent theme throughout, with compelling information about who benefits and a strong use of a QR code to drive engagement.”

 

Best Diocesan Pastoral Message — Audio or Video

Third Place

Bishop’s Christmas Message

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

Bishop John J. McDermott

Judges’ comments: “Bishop McDermott’s singing was great! I appreciate the length, the simplicity and warmth of the message.”

 

Best Diocesan Pastoral Message — Letter

Second place

A message from our Bishop-elect

Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

Bishop John J. McDermott

Judges’ comments: “It is a succinct, thoughtful and personal message that resonates with its audience.”