Judges in this year’s Catholic Media Awards said Vermont Catholic magazine “sets the bar for excellence.”

The official publication of the Diocese of Burlington took second place for “Magazine of the Year” in the annual awards competition sponsored by the Catholic Media Association.

It was one of eight awards the statewide Diocese received at the association’s convention in Baltimore June 9.

“The magazine demonstrates its commitment to ‘big tent’ Catholicism. Articles emphasize the good works carried out daily by the Catholic community of the Diocese of Burlington, from feeding the hungry to providing aid to migrants,” judges said. “From its pictures of Catholic Vermonters that are stunning and expressive to a design that is beautiful, Vermont Catholic sets the bar for excellence.”

Ellen Kane, Vermont Catholic editor, commented, “Seven years in the top three and counting for our tiny, mighty staff! The magazine truly reflects the faith and charity of Vermont Catholics, and we are thrilled that this resonates on a national scale.”

Managing Editor Cori Fugere Urban received four awards:

+ Second place for Best Photograph – Sacramental for a photograph taken at the ordination of Father Brandon Schneider. His father, Deacon Gesualdo Schneider kisses his hands while his mother, Loretta, looks on. “This touching photograph is rich in meaning, It captures a precise, significant moment and reflects pure joy and the pride of parents over the ordination of their son,” the judges said.

+ Honorable mention for Best Reporting of the Celebration of a Sacrament for an article about Father Timothy Naples explaining parts of the Mass. “Very neat! Conversational writing. Very good,” the judges said. “Took a potentially ‘boring’ topic and made it quite interesting. LOVED.”

+ Honorable mention for Personality Profiles – Religious Leader for a profile of Edmundite Father Michael Carter.

+ Honorable mention for Personality Profiles – Laity for a story on Robert Houle of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church in Bennington and a referee.

The three other awards were for:

+ Second place for Best Diocesan Pastoral Message for Burlington Bishop Christopher Coyne’s Creating a Culture of Life message. “A carefully thought-out message focused on the humanity beyond the politics made this piece of reflection and insight stand out,” the judges said.

+ Second place for Best Diocesan Printed Fundraising Appeal for the communication and development staff’s Unity in Faith appeal. “The design and layout of the appeal brought the message and the need to light. This qualitative piece made the appeal stand out,” judges commented.

+ Third place for Best Annual Report – Catholic Nonprofit Organization for the communication and development staff’s report for the Vermont Catholic Community Foundation. “A nice annual report that makes good use of callouts to highlight the impacts the organization is making to the community,” judges said.

Bishop Coyne said he is proud of the Vermont Catholic staff “who use their talents to share the Good News and promote the charitable works of the faithful throughout our statewide Diocese.”

The entries honored each year reflect the wide variety of topics covered by the media association’s publications. “That certainly refutes the stereotype that Catholic journalists spend their time covering Masses or following the bishop around the Diocese,” said Ana Rodriguez-Soto, chair of the awards committee. “Catholic journalists focus on people – all God’s people – and how God’s presence in the world is made visible through them and with them and in the outstretched hands of those who call themselves Catholic and Christian.”

Click to read past issues: Vermont Catholic.