PHOENIX — The B.C. Catholic and the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s communications office were recognized with a combined 21 awards at the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference.
The awards were announced June 27 during the association’s annual gala, concluding a four-day conference attended by more than 350 Catholic media professionals from across North America.
The B.C. Catholic earned 18 awards for writing, investigative reporting, special issues, photography, advertising, and editorial design, including multiple honours for its continuing coverage of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada.
Contributing writer Terry O’Neill received First Place in Best Investigative News Writing for “MAiD Accounting Shows Death is $283.85 a Person,” and Second Place for “MAiD and the Catholic Hospital,” examining the ethical and financial implications of MAiD and its proximity to Catholic health care. The paper’s “MAiD in Canada” special edition also earned Third Place in Best Special Supplement.
The awards are the latest recognition of the newspaper’s coverage of euthanasia and end-of-life care, an issue it was honoured for in May by the Canadian Christian Communicators Association, with O’Neill taking second place in the news story category for “MAiD and the Catholic Hospital” and the province’s decision to open a euthanasia facility on the grounds of St. Paul’s Hospital.O’Neill investigating reporting on the growth of MAiD goes back to 2022 when he earned two first-place writing awards from the CMA and two from the CCCA for his reporting on the Fraser Health Authority’s MAiD practices.
“I’m deeply grateful for the recognition of our work — especially Terry’s investigative reporting on MAiD,” B.C. Catholic editor Paul Schratz said. “It’s a critical issue that’s barely being covered in Canada, and we had the chance to expand on that during our presentation on the role of Catholic journalism.”
In a two-hour master camp titled “What Makes Journalism ‘Catholic’?” Schratz and Canadian Catholic News members Laura Ieraci of ONE magazine and veteran Catholic News Service journalist Barb Fraze explored the nature of Catholic journalism, from fidelity to Church teaching to the pursuit of truth and charity in storytelling.
“When we explained what’s happening with euthanasia in Canada and put it in an American context, equivalent to more than 170,000 deaths, people were stunned,” Schratz said.
“We had a line of people asking questions about our reporting ” Schratz added. “And all week long, people kept coming up to thank us for shedding light on a crisis they realize is coming their way.”
B.C. Catholic Awards
1. Best Promotional House Ad
Honorable Mention: “The 12 Apostles of Advertising” – Raymond Loretan
2. Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis
Honorable Mention: “Lunar New Year 2024” – The B.C. Catholic Staff
3. Best Front Page — Diocesan
Second Place: “18,000” – Inca Sojo-Das and The B.C. Catholic Staff
Judge’s Comments: The captivating art captures the essence of the topics and draws readers in.
4. Best Coverage — Religious Liberty Issues
Second Place: “Religious Liberty Coverage” – Terry O’Neill
Judge’s Comments: This is a nice collection of stories. The topics are timely and relevant, the writing is accessible, and the calls to action are clear. These are the kinds of stories that probably would entice readers to consume this publication’s content more in the future. Nice work!
5. Best Editorial on a National or International Issue — Weekly
Second Place: “Our Elections Interest China — Why Not Catholics?” – Paul Schratz
Judge’s Comments: This column is worthy of recognition because it is both informative and persuasive. Probably most readers would be learning something about the CCP’s activities, and that news might motivate readers to act. The column capitalizes on the irony underpinning the issue (especially in the title) which is highly effective. I very much enjoyed reading this column — very accessible and, at the same time, weighty. I also appreciated the use of prayer at the end — relevant and poignant. Great work!
6. Best Editorial on a National or International Issue — Weekly
Third Place: “Lest We Upset” – Paul Schratz
Judge’s Comments: This column nicely combines both informative and persuasive elements, so it provides a reader with new information to apply to the outlook. It’s well- and accessibly written to appeal to the broad audience for which it would be relevant. Really nice observations from the ground! Great work!
7. Best Investigative News Writing — Weekly
First Place: “MAiD Accounting Shows Death is $283.85 a Person” – Terry O’Neill
Judge’s Comments: This is a chilling, well-researched article. The writer deftly shifts between the knowns — names and costs of medications — and the unknowns, potential cost savings possibly incentivizing its rapid expansion. I hope to see more coverage of this important topic.
8. Best Investigative News Writing — Weekly
Second Place: “MAiD and the Catholic Hospital” – Terry O’Neill
Judge’s Comments: The writer begins with a number of questions regarding the planned construction of a euthanasia facility next to a Catholic hospital and concludes with a clear, concise summary of Catholic teaching. Readers are drawn into the conundrum, but the article resolves with an element of hope.
9. Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing — The Gerard E. Sherry Award — Weekly
First Place: “Reconciliation Series: Dialogue and Sharing’ Recalling a Century of Indigenous and Church Relationship and Reconciliation in B.C.” – Paul Schratz
Judge’s Comments: This detailed series of articles is extremely thorough and does an incredible job of conveying the vast historical significance of this topic. These pieces are informative and engaging, giving a powerful perspective on a complex issue in a way readers can understand and retain.
10. Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event — Weekly
Third Place: “‘You Cannot Be Lonely at This Church’: St. Anthony’s in West Van Celebrates 100 Years” – Nicholas Elbers
Judge’s Comments: Nicholas Elbers takes a thoughtful approach in this compelling piece, celebrating 100 years by letting us see and hear the people.
11. Best News Writing on Regional Event — Weekly
First Place: “Archdiocese of Vancouver Signs Sacred Covenant with Kamloops First Nation” – Paul Schratz and Nicholas Elbers
Judge’s Comments: This article provides good coverage of a very sensitive and difficult topic, presented in a timely and well-focused manner.
12. Best Personality Profile — Weekly
Honorable Mention: “Annika Van Vliet: Model Student is More Than a Smile and Pretty Face” – Nicholas Elbers
13. Best Reporting on a Special Age-Group — Young Adults (18-40)
Third Place: “Catholic Seeking Catholic: Young People and Their Dating Woes” – Nicholas Elbers, Tim James, and Arleen D’Souza
Judge’s Comments: This piece presents an inventive topic, supported by great reporting to tell the story, excellent writing to provide context, and an engaging approach to understanding news about this key demographic.
14. Best Seasonal Issue — Print Only
First Place: “Christmas 2024” – The B.C. Catholic Staff
Judge’s Comments: This Christmas-themed issue provides varieties of stories that capture the essence of the season. The piece’s focus on faith, hope, and joy makes the writing unique and shows what our attitudes should be as Christians.
15. Best Special Supplement
Third Place: “MAiD in Canada” – The B.C. Catholic Staff
Judge’s Comments: This article is timely, including solid content and a clean look.
16. Best Photo Story — Feature
First Place: “Celebrating the Easter Art of Pysanky” – Nicholas Elbers
Judge’s Comments: Beautiful photography — very artistic. These are the kind of high-quality photos that I think really draw a reader into a story. They show great thought and purposefulness. Great work!
17. Best Story and Photo Package — By an Individual
Honorable Mention: “In Hustle and Bustle of Marriage, Kids, and Bills, a Catholic Family Camp Can Be Just What You Need (RCAV Family Camp)” – Nicholas Elbers
Archdiocese of Vancouver Communications Awards
1. Friday Report — Archdiocese of Vancouver
Third Place: Claudine Bananal, Matthew Furtado and Paul Schratz
Judges: The large type was nice and the layout was very clean.
2. Best Social Media Account
First Place: Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB – Emi Namoro and the Archdiocese of Vancouver Communications Office
Judges: The Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Facebook account effectively presents the archbishop’s voice with clarity and consistent engagement. The submission demonstrates strong visual branding and an established platform that fosters community dialogue.
3. Best Use of Social Media
Honorable Mention: Emi Namoro, Kelly Hady, and the Archdiocese of Vancouver Communications Office
In addition, Dr. Gerry Turcotte, president and vice-chancellor of St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi College, and a regular contributor to The B.C. Catholic and Toronto’s Catholic Register, won second place in the Best Regular Column — General Commentary category for his column Figure of Speech.
The Catholic Media Conference took place June 25–28 and included keynote sessions on journalism, AI, and digital evangelization. It opened with Mass celebrated by Bishop John Dolan and a welcome at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism.
The Catholic Media Association, founded in 1911, supports Catholic publishers, editors, reporters, and communication professionals across North America. The 2025 conference marked a continued rise in attendance since returning to in-person gatherings after the pandemic.
A full list of winners is available at catholicmediaassociation.org.
