The Hawaii Catholic Herald took home six Catholic Press Association awards at the Catholic Media Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, June 21.
The awards were for work done in 2018.
Here’s what the Diocese of Honolulu’s biweekly newspaper won:
Second place awards
“Best Annual Report — Catholic Non-Profit Organization” for the 2017 Diocesan Stewardship Report. “Clear and direct explanation of how the church is using its resources to advance the faith,” the judges wrote. “The graphics showing where funds are coming from and going were clear and helpful, and the addition of quotes from Scripture in each section were a nice touch.”
“Best Coverage — Disaster or Crisis” for reporting on the 2018 Hawaii Island volcanic eruption. Those stories included “Pray for Puna: Church responds to the needs of those displaced by the volcanic eruption on the Big Island,” “Parishioners displaced by lava ask for prayers” and “Catholic agency building 20 units for those displaced by eruption.” The judges wrote, “The coverage about local parishioners displaced by lava was very comprehensive. The Hawaii Catholic Herald reported the story from multiple vantage points and they should be applauded.”
“Best Personality Profile — Non-Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less” for Anna Weaver’s story “From the Corporate to the Catholic World” on the Diocese of Honolulu’s finance officer Lisa Sakamoto. “The subject’s personality shines through the words on the page,” the judges wrote. “Well-written and detailed article.”
“Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament — Non-Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less” for Patrick Downes’ story “Hawaii Gains a New Priest” on the ordination of Father William “Pila” Tulua. The judges said: “A thorough look at the ordination process, both in clear prose and photos that capture the beauty and sanctity of the ceremony. The writer expertly shows the emotion of the day with quotes from a variety of those at the ceremony.”
Honorable mentions
“Best Feature Writing – Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less” for Anna Weaver’s story “Newly Ordained Jesuit Returns Home to Kauai For First Mass” on Jesuit Father Kyle Shinseki’s Mass of Thanksgiving.
“Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing — The Gerard E. Sherry Award — Diocesan Newspaper” for Patrick Downes’ analysis “Physician-Assisted Suicide: ‘Against Our Human Nature.’”
