Catholic Standard receives 11 Catholic Media Awards in 2026 competition

The Catholic Standard newspaper and website of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington received 11 Catholic Media Awards in the 2026 competition sponsored by the Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada. The awards were announced during the annual Catholic Media Conference, held this year in Atlantic City, New Jersey, between June 16-19.

The Catholic Standard’s 2026 Catholic Media Awards included first place awards for best photo gallery, best photograph of a national or international event, and best coverage of racial inequities.

The Catholic Standard received second place awards for best analysis, background and roundup news writing; best news writing series on an international event; best reporting on social justice issues – the dignity and rights of workers; best multimedia package series; and best obituary.

The Catholic Standard received third place awards for best portrait photograph and best scenic, still life or weather photo, and an honorable mention award for best news writing on a local event.

The following is a list of the 2026 Catholic Media Awards received by the Catholic Standard:

Best Photo Gallery or Slideshow (First place)

Aug. 31, 2025, “Photo Gallery: Let the bells of Nagasaki echo to the world - 80th anniversary Nagasaki Peace Memorial Masses and interreligious dialogues to pray for world peace,” photos by Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard website.

https://www.cathstan.org/us-world-2/photo-gallery-nagaaski-peace-memorial-mass-and-interreligious-dialogues

Judge’s comment: “A striking mix of traditional event photography – including shots of speakers and dignitaries – and more creative, artistic images highlighting the beauty of the commemoration. The collection successfully captured both the solemnity and the beauty of the occasion with great sensitivity and skill.”

After a Peace Memorial Mass at Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki, Japan, on Aug. 9, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of that city, people participated in a torchlight procession to Nagasaki Peace Park. Urakami Cathedral, seen in the background, was rebuilt and dedicated in 1959 on the site of the original cathedral destroyed in the bombing on Aug. 9, 1945. The head of a statue of Mary recovered in the rubble of the original cathedral after the bombing was carried in the procession. Joining the procession were U.S. college students participating in a Pilgrimage of Peace to commemorate the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Catholic Standard photographer Mihoko Owada received a first place award for best photo gallery for a related series of photos in the 2026 Catholic Media Awards competition sponsored by the Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada.

Best Photograph – National/International Event (First place)

“Releasing paper lanterns for peace in Hiroshima,” photo by Mihoko Owada, Aug. 14, 2025.

Judge’s comment: “The image is a beautifully composed and immersive photograph, with striking color and spot-on lighting, rich texture, and a vivid sense of movement that draws the viewer into the moment, while both the subjects and background invite deeper curiosity and engagement.”

During a Nov. 15, 2025 Black Catholic History Month commemoration, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr. blesses the cemetery at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland where recent archaeological research has uncovered what are believed to be hundreds of unmarked graves of persons enslaved by the Jesuits in the 1700s and 1800s. The blessing was part of a program that honored those enslaved by the Catholic Church in Maryland and unveiled the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s eight-point “Honoring Those Who Were Enslaved: Do Justice, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly” initiative. A related story by Catholic Standard managing editor Richard Szczepanowski, with photos by Catholic Standard reporter Nicole Olea, along with two other stories received a first place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best coverage of racial inequities during the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference held between June 16-19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Catholic Standard photo by Nicole Olea)

Best Coverage, Racial Inequities (First place)

“Cardinal Gregory has been tireless in speaking out against racism,” story by Richard Szczepanowski, Feb. 13, 2025:

https://www.cathstan.org/local/ardinal-gregory-has-been-tireless-in-speaking-out-against-racism

“Archdiocese announces new initiative ‘Honoring Those Who Were Enslaved,” story by Richard Szczepanowski, photos by Nicole Olea, Nov. 17, 2025:

https://www.cathstan.org/local/archdiocese-announces-new-initiative-honoring-those-who-were-enslaved

“At CROSS conference, descendants help Catholic institutions come to reckoning with slavery history,” story by Mark Zimmermann, Dec. 30, 2025:

https://www.cathstan.org/faith/at-cross-conference-descendants-help-catholic-institutions-come-to-reckoning-with-slavery-history

Judge’s comment: “Thoughtful and thoroughly reported features on the legacy of enslavement within the Catholic Church, along with a profile of Wilton Cardinal Gregory and his longstanding efforts to combat racism, use interviews, research and firsthand reporting to show the urgency and relevance of addressing these issues.”

After celebrating a 350th anniversary Mass for St. Mary Parish in Newport, Maryland, on Sept. 7, 2024, Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory greeted parishioners outside the church, and played Patty-cake with a little boy, Gregory Skibinsky, held by his mother, Erica Skibinsky. A story titled “Cardinal Gregory brought healing, made history as Washington’s archbishop” by Catholic Standard editor Mark Zimmermann received a second place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best analysis/background/roundup news writing during the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference held between June 16-19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Catholic Standard photos by Mihoko Owada)

Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing: The Gerard E. Sherry Award – Diocesan Non-Weekly (Second place)

“Cardinal Gregory brought healing, made history as Washington’s archbishop,” story by Mark Zimmermann; “Cardinal Gregory made history as the first African American cardinal and the first African American archbishop of Washington,” story by Mark Zimmermann; and “Cardinal Gregory’s confronting abuse crisis marked by transparency, healing,” story by Mark Zimmermann, Feb. 13, 2025.

https://www.cathstan.org/local/cardinal-gregory-brought-healing-made-history-as-washingtons-archbishop

https://www.cathstan.org/local/cardinal-gregory-made-history-as-the-first-african-american-cardinal-and-as-the-first-african-american-archbishop-of-washington

https://www.cathstan.org/local/cardinal-gregorys-confronting-abuse-crisis-marked-by-transparency-healing

Judge’s comment: “This is a fascinating, thorough, detailed capture of a meaningful tenure at a critical time.”

At 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 2025, as people offer silent prayers in front of Nagasaki's Urakami Cathedral, two bells ring out together for the first time in 80 years. One of these bells was recast for the cathedral by American Catholics. The bells rang out on the 80th anniversary of the moment when the atomic bomb dropped by the United States exploded over Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. A series of related articles by Catholic Standard editor Mark Zimmermann with photos by Mihoko Owada received a second place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best news writing series on an international event during the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference held between June 16-19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Best News Writing on an International Event – Series (Second Place)

“At Peace Mass in Nagasaki on anniversary of atomic bombing, people encouraged to bring Christ’s love and peace to the world,” story by Mark Zimmermann and photos by Mihoko Owada, Aug. 10, 2025; “In Hiroshima on anniversary of atomic bombing, Cardinal McElroy highlights ‘new moment’ for Catholic teaching on war and peace,” story by Mark Zimmermann, photos by Mihoko Owada; Aug. 7, 2025; and “On solemn anniversary, bell from U.S. Catholics rings out for peace at Nagasaki cathedral,” story by Mark Zimmermann, photos by Mihoko Owada, Sept. 2, 2025.

https://www.cathstan.org/us-world/at-peace-memorial-mass-in-nagasaki-on-anniversary-of-atomic-bombing-people-encouraged-to-bring-christs-love-and-peace-to-the-world

https://www.cathstan.org/us-world/in-hiroshima-on-anniversary-of-atomic-bombing-there-cardinal-mcelroy-highlights-new-moment-for-renewing-catholic-teaching-on-war-and-peace

https://www.cathstan.org/us-world/on-solemn-anniversary-bell-from-u-s-catholics-rings-out-for-peace-at-nagasaki-cathedral

Judge’s comment: “Every piece connects to the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the moral weight of nuclear weapons, shaped by careful, compassionate and meticulous reporting. The themes repeat, but the stories never do.”

The facilitator of the job loss support group at Holy Trinity Parish in Washington, D.C., Dr. Marie J. Raber, the former dean and director of the Master of Social Work Program at the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America, is shown in a 2025 photo. The job loss support group at Holy Trinity Parish in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood was started in the wake of the mass firings and layoffs of federal government workers. Articles by Catholic Standard editor Mark Zimmermann received a second place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best reporting on social justice issues – dignity and rights of workers during the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference held between June 16-19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Catholic Standard photo by Mark Zimmermann)

Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues – Dignity and Rights of Workers (Second place)

“In wake of mass firings of federal government workers, Holy Trinity Parish is offering job loss support group,” story by Mark Zimmermann; and sidebar story posted online, “Workers find help and hope in Holy Trinity Parish’s job loss support group,” story by Mark Zimmermann, Aug. 13, 2025.

https://www.cathstan.org/local/in-wake-of-mass-firings-of-federal-government-workers-holy-trinity-parish-offers-job-loss-support-group

https://www.cathstan.org/local/workers-find-help-and-hope-in-holy-trinity-parishs-job-loss-support-group

Judge’s comment: “This beautifully written article doesn’t just describe the program in the abstract; it features participants such as Tom Neeley, Hannah Byrd and Gene Lin, who share how job loss affected them and how the group helped restore hope and direction.”

Before celebrating the Sept. 23, 2015 Canonization Mass for St. Junipero Serra outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis rode in his popemobile to greet the crowd. Sitting at the left in the back of the popemobile is Cardinal Donald Wuerl, then the archbishop of Washington. A second place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best multimedia package was received by Catholic Standard editor Mark Zimmermann, photographer Jaclyn Lippelmann and videographer Geoff Ros for the multimedia feature on the Catholic Standard’s website, “Looking Back 10 Years after Pope Francis’s Visit to Washington.” (Catholic Standard photo by Jaclyn Lippelmann)

Best Multimedia Package Series (Second place)

Looking back 10 years after Pope Francis’s visit to Washington, writer Mark Zimmermann, photographer Jaclyn Lippelmann, and videographer Geoff Ros

Part one, the pope arrives to a joyful welcome and visits cathedral (posted Sept. 23, 2025):

https://www.cathstan.org/local/looking-back-10-years-after-pope-franciss-visit-to-washington-part-one-the-pope-arrives-to-a-joyful-welcome-and-visits-cathedral

Part two, the pope celebrates an historic canonization Mass at National Shrine (posted Sept. 23, 2025):

https://www.cathstan.org/local/looking-back-10-years-after-pope-franciss-visit-to-washington-part-two-the-pope-celebrates-an-historic-canonization-mass-at-national-shrine

Part three, the pope visits the Little Sisters of the Poor and Saint John Paul II Seminary (posted Sept. 24, 2025):

https://www.cathstan.org/local/looking-back-10-years-after-pope-franciss-visit-to-washington-part-three-the-pope-visits-the-little-sisters-of-the-poor-and-saint-john-paul-ii-seminary

Part four, a papal address to Congress, a Catholic Charities visit and a hug (posted Sept. 25, 2025):

https://www.cathstan.org/local/looking-back-10-years-after-pope-franciss-visit-to-washington-part-four-a-papal-address-to-congress-a-catholic-charities-visit-and-a-hug

Judge’s comment: “This touching, personal reflection on Pope Francis’ visit to the United States 10 years earlier offered a glimpse into the late pontiff’s life, ministry and mission. The testimonies and memories of individuals from all walks of life who met Pope Francis during that visit and were so deeply impacted by his presence – along with captivating photos from the visits – really make this package stand out.”

Tim Strachan takes part in broadcasting a University of Maryland Terrapins football game in an undated photo. The graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville who was paralyzed in a swimming accident before his senior year went on to earn a law degree, work as an attorney and broadcaster, and was a well-known motivational speaker in the Washington area. He died on July 8, 2025 after suffering from cancer. He was 49. A second place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best obituary was received by Catholic Standard freelance writer Maureen Boyle for her story on Tim Strachan. (Photo courtesy of DeMatha Catholic High School)

Obituaries (Second place)

“Tim Strachan remembered at DeMatha for his faith, courage in overcoming adversity and inspiration to others,” story by Maureen Boyle. Aug. 2, 2025.

https://www.cathstan.org/local/tim-strachan-remembered-at-dematha-for-his-faith-courage-and-inspiration-to-others

Judge’s comment: “Captivating portrait of an extraordinary life and the man who lived it. The writer effectively weaves details of Tim Strachan’s life into a cohesive whole, with each detail reinforcing the others.”

Cardinal Wilton Gregory laughs during an interview on Jan. 15, 2025 with the editors of the Catholic Standard and El Pregonero newspapers of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. This photo by Catholic Standard freelance photographer Andrew Biraj received a third place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best portrait photograph.

Best Photograph – Portrait (Third place)

“Laughing cardinal,” (Cardinal Wilton Gregory during interview about his retirement as the archbishop of Washington) photo by Andrew Biraj, Feb. 13, 2025.

Judge’s comment: “This is an evocative portrait bursting with emotion.”

People attend a Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and for the Opening of the Jubilee Year on Jan. 1, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. This photo by Catholic Standard freelance photographer Rachel Lincoln received a third place 2026 Catholic Media Award for best scenic, still life or weather photograph.

Best Photograph – Scenic, Still-Life or Weather Photo (Third place)

“Cathedral sunlight,” (Jubilee Year opening Mass at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington) photo by Rachel Lincoln, Jan. 16, 2025.

Judge’s comment: “Excellent work capturing light and using focus and framing to create an arresting image.”

March for migrants Bishop Evelio Menjivar, then an auxiliary bishop of Washington (at center), helps lead a procession on Sept. 28, 2025 to mark the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The procession began at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington and concluded at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, where Cardinal Robert W. McElroy celebrated a Mass marking that day. Related articles by Catholic Standard reporter Nicole Olea and editor Mark Zimmermann, with photos by Mihoko Owada and freelancer Denniss Olea, received an honorable mention 2026 Catholic Media Award for best news writing on a local event. (Catholic Standard photo by Mihoko Owada)

Best News Writing on a Local Event – Diocesan Non-Weekly (Honorable mention)

“As undocumented immigrants face policy ‘unleashing fear and terror,’ Catholics should stand in solidarity with them, Cardinal McElroy says,” story by Mark Zimmermann, photos by Mihoko Owada; “Pilgrims walk in solidarity and hope for migrants in Washington procession,” story by Nicole Olea, photo by Denniss Olea; and “Walking in prayer for immigrants in a fearful time,” Editor’s Notebook column by Mark Zimmermann. Oct. 16, 2025.

https://www.cathstan.org/local/as-undocumented-immigrants-face-policy-unleashing-fear-and-terror-catholics-should-stand-in-solidarity-with-them-cardinal-mcelroy-says

https://www.cathstan.org/local/pilgrims-walk-in-solidarity-and-hope-for-migrants-in-washington-procession

https://www.cathstan.org/voices/editors-notebook-walking-in-prayer-for-immigrants-in-a-fearful-time

Catholic Standard receives 11 Catholic Media Awards in 2026 competition

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