By John Norton

Winning Catholic Press Association awards

It is Catholic press awards season again, and Our Sunday Visitor did especially well this year.

The awards were announced May 29 at the Catholic Media Convention, held in Anaheim, Calif. Here's how we did:

• First Place, Best Front Page. The judges said we possess "a strong, contemporary personality which jumps off the page. The reader is drawn to take a second look by the large, creative imagery which dominates the page and tells a story in its own right."
• First Place, Best Investigative News Writing, for a package of articles Ann Carey wrote on sterilizations being performed in Catholic hospitals. The judges: "Impressive combination of quality writing and in-depth reporting that really examines the sterilization issue. The clear winner."
• First Place, Best Use of Syndicated, Wire Graphics, for our Oct. 12 "Catholic Guide to the Bible," designed by Lindsey Luken. "The asymmetry of the images complements the arrangement," said the judges. "Good use of hierarchy and creating a focal point."

We also received an honorable mention in the same category for our Feb. 3 "Catholic Guide to Lent."

• First Place, Best Online/ Multimedia Presentation of Visuals, for our In Focus interactive for the Year of St. Paul, which the judges called a "terrific, interactive tool."

"The presentation is simple and elegant with a sophisticated eye for graphics and typography," they said.

• Second Place, General Commentary, for our president/publisher Greg Erlandson's biweekly column called Spectator. The judges said he "stirs the reader's emotions with vivid imagery amid intelligent analysis."
• Second Place, Best Feature Writing, for a Dec. 14 story on thrift and a "Sparing, Sharing Lifestyle," by Scott Alessi.

"It is a timely topic that has received much media attention," the judges said, "but this story stands out by including historical context, as well as providing practical and attainable examples. Alessi crafts a breezy read with an important message."

• Second Place, Best Editorial, for our Feb. 24 appeal for professionalism in Catholic media and openness in Church communications.
• Third Place, Best Editorial, for our Aug. 10 defense of freedom of conscience for pro-life health care workers and facilities.
• Third Place, Best Reporting on Teenagers, for Emily Stimpson's Aug. 24 story, "Girls Pressured into Same-Sex Experimentation."
• Third Place, Best Reporting on Senior Citizens, for Lorene Hanley Duquin's July 15 article, "With Age Comes Wisdom."

As always, I look forward to hearing from you at feedback@osv.com.