GREAT 8!

Evangelist takes home eight CMA Awards

Evangelist takes home eight CMA Awards.

Led by staff writer Emily Benson and photographer Cindy Schultz, The Evangelist won eight Catholic Media Association Awards. The honors were announced on the final night of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City, N.J., on June 19.

Benson won her first first-place award in the Best News Writing on a Local Event — Diocesan Weekly category for her story on the Black Catholic Apostolate, which appeared in the Aug. 21, 2025, edition of the paper and was headlined “A BEACON FOR INCLUSION.”

“This is a vivid portrait of a dynamic church community,” the judges wrote of the story. “The writer tells a compelling story through a diverse mix of voices to capture the energy and spirit of a vibrant church that remains as relevant today as at its founding more than 40 years ago.”

“Emily has been a joy to work with and I am so happy that she was honored with a first-place award,” said Mike Matvey, editor of The Evangelist. “Her vivid writing style brings something unique to every story.”

Schultz won two first-place awards, a second place and an honorable mention.

“Year after year, Cindy amazes us with her talent,” Matvey said. “This year, the depth and breadth of her skill was on display as she won honors in a variety of categories.”

Schultz took first place in the Best Photograph — Sports Photo category for her photo of a Holy Trinity flag football player eluding a defender, which appeared in the June 5 paper. “This image captures the emotion, thrill and agony of sports in one brief moment. Well done,” the judges said. 

She also took first place in the Best Photograph — Holy Days/Liturgical Seasons category for her photo of a mother, daughter and stuffed animal during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral, which appeared in the March 13 paper. 

“This photo is stunning and meaningful. It fully captures love and faith, especially the faith of a child,” the judges noted. “It brings a smile at first and tears once you start thinking about what it really means. Such a sweetness and reminder to whom heaven belongs. Lovely.”

Schultz took second place in the Best Photograph — Hot Topic — The Jubilee Year category for her photo of Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger leading a diocesan procession — “This image captures both action and reverence equally!” the judges wrote — to the Cathedral in the Jan. 9 paper and an honorable mention in the Best Photograph — Catholic Education for her cover shot for the “Salute to Grads” issue on July 3.

The Evangelist team of Benson, Matvey, Brenda Powell and Schultz won third-place honors in the Best Print Special Supplement: Print Only — Regular Special Supplement category for the “Salute to Grads” issue of which the judges said, “This is packed with original reporting and photos, comprising a wonderful special section.”

Father Tom Fallati won an honorable mention in the Best Regular Column — Spiritual Life category for his series of columns titled, “Reflections of a New Priest,” and Dino Petrocelli won an honorable mention in the Best Photograph — Priesthood, Religious Life, or Diaconate category for his photo of Bishop Mark O’Connell breathing a sigh of relief after his installation Mass at St. Edward the Confessor Church on Dec. 5.