Criterion staff honored for excellence in journalism
Criterion staff writer Sean Gallagher received a first-place award from the Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada in the Best News Writing on a Local or Regional event—One Shot—category for his article, “St. John pastor keeps prayerful watch over parish during unrest.” The story focused on Father Rick Nagel, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, and his response to peaceful protests in downtown Indianapolis that descended into violence the weekend of May 30-31, 2020, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Criterion staff report
The COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it presented didn’t stop staff members of The Criterion from being honored for excellence in journalism by two organizations in 2020.
Coverage of the COVID crisis, ongoing news concerning the federal death penalty, and articles dealing with last summer’s civil unrest were among the stories that shaped the archdiocesan newspaper’s award-winning coverage.
The recognition included awards from the Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada (CMA), and awards from the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana (WPCI).
For the second time in three years, The Criterion was honored as one of the CMA’s outstanding publications. The newspaper received Honorable Mention in the Best Newspaper category in 2020. The Criterion was awarded second place in the Best Newspaper category in 2018.
CMA awards
The staff received recognition on June 10 during the Catholic Media Association’s annual awards program, which was held virtually this year.
Staff writer Sean Gallagher was awarded first place in the Best News Writing on a Local or Regional event—One Shot—for his article, “St. John pastor keeps prayerful watch over parish during unrest.” The story focused on Father Rick Nagel, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, and his response to peaceful protests in downtown Indianapolis that descended into violence the weekend of May 30-31, 2020, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“The story itself is amazing, and the author emphasized those elements through descriptive language that humanized a tremulous situation in our recent history,” judges wrote, “juxtaposing the situation at St. John’s with the civil distress in the larger community. Choice details in the storytelling made this narrative come to life.”
Assistant editor John Shaughnessy won a first-place award for “Best Reporting on a Special-Age Group—Young adults ages 18-40” category for his series, “Finding a Home, Living the Faith.”
The stories included: “Where I needed to go was home”: ‘The gift of a mother’s love and faith continues on in the life of a daughter,’ ” a feature on Brie Anne Varick and her relationship with her late mother, Dr. Melanie Margiotta Linehan; “An usual yet fitting marriage proposal leads couple on their journey to God,” a story about newlyweds Alexander and Emily Mingus and how faith is at the center of their relationship; and “Young woman’s struggles lead her to strive to bring hope and healing to others,” a feature on Perry Langley and her story of faith and transformation that began as a teenager and continues as an adult.
“These profiles are touching, detailed and well-written,” judges said. “Each piece gives a solid sense of the subject and each subject’s life experiences and faith. A nice selection.”
Natalie Hoefer was awarded second place for Best Coverage of Pro-Life Issues—Death Penalty Coverage—for her series of stories on several executions that occurred at the U.S. Federal Penitentiary in Terre Haute during 2020.
“Natalie Hoefer’s series examining the death penalty is impressive.
Ms. Hoefer’s reporting on the subject is journalism at its best,” judges wrote. “From covering the first federal execution in 17 years to a moving story about a Catholic inmate’s last words, Ms. Hoefer keeps her audience engaged and informed through real-life stories and a powerful narrative.”
Gallagher received third-place recognition in Best Reporting on Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life and Diaconate for three priest profiles he wrote. The stories included, “ ‘I embrace this willingly”: Priest offers suffering from brain tumor for victims of clergy sexual abuse,” about Father John Hollowell; “St. John pastor keeps prayerful watch over parish during unrest,” about Father Nagel; and “God is still blessing me each day: Msgr. Paul Koetter continues to minister despite challenges of ALS.”
“The author did well to allow the story of these incredible individuals to shine through to the reader,” judges said. “The surgical use of the language really lets these stories shine naturally.”
Shaughnessy was awarded third place in the Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues—Solidarity—for his story “Priest donates kidney to help mother of two lead the life she imagines for her family.”
The story focused on Father Christopher Wadelton, pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, and his selfless act of donating a kidney to parishioner Rebeca Barcenas.
“Perhaps the ultimate in personal solidarity—a priest donating a kidney to a gravely ill parishioner,” judges said. “Non-dramatic writing and a touching photo make this article compelling to the reader.”
Editor Mike Krokos received a third-place award in the Best Editorial on a National or International Issue—Weekly Diocesan Newspaper—for “Now is the time to take up our crosses and follow Christ.”
“The writer adeptly examines how to grasp onto faith through the challenges of 2020,” judges wrote. “Using Scripture and quotations from the pope, the writer’s voice of gentle assurance lets the readers know it’s still possible, and more necessary than ever, to have faith.”
As noted, the team of Krokos, Shaughnessy, Hoefer, Gallagher, graphic designer Brandon A. Evans and executive assistant Ann Lewis won an honorable mention in the Best Newspaper Category.
Freelancer Katie Rutter, who is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington and does work for The Criterion and other Catholic organizations, received two awards from the CMA:
—Honorable Mention for Video Producer of the Year;
—Honorable Mention for “Best Freestanding Presentation of Online Video—Social Justice Issues,” for her video, “Serving the Homeless Population from the Feet Up” (for Grotto Network).
WPCI awards
The recognition for work completed during the 2020 calendar year began in April when Hoefer was honored by WPCI. She garnered three first-place awards and two second-place awards. The first-place winners included:
—Personality Profile, more than 500 words: “ ‘An act of faith’—Faith, prayers help man in ICU, sick wife at home survive COVID-19”;
—Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News: “The other front line—feeding and caring for those affected economically by the pandemic”;
—Editorial/Opinion: “ ‘Can we talk now?’ Using this time of seclusion to grow closer to God.”
All of her WPCI first-place entries advanced to the National Federation of Press Women competition.
Hoefer’s second-place winners included:
—Editorial/Opinion: “Executed Catholic’s story of conversion offers hope in redemption”;
—Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News: Series of five articles.
In recognizing The Criterion staff for its dedication to serving the Church in central and southern Indiana, associate publisher Greg Otolski said, “The support of the people across the archdiocese is critical to the success of The Criterion, and everyone in the Church in central and southern Indiana can take pride in the high quality of journalism produced by our staff.
“As these awards demonstrate, The Criterion is one of the leading newspapers in the country in helping people understand what is happening in the local Church as well as larger Church throughout the world. The stories we tell are often ignored by the secular media and need to be heard.” †
