Continuing a history of Catholic media excellence, the Catholic Media Association bestowed awards on both The Monitor Magazine and a local book publisher within the Diocese.

The awards were announced during the CMA’s annual conference, which was held June 6-9 in Baltimore. The Catholic Press Awards, organized by the CMA, “honor the outstanding work of members in their efforts to further the mission of the Church.” The awards recognize exceptional work within the Catholic media landscape, encouraging excellence and promoting the dissemination of accurate and inspiring content.

The Monitor staff and freelance partners were awarded third place in the category of Magazine of the Year: Diocesan Magazines, formerly known as General Excellence. Judges considered each of the following criteria: selection of stories; originality; quality of writing and headlines; columns; editorials and letters to the editor; quality and appropriateness of art and graphics; and overall design. The Monitor submitted five issues – May through September 2022 – for consideration.

“The Monitor Magazine celebrates the mystery and beauty of the Catholic Church,” the judges commented. “We are invited to experience the Triduum, visit Trenton’s Catholic schools, and meet its priests through words and pictures which fully tell the story of the Diocese of Trenton, N.J. There is a mix of ‘local’ stories from Monitor staff, as well as good use of some articles from the Catholic News Service that help readers to better understand the Church’s commitment to mission and evangelization.”

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“We are both heartened and gratified that our work has earned even third place recognition in this prestigious category – Magazine of the Year,” said Rayanne Bennett, associate publisher of The Monitor and executive director of the Office of Communications and Media. “The two diocesan magazines who placed before us – The Vermont Catholic and The North Texas Catholic – have long inspired us and to be listed in their company is an honor unto itself.  We feel that the magazine is an excellent format for a diocesan publication, and we are committed to our ongoing efforts to develop the quality and impact of The Monitor Magazine.”

Clear Faith Publishing, a Princeton publishing business owned by Deacon James Knipper of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, was recognized with multiple book awards in several categories.

“A Prisoner and You Visited Me: Homilies and Reflections for Cycle A,” was honored with first place in the category Best Book by a Small Publisher; third place in the Liturgy category; and honorable mention in the category Best New Religious Book Series. Contributors to the book include: Franciscan Father Richard Rohr; Jesuit Father James Martin; Dr. Phyllis Zagano, Brian McLaren and others.

For the Liturgy category, the book garnered the following feedback: “This collection of homilies for Year A of the Sunday lectionary completes the three-volume set previously published. The extensive list of authors, and their contributions, give this book its most significant character. The homilies are solidly rooted in the Scriptures and offer thought provoking insights for the preacher and the listener. Every homilist should make use of this resource in their ministry.”

Judges in the Best Book by a Small Publisher thought that “The wide range of contributors to this edition bring many valuable perspectives to the lectionary readings. This would make an excellent resource for homilies, but also for the average member of the faithful who desires to be transformed by God’s Word.”

Another title by the publisher, “Madonnas of Color” by Brother Mickey McGrath, earned second place in the Prayer: Collections of Prayers category. “Great coffee table book,” the judges wrote. “Well presented. Decent descriptions.”

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