Catholic Media Awards — 2027 Program

Thank you for your interest in the 2027 Catholic Media Awards. Details for planning your entries will be available on Oct. 15, 2026.

The Catholic Media Awards honor outstanding achievements in Catholic journalism, communications and other forms of digital media. This annual competition encourages media professionals to continually strive for the highest standards of faith-centered storytelling and communications, promoting a culture of excellence in media that serves the Church in its mission to spread truth and hope.

The Catholic Media Awards accepts work completed by its members in the previous calendar year. Awards are presented at the Catholic Media Conference, published in the prestigious Annual Awards edition of The Catholic Journalist, displayed on the CMA website, and shared on social media.

All Member - categories will be updated for the 2027 Awards Program on Oct. 15, 2026

For the Individual Excellence and Digital categories.

Newspapers - categories will be updated for the 2027 Awards Program on Oct. 15, 2026

For print or digital work that is published in a member newspaper.

Magazines & Print Newsletters - categories will be updated for the 2027 Awards Program on Oct. 15, 2026

For work published in a member magazine or printed newsletter.

Communications - categories will be updated for the 2027 Awards Program on Oct. 15, 2026

For Organizational Communications members to submit work that is separate from any work that appears in a publication.

Spanish Language - categories will be updated for the 2027 Awards Program on Oct. 15, 2026

For content created for a Spanish-language member publication.

Dates

• Open Submission Period: Nov. 2 - Jan. 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Extension Period: Feb. 1 - 7, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Payment deadline: Feb. 12, 2027

Entry Fees

• Open Submission Period: $38.00 per entry
• Extension Period: $48.00 per entry

Free Entry

• One free entry per CMA member publication / organization or freelancer when submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on Jan. 31, 2027.

Judging

Entries are evaluated by professionals knowledgeable about Catholic media, including faculty from prominent Catholic journalism schools. Our judges bring a wealth of experience in various media, ensuring a fair and informed evaluation of each entry, and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the evaluation process.

New to the submission process?

• Watch a video for instructions on how to submit an entry.
• Click here for a PDF of the submission instructions.
• Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Email the Awards Team: Awards@CatholicMediaAssociation.org