Catholic Media Association Announces Election of Schratz to Board of Directors
Catholic Media Association Announces Election of Schratz to Board of Directors
Newly created position more closely represents Canadian members
CHICAGO (Sept. 4, 2024) — The Catholic Media Association announced today the election of Paul Schratz to its Board of Directors, the governing body of the association. Schratz is editor of The B.C. Catholic, archdiocesan newspaper of Vancouver, B.C., and will serve as the newly established Canadian Region Representative for the association.
Directors serve various categories of membership, representing the diversity of Catholic media professionals throughout North America. Board terms are three years and directors may serve up to three consecutive terms.
“I am delighted to welcome Paul Schratz to the Catholic Media Association Board of Directors as the first Canadian Region Representative,” CMA Board President Gretchen Crowe said. “Paul brings a wealth of experience and passion for Catholic journalism to this newly created and important position, and I look forward to working with and learning from him. Having the Canadian Catholic Church represented formally and consistently in a position of leadership within the CMA is a gift to the association.”
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors authorized the creation of a new geographic region for Canada. This decision acknowledges the unique needs and contributions of its Canadian members, providing them with dedicated representation and opportunities for engagement within the CMA structure.
The initiative for a Canadian region stems from a desire to recognize the distinct culture of Canada, differentiating it from other geographic regions (Western, Midwestern, Southern and Eastern). Schratz will begin his three-year term at the September board meeting.
"We are pleased to welcome Paul Schratz as the newly elected Canadian Region Representative on the CMA Board of Directors," Rob DeFrancesco, executive director of the Catholic Media Association, said. "With his experience in both secular and Catholic media, Paul's deep understanding of Canadian journalism and diocesan communications will be invaluable as we strengthen our engagement with members in this newly formed region."
Schratz has worked more than 40 years in newspapers, both secular and Catholic, and also has a background in diocesan communications.
He has been a reporter, photographer, editorial page editor, and assignment editor at daily newspapers across Canada. Since 1997, he has served the Archdiocese of Vancouver, with roles as communications director and editor of The B.C. Catholic. He has advised on crisis planning, acted as media spokesperson, developed policy documents and communications statements, and coordinated media coverage and social media. As editor of The B.C. Catholic, he maintains the newspaper's award-winning tradition by directing its news coverage, developing opinion and feature content, and writing news and commentary.
He is also editorial and outreach manager for Canadian Catholic News, directing news and social media strategies, fundraising, promotion, and outreach initiatives. He teaches introductory journalism for CCN’s online Speaking Truth in Charity course.
About the Catholic Media Association
The Catholic Media Association is committed to its mission of helping members share the Good News through Catholic media. The CMA provides professional development, networking, inspiration, and support for the faith formation of Catholic media professionals. The CMA is made up of 355 member organizations, consisting of 890 mission-driven professionals.