Celebrating Catholic media and our mission to bring hope
Welcome to Catholic Press Month!
With the promise of a new year ahead, we recently gathered in Chicago for an inspiring board of directors meeting to strategically map out the Catholic Media Association’s plans for the coming years. A week later, the Holy Father released his message for the 59th World Day of Social Communications, which deeply resonated with me. Today, on the feast of our patron, St. Francis de Sales, I sit here in Phoenix in front of my Macbook Air, pushing the limits of my deadline for this article, filled with awe and gratitude for all of you.
From North America to Rome and beyond, Catholic media professionals are tirelessly reporting and sharing the stories that shape our communities. Pope Francis reminds us in his message to “communicate goodness with hope and with heart,” and his words inspire us: “Hope is always a community project.” This call is perfectly suited to our shared mission in the Catholic Media Association.
As I mark my 25th year in this association, just beginning my fourth as executive director, I am grateful for your dedication to our mission of hope.
One way members can help shape the future of the Catholic Media Association is through participation in our board of directors elections. The board serves as the governing body of the association, representing the diversity of Catholic media professionals and providing oversight to our organization’s mission and operations.
Several board positions are up for election this spring. Following is the slate of candidates:
- Editorial Staff Member, Newspaper
- Elizabeth Barnstead, The Western Kentucky Catholic
- Rob Herbst, The Catholic Week
- Editorial Staff Member, Magazine
- Kate DeWeese, Northwest Catholic
- Kerry Weber, America (Incumbent)
- General Publisher
- Gretchen R. Crowe, OSV News (Incumbent)
- Tara Durheim, Liturgical Press
- Diocesan Communications Director
- Montie Chavez, Archdiocese of Las Vegas
- Paula Gwynn Grant, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. (Incumbent)
- Midwest Region Representative
- Nicole Mamura, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
- Michael Stechschulte, Detroit Catholic (Incumbent)
- Eastern Region Representative
- Gerald Wutkowski, Archdiocese of New York Catholic Schools
- Carol Zimmermann, National Catholic Reporter (Incumbent)
Terms are three years, beginning at the conclusion of this year’s Catholic Media Conference. The ideal candidate for the board brings leadership experience, a breadth of knowledge about Catholic media, and the ability to contribute expertise to committee activities.
Online voting is open to eligible members from March 3 to March 18. I encourage you to consider the candidates carefully, as the board plays a crucial role in guiding the CMA’s strategic vision and fostering collaboration among our members.
Look for more information on our candidates to hit your inbox in the coming weeks.
Catholic Press Month also offers us the opportunity to recognize excellence within our community. Nominations are now open for three prestigious awards: the St. Francis de Sales Award, the Cardinal John Foley Award and the Father John Catoir Social Media Evangelization Award. The deadline for nominations is March 7, and I encourage you to spotlight the exceptional work of our colleagues.
The St. Francis de Sales Award is the CMA’s highest honor, celebrating outstanding contributions to Catholic journalism. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence or innovation, raised professional standards and inspired their colleagues.
The Cardinal John Foley Award highlights excellence and innovation in Catholic storytelling. This award celebrates work presented across various media platforms — from video to podcasts and beyond — that shares the Good News in impactful ways.
The Father John Catoir Social Media Evangelization Award recognizes creative and effective use of social media to inspire, engage and evangelize, making Jesus known and loved.
These awards are a meaningful way to honor the people within our community, and I hope you will take the time to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify our mission. Learn more here: https://www.catholicmediaassociation.org/individual-honors
Finally, I am happy to share that registration for the Catholic Media Conference opens Feb. 26. This year’s conference will take place June 24-27 in Phoenix, Arizona, and promises to be an inspiring event filled with faith and professional development, thought-provoking keynotes, and fun opportunities to build lasting, meaningful relationships. CMC is more than just an event; it is a celebration of our shared mission and a chance to recharge our spirits.
Super-saver registration runs from Feb. 26 to March 26, with CMA members receiving a discounted rate of $499. You can book your hotel accommodations now — rooms at the conference hotel are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
I am excited to host this year’s conference in Phoenix, a vibrant city with a rich Catholic culture. I look forward to seeing you!
As we celebrate Catholic Press Month, particularly during this Holy Jubilee Year, I want to thank each of you for your dedication to your mission and the vital role you play in sharing the Good News. Your work inspires hope!
As we move forward, we ask for the prayerful intercession of St. Francis de Sales to guide and bless our work. May we continue to serve with purpose, creativity and faith, always keeping Christ at the center of our mission.
Thank you for your tireless commitment to Catholic media, and may God bless you and your work during this special month and throughout the year.
Rob DeFrancesco is executive director of the Catholic Media Association. Reach him at rdefrancesco@catholicmediaassociation.org and (312) 380-6789.