By Tami S. Scott
Editor
The Catholic Sun took three awards in the Newspaper and Magazine divisions of the 2024 Catholic Press Awards announced June 27 at the Catholic Media Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The awards are presented by the Catholic Media Association (CMA), the largest association of Catholic media professionals in North America. Additionally, Catholic Conversations, produced by Joelle Zarnowski and Rick Mossotti, won Honorable Mention for Best Podcast.
Competing against member newspapers of any size, Sun staff writer Eileen Jevis won a Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues — Rights and Responsibilities Second Place for “A Story of Transformation.” The article focuses on how a man who was once homeless and addicted to drugs turned his life around after a divine encounter.
An excerpt from the article reads:
Kevin Batsford received a gift that he never thought possible — his children are again a part of his life. For years, Kevin was homeless, not knowing where his next meal would come from or whether he would survive another day. Due to bad decisions on his part, he explained, he became addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol. As the addiction progressed, he walked away from his family and ended up living on the streets. “I was sleeping under a bridge. I was one of those guys you see holding a cardboard sign on the off-ramps,” he said.
Set of Catholic Conversations
John Tumino, co-director of In My Father’s Kitchen, drove past Batsford at an intersection one day in 2013 and heard God telling him to give Batsford a message. Twenty minutes later, Tumino returned with lunch and introduced himself. “I want you to know that you’re not invisible,” said Tumino. “The Lord sees you and I see you. The Lord wanted me to feed you.” It was that interaction that changed the course of Kevin’s life.”
Sun editor-emeritus Deacon Tom Cuskey’s article, “A Spiritual Gem That Has Served People in Our Diocese and Beyond” won a Best News Writing on Regional Event Non-Weekly Honorable Mention. In the story, Dc. Cuskey writes about Christ the King Retreat House’s final days before its closure on June 30, 2024. The story begins by describing all the retreat house offered and continues by speaking with people who invested years in the mission.
The following is an excerpt:
This announcement on May 8 from Bishop Douglas J. Lucia to the faithful of the diocese took many by surprise. Purchased in 1994 from the Jesuit Community, the retreat house was a spiritual refuge for many. Individual and group retreats serving countless needs were regularly scheduled. Various diocesan offices utilized the house for programs they offered. With ample meeting space, bedrooms for overnight guests and a full-service kitchen, the house was well suited for the task at hand, including many secular corporate events. More than that, the grounds offered guests a chance to find peace and beauty in nature, an unusual bonus given the urban area street address. But changing trends, an aging building infrastructure and staffing challenges forced the diocesan hand.
In the Magazine Division, the Sun was awarded a Best Photo Story — Feature Third Place for SOLIS Magazine’s “Architectural Highlight: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.” Photo credit is given to Sun photographer Charles Wainwright. The magazine feature showcases several photos from within the Cathedral, accompanied by descriptions that explain the history and significance.
In the Best Podcast Division, the Diocese of Syracuse’s latest evangelistic endeavor, Catholic Conversations, won Honorable Mention. The podcast, produced by Joelle Zarnowski and Rick Mossotti, runs a new episode every Tuesday and covers a variety of Catholic topics with guests from around the Diocese. You can watch the episodes at youtube.com/@syrdio, where you can subscribe, like, and share.
