The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo Magazine earned 10 Catholic Media Awards at the 2026 Catholic Media Conference.
Bishop David J. Bonnar won Second Place for Best Regular Column, Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine, “Walking by Faith Together” and Third Place for Best Diocesan Pastoral Message for “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” with graphic design by Michael Houy, social media and development specialist. The letter is also available in Spanish and audiobook formats.
The diocesan communications department took home First Place Honors for Best Video – Personality Profile for “Remembering Monsignor James Kolp on the 75th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood” by Dennis Biviano, diocesan public relations and media specialist. This profile featured interviews with Bishop Bonnar, Auxiliary Bishop for the Military Services Neal J. Buckon, and Reverend James Korda.
Other awards for The Catholic Echo and Diocese of Youngstown team include:
- Third Place, Best Guest Column/Commentary, “All About Lent,” by Reverend J. Patrick Manning
- Third Place, Best Regular Column – Art, Leisure, Culture and Food, “The Catholic Kitchen,” by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo Staff
- Honorable Mention, Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis, “God Bless, Bishop-Elect Keehner!” The Diocese of Youngstown & The Catholic Echo Staff, Assisted by the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa.
- Honorable Mention, Best Coverage – Hot Topic The Jubilee Year, “The March of the Eucharist Continues,” The Catholic Echo Staff.
- Honorable Mention, Best Seasonal Issue or Section, “Christmas Greetings,” The Catholic Echo Staff.
- Honorable Mention, Best Interview – Video, “A Conversation with Bishop David J. Bonnar on his 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy.” by Dennis Biviano and Robert Gavalier with contributions from The Very Reverend John-Michael Lavelle and Rachel Hrbolich.
- Honorable Mention, Best Press Release, “Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter: ‘Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!’” by Dennis Biviano and the Diocese of Youngstown Communications Team.
Communications Director Meagen Farrell says, “Our work is an echo of the faith, hope and love expressed by our diocesan community. Whether we are sharing family recipes or an episcopal ordination, the joy of pilgrimage or the loss of a beloved priest, we are blessed to witness that Christ is truly alive in the hearts of the faithful across our six counties.”
The 2027 Catholic Media Conference takes place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from July 13-16th.
