Good things come in threes! 

The Communications Office won three national Catholic Media Awards: 

• Second Place for Best Use of Graphics in Social Media
• Third Place for Best Diocesan Website
• Second Place for Best COVID Communications Plan

Thank you to my Communications staff past and present for their commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ and for their incredible talents and expertise. I am honored to be able to lead such a great team!

Here's the key image that scored us kudos from the judges in the social media graphics category: ​​​

Comments from the judges on the Facebook cover image, which incorporated a photo of bleeding hearts by yours truly, a quote from Bishop Scharfenberger, and beautiful graphic and design work by Molly Halpin, Communications Specialist:

"The cover image really hits the mark, feeling bright and optimistic. Meanwhile, the post image was very accessible and easy to interpret. The video links in the posts are nicely done and continue to support the positive message of the campaign." Here's the post image to which they referred, a graphic created by Molly Halpin to encourage and inspire families during the pandemic last summer.

For Best Diocesan Website, the judges said: "This website uses a clear, consistent design and is frequently updated. The "How Do I..." feature at the top of the homepage helps visitors quickly find answers to common questions." 

In the category of Best COVID Communications Plan, the Communications Office submitted the design and web content of its dedicated COVID resource page at www.rcda.org/coronavirus, as well as social media posts on pandemic-related information, press releases on the cancellation of Masses, and a series of videos from Bishop Scharfenberger. 

Here's what the judges had to say: "Strong production values coupled with a robust, multi-platform plan, attractive and detailed website recommend this for placement. Unique features to this submission - including a TV commercial that, while low on production, is high on impact."

Here's one of the many videos we included in the package:

Our office is like the Little Engine that Could, competing against national agencies and much larger dioceses with much bigger Communications' budgets. In the social media graphics category, for example, we won alongside two national and well-respected organizations and a large diocese with a powerhouse Communications company. As Shakespeare wrote: "Though she be but little, she is fierce." The perfect description for our office. Thank you for all you do to support our work, and thank you to Bishop Ed for being our leader and providing a voice and a message we can rally around.