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July 1, 2025The Sooner Catholic and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City office of communications received eight awards from the Catholic Media Association during the 2025 Catholic Media Conference held June 24-27 in Phoenix. Awards are from 2024 publications, graphics and videos.
Editor John Helsley won first place in the Best Personality Profile – Non-Weekly category, diocesan newspaper division, for his article “Rigazzi’s archdiocese impact long-running, far-reaching” published in the March 31, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
Digital Mission Manager Avery Holt won second place in the Best Use of Video on Social Media – Diocesan Communications category for the Blessed Stanley Rother beatification anniversary video.
Holt also won honorable mention in the Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season - Diocesan and National News Organizations category for the video “Father Jerome Krug on Easter – ‘Why does the resurrection of Jesus matter?’”
Digital Mission Coordinator Rosalinda Rivera won honorable mention in the Best Use of Graphics — Art or Graphics category, diocesan newspaper division, for a Festival de Matachines graphic published in the Sept. 15, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
Freelance photographer Chris Porter won four awards in the diocesan newspaper division: first place in the Best Multiple Picture Package — Feature category for Festival de Matachines photos published in the Oct. 13, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
First place in the Best Photograph — Holy Days/Liturgical Seasons category for a photo from the live Stations of the Cross held by parishioners from Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. The photo was published in the April 14, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
Second place in the Best Photo Story — Feature category for live Stations of the Cross photos published in the April 14, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
Third place in the Best Photograph — Sacramental category for a photo of Archbishop Coakley at the Native American Mass published in the Dec. 8, 2024, Sooner Catholic.
The Sooner Catholic is the official newspaper for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and is mailed to more than 50,000 households to assist Archbishop Coakley, clergy, parishes, schools and staff to spread the Good News of the Gospel and to “Go Make Disciples!”
Feedback from the judges:
Best personality profile – non weekly
First place - "Rigazzi’s Archdiocese Impact Long-running, Far-reaching"
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
John Helsley
“The description is outstanding, and what makes it even better is how it’s used to truly capture the personality of the story’s subject. It’s so well done – great quotes, strong background and an excellent overall profile. I love it.”
Best use of video on social media
Second place - Blessed Stanley Rother Beatification Anniversary Video
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Avery Holt
“This video is compelling and includes excellent storytelling. The use of archival video of Blessed Stanley Rother is riveting and gives the viewer a sense of who he was. The use of music, Blessed Stanley Rother’s own words, video from the beatification Mass and the archival footage is seamlessly woven together, capturing the viewer’s attention. It helps us understand his love of the people and the country of Guatemala and how he could ultimately lay down his life for the people there.”
Best Use of Video on Social Media – Liturgical Season - Diocesan and National News Organizations
Honorable Mention - “Father Jerome Krug on Easter – ‘Why does the resurrection of Jesus matter?’”
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Avery Holt
Best Use of Graphics — Art or Graphics
Honorable Mention - Festival de Matachines graphic
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Rosalinda Rivera
Best multiple picture package – feature
First place - Festival de Matachines
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Chris Porter
“The great use of negative space, interesting perspectives and well-framed, colorful shots make this photo spread exceptionally attractive and visually appealing.”
Best photo story – feature
Second place - Live Stations of the Cross
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Chris Porter
“This is a great collection of lively, interesting photos that really draws in a reader and also provides an opportunity for someone who was unable to attend the event feel like they were actually there. I think the variety of people portraying the roles in the story also serve to draw in a diverse array of readers. Great work!”
Best photograph – Sacramental
Third place - Native American Mass
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Chris Porter
“This starkly lit portrait captures the drama of the eucharistic consecration.”
Best photograph - Holy Days/Liturgical Seasons
First place - Live Stations of the Cross
Sooner Catholic, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Chris Porter
“This is a great photo because it is dramatic on multiple levels, which certainly would draw in readers of the newspaper. Indeed, this photo allows the reader to be right in there, as if part of the scene itself. The emotion of the moment is well conveyed here. Excellent work!”