YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo Magazine earned 10 Catholic Media Awards at the 2026 Catholic Media Conference.

The annual conference was held in Atlantic City, N.J., on June 16-19.

Bishop David J. Bonnar won second place for Best Regular Column, Bishop’s Column in a Diocesan Magazine for “Walking by Faith Together.” He also won 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 diocesan communications department received 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.

Other awards for The Catholic Echo and Diocese of Youngstown team include:

  • Third Place, Best Guest Column/Commentary: “All About Lent,” by Rev. 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 and 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 Biviano and Robert Gavalier, with contributions from the Very Rev. 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 Biviano and the Diocese of Youngstown communications team.

“Our work is an echo of the faith, hope and love expressed by our diocesan community,” said Meagen Farrell, communications director. “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.”