WCR This Week

Ramon Gonzalez's photo of a seminarian working at the Marian Centre won second prize in the feature photo category of the Canadian Church Press awards.

The Western Catholic Reporter has been honoured with awards in seven categories by the Canadian Church Press.

The WCR led the way with four awards for newspaper design, including three first-place honours, at the ceremony held as part of the CCP's annual meeting in Winnipeg May 1 to 3.

Included in those first-place honours was one shared by editor Glen Argan and news editor Lasha Morningstar for the best layout and design of an entire edition of the newspaper.

The judge for the category described the WCR as "an excellent paper that would entice the reader and compel them to read on."

The WCR, the judge said, was notable for its "very aggressive" design as well as for its attention to detail, good use of colour and design elements and "very good use of art."

The awards were based on the content of Canadian Christian newspapers and magazines in the calendar year 2013. At the end of the year, the WCR switched from weekly publication cycle to publishing an edition every second week.

Editor Glen Argan's design of Page One in the May 6, 2013 issue was honoured as the best front page.

A first place award went to Argan for the best design of a newspaper front page for his layout of Page One of the May 18 edition of the newspaper.

The front page was notable for its "strong clear presentation" highlighted by "a simple piece of art that conveys the story well," the judge said.

Argan also won a first prize for a photo essay for his design of a two-page centrespread of photos following the election of Pope Francis.

The display of seven photos in the March 25, 2013 issue was a "good show of images with purpose." The main four photos showed the pope's character while the remaining three were "good supporting shots."

The WCR also won the second prize award for general excellence among regional Christian newspapers. The WCR was cited for the work it does ensuring Catholic parishioners have a direct connection to the Church in their community.

Morningstar also won a second prize in the biographical profile category for her article on Franciscan Brother Joachim Ostermann in the Sept. 9 issue, "Big bucks didn't satisfy, so scientist opted for poverty."

The judge called the article "a fascinating story of self-discovery" with "great" writing and excellent use of quotes. "I learned a lot about the individual and his process of becoming a brother."

Ramon Gonzalez, the WCR's senior reporter, was honoured for his photograph of seminarian Brett Fawcett at the inner-city Marian Centre. The photo illustrated a story on the "propaedeutic year" – the first year of seminary preparation.

The judge said Gonzalez's photo captured a "great moment" that showed action relevant to the story.

The photo won second prize in the feature photo category.

Argan also won a second prize in the feature layout and design category for his visual presentation of Gonzalez's story and photos on the enculturation program for international priests that was held at Newman Theological College last fall.

The judge called the layout a "very strong, organized presentation."