WCR This Week

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Western Catholic Reporter is being recognized for a 50-year tradition of journalistic excellence with an award from the Association of Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada (ARCCC).

ARCCC will present the award in its Media Arts Production category to the WCR at the organization's annual meeting in Buffalo, N.Y., June 26.

The association will also honour Neil MacCarthy, director of public relations and communications for the Archdiocese of Toronto.

MacCarthy will receive an ARCCC Award for Distinguished Contribution to Communications in the Church in Canada.

Archbishop Richard Smith, publisher of the WCR, expressed his thanks: "Today, in a world bombarded by messages that constantly tempt us away from the Good News, we can be very proud of the role the Western Catholic Reporter plays in the life of the Church in the Archdiocese of Edmonton and beyond.

"Our readers know that when they open its pages, they will see inspirational stories about the lives of real people, engaging discussions about the moral and ethical issues we face in modern culture, and Church teachings explained in a contemporary way," Smith said.

"We consider the WCR as a treasure, and we are deeply grateful for this recognition by ARCCC."

The WCR was born from the vision of the Second Vatican Council and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in September.

As president of ARCCC, Capuchin Brother John Frampton said he is pleased to recognize the calibre of professionalism and dedication of both award winners.

The ARCCC meeting is being held in conjunction with the Catholic Media Conference which also includes the annual meetings of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada and The Catholic Academy.

The Association of Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada represents faith-based women and men across Canada working in Church communications, including diocesan personnel, members of religious communities, and those working in Church media, Catholic school boards, health care institutions and other Church-related organizations and associations.