Hurricane Gustav

>What the Catholic Media Convention judges
said about the Clarion Herald:

The Clarion Herald combines frank, fresh writing with a fresh, colorful format. One front page features a tough topic – the closing of churches (due to Hurricane Katrina damage) and is nicely counterbalanced with some humor – a picture of an unusual stop sign asking people to stop and pray. This frankness continues in its columns, particularly those of Executive Editor/General Manager Peter Finney Jr. In writing about the closing of the churches because of Katrina, he examined the problem as if he were "in the Bishop's shoes," weighing the pros and cons.

This is a valuable perspective for the readers – something most other diocesan editors didn't attempt in their columns. Other notable features of the Clarion Herald include its originality in features ("Father Coco and His Clarinet"), comprehensive sports coverage, Spanish-language pages and finally, The Children's Clarion. This is an imaginative idea.

Nationally, the Clarion Herald is at the head of the class in making a major effort to reach youth. One other Katrina-related comment: the tight, solid writing and imaginative, colorful layouts made a powerful impact on this reader and seemed emblematic of the diocese itself – overcoming the adversities it's faced because of Katrina.

>What the Catholic Media Convention judges said about Peter Finney Jr.’s columns:

The writer uses simple, but heartfelt tales to get across his messages. The writing is straightforward, but effective. Emotion builds in the reader as the writer builds with
details. Well-executed throughout.

>What the Catholic Media Convention
judges said about Mommy & Me:

Clearly much effort went into planning and creating this section that spans interests from birth to pre-K. Stories are nicely written, informative and relevant. Overall, a very good read.