Awards / Joshua J. McElwee

2018 Catholic Press Association Awards:

First place, Best Newswriting on a National or International Event

For four reports on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors: "Lone survivor on Vatican abuse commission resigns in frustration," "O’Malley pledges pope still committed to rooting out clergy sex abuse," "Francis speaks out about Marie Collins’ resignation"
Judges' comments: "Bold in approach, the coverage of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is told with precision. The addition of the first person story of the resignation of Marie Collins and Pope Francis’ response rounds out this story which must see the light of day."

Second place, Best Newswriting on a National or International Event

Awarded alongside four other writers for coverage of Pope Francis' changing of norms for translation of the Catholic Church's liturgical texts. My contributions: "Francis decentralizes liturgical text translations," "Francis corrects cardinal on liturgical translations," "Wuerl: Liturgical translation reform is 'what the council said'"
Judges' comments: "Changes in liturgical language always rouse interest and ire. These articles spell out with clarity the background and implications of the current guides coming from Rome to the local church by way of the USCCB."

Second place, Best Coverage of the Papal Trips Overseas

For reports during Pope Francis' trips to Egypt, Colombia, Myanmar and Bangladesh: "In Egypt, Francis appeals for peace," "Francis pushes for peace in Colombia," "Rohingya plight dominates pope’s trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh"
Judges' comments: "Excellent job reporting on a variety of news events around the world. Very well written."

2017 Catholic Press Association Awards:

First place, Best Newswriting on a National or International Event

For breaking news of Pope Francis' decision to create a commission to study the women's diaconate in the Catholic Church and subsequent coverage.
Judges' comments: "Clear and crisp writing lays out not only what is happening but reasoning behind the exploration into this possibility. Informative quotes and arguments flesh out the stories."

Honorable Mention, Best Newswriting on a National or International Event

For reporting on the lack of transparency in the Vatican's investigations of Catholic theologians.

2016 Catholic Press Association Awards:

First place, Best Newswriting on a National Event

For coverage of the Vatican's investigations of Catholic sisters and nuns in the U.S.

First place, Best Newswriting on an International Event

First place, Best coverage of the 2015 Synod on the Family

2015 Catholic Press Association Awards:

First place, Best Newswriting on a National or International Event

For breaking coverage of the Vatican's investigation of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. Bishop Robert Finn for his mishandling of a priest later convicted of creating child pornography.

First place, Best coverage of the 2014 Synod on the Family

2014 Catholic Press Association Awards:

Second place, Best Analysis/Background/Round-up Newswriting (The Gerard E. Sherry Award)

2012 Catholic Press Association Awards:\

First place, Best Investigative Newswriting

For reporting on the process behind the U.S. bishops' decision to issue a critique of respected theologian Sr. Elizabeth Johnson.

Second place, Best Investigative Newswriting

For coverage of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. Bishop Robert Finn and his decision to keep in place a priest accused of creating child pornography.

Second place, Best Personality Profile

For a profile of Fr. Jack McCaslin, an Omaha priest dedicated for decades to anti-nuclear protests.