The Valley Catholic, the magazine of the Diocese of San José, received eight awards from the Catholic Media Association at the 2026 Catholic Media Conference, held June 16–19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The honors included two first-place awards, two third-place awards, and four honorable mentions, recognizing excellence in essay writing, feature reporting, interviews, and social justice coverage throughout the publication.
The Catholic Media Association (CMA) represents hundreds of Catholic publications and communications professionals across the United States and Canada, and its annual awards are among the most respected recognitions in Catholic media.
The Valley Catholic relaunched as a bimonthly magazine in 2022 and introduced its companion podcast, Invited, in 2024. Published in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, the magazine reflects the diverse communities of the diocese, telling local stories of faith that draw hearts closer to Christ.
Today, the magazine reaches nearly 70,000 registered households across Santa Clara County.
“These awards belong to our whole team, from our writers and editors to our designers, photographers, and videographers. Every recognition reflects people who pour their faith and their craft into each issue,” said Cynthia Shaw, executive editor of The Valley Catholic. “To see the stories of our own community honored on a national stage is humbling, and it tells us the vision is taking root.”
“The Valley Catholic is a gift to our local Church. Through its pages, and now its podcast, the Good News of Christ’s truth and love is shared in the languages and lived experiences of our people. I am proud of the team whose dedication has earned these national recognitions, and grateful for the way their work nurtures faith and builds communion across our diocese,” shared Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, Bishop of San José.
The 2026 CMA Honors
First Place
- Best Essay – Diocesan Magazine — “Seeking Refuge in the Misericordia of God: Interview with Father Mahn Tran, S.J., a Former Vietnamese Refugee”
- Best Feature Article – Diocesan Magazine — “Seventy-Five Years of Faith and Fellowship: A Glimpse into the Life of the Poor Clare Nuns“
Third Place
- Best Regular Column — Father Angelbert Chikere, “The Body of Christ: On Being a Part of the Greater Church”
- Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable — “Loving Christ in the Unhoused: The Church’s Encampment and Mobile Shower Ministries — Part 1”
Honorable Mention
- Best Interview — “Seeking Refuge in the Misericordia of God: Interview with Father Mahn Tran, S.J., a Former Vietnamese Refugee”
- Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable — “Loving Christ in the Unhoused: The Church’s Encampment and Mobile Shower Ministries — Part 2”
- Best Special Issue — “Faith in the Arts”
- Best Essay – Diocesan Magazine — “The Cornerstones of Their Communities: Walter and Clara Wade, and Their Son, Father Jerry Wade, S.J.”
The Valley Catholic is delivered free to every registered household in the diocese as a stewardship gift made possible by the Annual Diocesan Appeal.
Read the award-winning articles at thevalleycatholic.org and listen to the Invited podcast on your favorite streaming service.