At Great Lakes Bay Catholic, we are dedicated to connecting Christ with his Church throughout the region. Our goals are to inspire a deeper love of Jesus by sharing how the Lord is working in the lives of the people in our Diocese and to encourage and equip you, our readers, to share the Lord’s goodness with your loved ones as well. 

Like many of our colleagues across North America, the Diocese of Saginaw and Great Lakes Bay Catholic is one of more than 350 member organizations in the Catholic Media Association. We are proud to share that Great Lakes Bay Catholic was recognized at the annual Catholic Media Award on June 27, bringing in a total of seven awards.  

We invite you to explore these award-winning stories and columns, and we pray they touch your heart. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the Good News through Catholic media. 

First Place – Best Regular Column – Spiritual Life 
Faith Matters
Dr. Dan Osborn, diocesan theologian

The judges shared this about Faith Matters:  “This is smooth, polished work with consistently high quality. Thoughtful, personable hooks lead into pieces with real depth, supported by clean passages and seamless transitions. Quotes from poets, saints, Scripture, musicians and other faith traditions add richness. Each piece covers diverse subjects, even within a single article. It’s the total package — strong headlines, standout subheads, impactful pull quotes, clear captions, well-placed citations, compelling images, and a cohesive design and layout that brings everything together beautifully.” 

Read Faith Matters here.

Second Place – Best Reporting of the Celebration of a Sacrament 

Surprised by Truth: Eucharist, Truth and Unity Draw the Shetler Family to Catholicism 
Danielle McGrew Tenbusch 

Judges’ comments:  “The excellent writing makes this piece stand out, and the sidebar on Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is informative and clear.” 

Read the story here.

Third Place – Best Photograph — Hot Topic Eucharistic Revival  
Reaching for Him 
Thor Rasmussen  

Judges’ comments:  “The photographer’s skill shines through in this image. Although the focus is on the hand in worship, having the monstrance out of focus gives it a feeling of eternity. Well done.” 

View photo and read accompanying From the Bishop column here.

Honorable Mentions 

Hot Topic – Eucharistic Revival 
and 
Best Special Section 

Eucharistic Revival Special Section 

Bishop Robert Gruss, Lisa Briggs, Erika M. Hirschman, Dr. Dan Osborn, Chris Pham, Father Nate Harburg, Deacon Jake Huysentruyt and Danielle McGrew Tenbusch

• Cover story:  "He sees me." Jesus encourages and heals during the National Eucharistic Congress.
• From the Bishop:  Reflections on the National Eucharistic Congress
• Faith Matters:  The Eucharist and the art of asking questions.
• Features:  
  • “I was holding him; he was holding me.” Diocesan priest carries Blessed Sacrament in National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
  • Thumb area parishioners experience the Lord in Eucharistic Revival Nights 
     

Best Regular Column — General Commentary 

Kindling for the Fire 
Father Andy LaFramboise 

Read Kindling for the Fire here.

Best Feature Article — Diocesan Magazines 

Surprised by Truth: Eucharist, Truth and Unity Draw the Shetler Family to Catholicism 
Danielle McGrew Tenbusch  

Read the story here.