Catholic Times reporter Diane Schlindwein recently earned two top awards for her work with the newspaper; one from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada and another from the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

The Catholic Press Association awarded Schlindwein first place in the "Best General News Photo" category for the cover photo featuring Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and then newly-ordained Deacons (now newly-ordained Fathers) Steven Arisman and Seth Brown on the steps of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The photo entitled "And here comes the Holy Spirit" was taken shortly after the Mass as high winds played havoc with the men's vestments. Schlindwein also wrote the accompanying cutline.

CPA judges commented, "So different from the standard we see from these events. Great moment, great motion and joy on the faces. This is what great photographers get. Always looking for a different way to tell a story."

The Pontifical Mission Societies gave Schlindwein a first place Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara Award in the "Interviews with Missionaries" category for her Catholic Times centerpiece article "Reaching out in South Sudan." The feature told the story of lay missionary and Chatham native Luke Ebener, who was interviewed while he was on a home visit in early 2013. The judges commented that the article was "well presented with moving text" and noted that Schlindwein's love for God and the works done by the missions came through as well. The centerpiece article was illustrated by photos provided by Ebener and was designed by Bill Callan of Catholic Times.

Schlindwein's awards were announced at the Catholic Media Conference that was held in Charlotte, N.C., and published in The Catholic Journalist as well as in a release from the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. The winning photograph was also featured in The Catholic Journalist.