'To bury the dead' wins first place in features

The Catholic Press Association announced the winners of its 2008 editorial contest this past weekend and I just learned this afternoon that my story, "To bury the dead" about the Joseph of Arimathea Society at St. Ignatius High School won first place in features category. Complete results of the contest are available as PDF.

Here's what the judges had to say:

"This story delivered a strong sense of place and purpose. The writer provided keen insight into this unusual ministry, telling the story of the living while paying reverence to the dead. It was also an easy, inviting read. The story is worthy of first place for more than a single reason."

Here's a link to the story. I want to acknowledge and thank photographer Bill Rieter for his great work on this and the many other stories we've worked on together. He does a fantastic job of quickly recognizing the kind of story I'm trying to tell and definitely added to the telling of this important story.

It's important to recognize the young men at St. Ignatius High School who give of their time so unselfishly to perform one of the great honors on this earth—carrying a person to their final resting place. Thank you, gentlemen, for letting me tag along and tell your story.