Bishop Earl Boyea’s year-long, multimedia initiative aimed at helping Catholics share the love of Jesus Christ and his Holy Church with others has scooped two of the top prizes in Catholic media. Be My Witnesses claimed first place in the categories “Best Initiative or Campaign” and “Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series” at the Catholic Media Association Awards ceremony held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, last week.
“This is an astonishing evangelical campaign, seeking to preach the Gospel in an apostolic age,” said the judging panel in its commendation of Be My Witnesses.
“These videos are exceptionally produced, with striking imagery and beautiful reflections and catechesis from Lansing’s spiritual father.”
Beginning in January of last year, Bishop Boyea’s initiative spanned a 52-week formation period, with each video installment touching upon four key features of the personal apostolate: Prayer, Learning, Belonging, and Mission. The series attracted more than 50,000 subscribers and was also shared on the popular Ascension Press app.
“It’s remarkable that the bishop dedicated a year of his time to producing these incredible videos, and the people clearly appreciated the effort, as they garnered thousands of views, even well after the initial buzz wore off. Phenomenal work,” said the judges.
In total, the Diocese of Lansing won 15 awards at the Catholic Media Association Awards, including eight first-place honors. Two of the most notable winners were Creative Services Manager Michelle Hildebrandt, who won Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year, and videographer Michael Back, who won Videographer/Video Producer of the Year.
“Impressive work. What distinguishes Hildebrandt from the larger field is her remarkable ability to work across multiple artistic styles with equal excellence. That kind of versatility is rare and difficult to achieve,” commented the Catholic Media Association judging panel.
“She adapts so completely to each project that her work can appear to come from entirely different designers, yet the quality never declines.”
Meanwhile, of Michael Back, the judges noted that he “presents a strong collection of visual work, mostly through compelling storytelling and powerful imagery. His narrative and visuals work together effectively to draw the audience into each moment.”
“It is also worth noting that each subject requires a certain level of sensitivity and care, and Back handles each one with the right tone and thoughtful attention.”
Michael, who now works for the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, also won the award for Best Video – Feature for his coverage of the late Bishop Carl Mengeling’s funeral in July of last year.
The list of all the Catholic Media Association awards won by the Diocese of Lansing is below:
• Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year | First Place | Michelle Hildebrandt, Diocese of Lansing.
• Best Diocesan Fundraising Appeal | First Place | 2025 Diocesan Service Appeal: You Are My Chosen Witnesses | Diocese of Lansing, Michelle Hildebrandt.
• Videographer/Video Producer of the Year | First Place | Michael Back, Diocese of Lansing.
• Best Video – Ordination | Second Place | Ordinations to the Priesthood 2025: “Only the Lord Is Calling Today!” | Diocese of Lansing, Michael Back and Matt Riedl
• Best Video – Feature | First Place | Requiem for a Beloved Bishop | Diocese of Lansing, Michael Back.
• Best Use of Video on Social Media – Ongoing Series | First Place | Be My Witnesses with Bishop Boyea | Diocese of Lansing, Bishop Earl Boyea, David Kerr, and Matt Riedl.
• Best Initiative or Campaign – Package | First Place | Be My Witnesses with Bishop Boyea — Video Series | Diocese of Lansing, Bishop Earl Boyea, Matt Riedl, and David Kerr.
• Best External E-Newsletter | Honorable Mention | Friday Memo from Bishop Boyea | Diocese of Lansing | Bishop Earl Boyea, David Kerr, and Michelle Hildebrandt.
• Obituaries | First Place | Bishop Carl F. Mengeling (1930–2025): A Life Remembered | FAITH Magazine | Father Dwight Ezop, Sean O’Neill, David Kerr, and Jeremy Priest.
• Best Regular Column – Spiritual Life | First Place | Last Word | FAITH Lansing | Sean O’Neill.
• Best Use of Video on Social Media | Second Place | Be My Witnesses Corpus Christi Mass & Eucharistic Procession with Bishop Boyea | Diocese of Lansing, Michael Back, and Matt Riedl.
• Magazine of the Year – Diocesan Magazines | Honorable Mention | FAITH Lansing | Diocese of Lansing | Sean O’Neill and David Kerr.
• Best Use of Typography | Third Place | Last Word | FAITH Lansing | Sean O’Neill and Matt Watters.
• Best Regular Column – General Commentary | Honorable Mention | FAITH Magazine Lansing | Sean O’Neill.