Thank You, Mary: A Farewell to The Good Newsroom's Lead Content Producer
By: The Good Newsroom
A founding member of The Good Newsroom’s editorial team, Mary Shovlain won awards for her reporting from New York and Rome
July 31 marks the end of an era at The Good Newsroom. After joining the Archdiocese of New York’s digital news platform ahead of its launch in November 2022 as founding Lead Content Producer, Mary Shovlain will be wrapping up her work and heading for greener pastures.
During her time at The Good Newsroom, Shovlain won six individual awards from the Associated Church Press (ACP) and the Catholic Media Awards (CMAs), including the ACP’s Award of Excellence (First Place) for “Rosary and Cannolis,” and Multimedia Journalist of the Year, Second Place, at the 2025 CMAs.
In May 2025, Shovlain anchored The Good Newsroom’s coverage of the funeral of Pope Francis and the conclave that followed from Rome, ending in the election of Pope Leo XIV. That body of reporting received two first-place prizes at the 2026 CMAs, for “Best Video – Hot Topic” and “Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: Pope Francis.” Shovlain was also the primary contributor in The Good Newsroom’s coverage of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which also received a first-place CMA for “Best Multimedia Package – Hot Topic: The Jubilee Year.”
A native of Florida, Shovlain’s creativity was showcased throughout her time at The Good Newsroom not only in her award-winning work, but also in self-generated video series including “Saints of New York” and the Lenten “Fridays at the Foot of the Cross.” Throughout her time, Shovlain was a prime mover for coverage of major events including the death of Pope Benedict XVI, the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, and more recently, the installation of Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
“Since the very beginning of The Good Newsroom, Mary has consistently combined her deep faith, love of the Church, and outstanding skills as a broadcaster to produce upbeat, insightful, and compelling stories. Everyone she has encountered along the way sings her praises as both a reporter and as a person,” said Joseph Zwilling, director of communications for the Archdiocese of New York.
Below is a selection of Shovlain’s award-winning work for The Good Newsroom. The staff of The Good Newsroom expresses its gratitude for all of her efforts and wishes her the very best for the future.
Rosary and Cannolis: A Sweet Incentive for Students to Join in School Rosary
9/11 Eve of Solemn Remembrance in Staten Island
Cardinal Dolan Celebrates Opening Mass for Jubilee Year 2025 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Stone, Silk, and Service: How Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Reflects Episcopal Leadership
Full Coverage: The Death of Pope Francis
Full Coverage: The 2026 Conclave and the Election of Pope Leo XIV