BRIGHTON -- The Pilot received six awards from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada at the association’s annual awards ceremony held May 25 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“These awards represent our strongest showing in many years and recognize the achievements of an immensely talented and dedicated team at The Pilot,” said editor Antonio Enrique. “Our responsibility is to provide the Catholic perspective on current events and to assist the cardinal and our clergy in ministering to Catholics across Eastern Massachusetts. We provide this work and this effort out of a love for the Church and to help Catholics to better understand their local Church and their faith.”

In all, The Pilot earned two first place, two second place and two honorable mention awards. Among the six awards was a first place finish for “Best Web Site,” www.TheBostonPilot.com, in the newspaper category and a tie for first place in “Individual Excellence” in the combined category.

In their comments on the Web site award, the judges stated, “What put this over the top: the work being done for online specifically. This is much more than just copying what was in print to put on the site.”

Tying for first place in the category of Individual Excellence-Advertising/Business/Marketing/ Professional was Pilot advertising manager Joan McAllister. In recognizing McAllister, the judges cited her hard work and 35-year career with the newspaper, adding that “one finds it hard to believe she is the only person in the advertising department.”

“She does a remarkable job,” the judges continued. “The Pilot has a treasure.”

McAllister was nominated for the award by her colleagues at The Pilot.

“I was surprised and pleased at receiving the award,” said McAllister. “I didn’t have any inkling that they were going to do this.”

The Pilot also received two second place awards. The first was in the category of “Best General News Photo” for the Sept. 8 cover photo by Gregory L. Tracy which ran under the headline “Final Farewell”; the other for the “Most Effective Single Piece of Circulation Promotion” for the newspaper’s 2006 Christmas promotion.

In addition, The Pilot received two honorable mentions, one for the “Best Editorial on a National or International Issue,” for “Hiding Behind the Veil,” concerning the controversy surrounding Condoleezza Rice’s 2006 commencement address at Boston College. The other honorable mention was in the category of “General Excellence” for a diocesan paper with a circulation of 17,000 to 40,000. It was the second time in three years The Pilot has earned an honorable mention in that category.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley said, “We congratulate The Pilot in being recognized by the Catholic Press Association for its outstanding work. The Pilot’s staff is a strong team of committed individuals who help us to spread the Good News to Catholics across the archdiocese. We are proud of their achievements and look forward each week to reading about our parishes, clergy, schools and the Catholic news that impacts all of us as disciples of Christ.”