The Pilot received two awards for its work during 2003 from the Catholic Press Association (CPA). Each year, CPA member newspapers, magazines and book publishers submit samples of their work to the association for judging in several categories. The awards were presented at the annual CPA convention held May 26-28 in Washington, D.C.

The Pilot’s Aug. 1, 2003, special edition celebrating the installation of Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley earned first prize in the category “Best one-shot special section” by a newspaper.

"Working on a short turnaround time, The Pilot's staff did a superior job in welcoming a new archbishop to the troubled archdiocese," read the CPA judges comments on the award.

They commended the issue’s “especially effective page one portrait” and “strong stories,” describing it as “well presented” and “stressing Archbishop O’Malley’s anticipated role as a healer.”

Michael Pakaluk’s monthly Pilot column received third place in the category of “Best regular column — General Commentary.”

The panel of judges said the examples of Pakaluk’s work submitted for judging demonstrated an ability to explain “complex reasoning in an easy to understand manner.”