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2026 Book Winners Announced

2026 Book Winners Announced

  Ave Maria Press Earns 28 Catholic Media Awards and 4 Honors from the Association of Catholic Publishers NOTRE DAME, Ind.—Ave Maria Press received 28 honors in the 2026 Catholic Media Awards, recognizing excellence in Catholic publishing across books, ministry resources, design, and digital media. The publisher also received four awards in the 2026 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards. Seven titles earned multiple awards, with The Transformative Power of Small Groups and First Reconciliation and Beyond receiving the most recognition, each garnering three honors. Catholic Media Award Winners: First Place Awards Catholic Social Teaching—Praying with the Popes: Words of Hope and Peace form Leo XIII to Leo XIV(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)       Backlist Beauty—Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus by Heather Khym(Editor: Kristi McDonald; Katherine Robinson)     Morality and Ethics—Catholic Morality: Finding Truth in God’s Law(Editor: Michael Amodei; Designer: Christopher D. Tobin) Second Place Awards Pastoral Ministry—Parish Life: First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family’s Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness by Katie Prejean McGrady and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson and Christopher D. Tobin)   Church Professional—The Transformative Power of Small Groups by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Andy Wagoner)     Newly Canonized Saints or Those in the Process—The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue by Bobby Angel(Editor: Josh Noem; Designer: Andy Wagoner)       Front Cover Artwork—A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God by Timothy P. O'Malley(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Andy Wagoner)     Anthology—The Essential Cardinal Newman Collection: Prayers, Meditations, and Other Spiritual Writings by John Henry Newman(Editor: Robert Harig; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)       Backlist Beauty—Set the World on Fire: A 4-Week Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church by Vinita Hampton Wright(Editor: Kristi McDonald; Designer: Samantha Watson)       Scripture: Series—Bible Basics for Catholics (Expanded Edition) by John Bergsma(Editor: Kristi McDonald; Designer: Samantha Watson)       Third Place Awards   Adult Devotions and Prayer—The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue by Bobby Angel(Editor: Josh Noem; Designer: Andy Wagoner)     Pastoral Ministry: Parish Life—First Communion and Beyond: A Family's Guide to Eucharistic Joy by Katie and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson and Christopher D. Tobin)   Philosophical Studies—Is Belief Believable? Reasoning About God from Plato and Aquinas to C. S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson by Christopher Kaczor(Editor: Robert Harig; Designer: Andy Wagoner)       Mariology—A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God by Timothy P. O'Malley(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Andy Wagoner)     Book for Young Adults (Ages 12-18)—Friendship Reset: Ditch the Drama and Find Your Crew by Maggie Craig(Editor: Kristi McDonald; Designer:          First-Time Author of Theological Subject Matters—The Homefront Devotional: Navigate Military Life with Courage, Hope, and Faith by Tara McMullen(Editor: Josh Noem; Designer: Andy Wagoner)       Best Website—General Publisher: Ave Maria Press     Religious Book Series—Illuminate: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation Fr. John Nepil(Editor: Kristi McDonald; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)       Catalog—Ave Maria Press Spring 2025   Honorable Mention Awards Spirituality Classical—The Reed of God Deluxe Hardcover Edition by Caryll Houselander(Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)     Pastoral Ministry: Parish Life—The Transformative Power of Small Groups by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Andy Wagoner)       Theological Studies—Is Belief Believable? Reasoning About God from Plato and Aquinas to C. S. Lewis and Jordan Peterson by Christopher Kaczor(Editor: Robert Harig; Designer: Andy Wagoner)       Sacraments—First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family’s Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness by Katie Prejean McGrady and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson and Christopher D. Tobin)   Sacraments—First Communion and Beyond: A Family's Guide to Eucharistic Joy by Katie and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson and Christopher D. Tobin)       Family Life—Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse by Renzo and Monica Ortega(Editor: John Noem; Designer: Christopher D. Tobin)         First-Time Author of Theological Subject Matters—Pray Like a Champion Today by Fr. Nate Wills, CSC(Editor: Josh Noem; Designer: Christopher D. Tobin)       Religious Book Series—First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family’s Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness by Katie Prejean McGrady and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson and Christopher D. Tobin)   Book for Young Adults (Ages 12-18)—Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens by Katie and Tommy McGrady(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Samantha Watson)       Association of Catholic Publishers 2026 Excellence in Publishing Award Winners: First Place Awards Prayer: Seasonal Resources—Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP(Designer: Kristi McDonald; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)     Second Place Awards Prayer: General—The Homefront Devotional: Navigate Military Life with Courage, Hope, and Faith by Tara McMullen(Editor: Josh Noem; Designer: Andy Wagoner)     Prayer: Seasonal Resources—Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary’s Eyes by Catherine Cavadini and Anastassia Cassady(Editor: Eileen Ponder and Robert Harig; Designer: Brianna Dombo Nicholson)   Resources for Ministry—The Transformative Power of Small Groups by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran(Editor: Eileen Ponder; Designer: Andy Wagoner)

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ACP Finalists Named for the 2026 Excellence in Publishing Awards

ACP Finalists Named for the 2026 Excellence in Publishing Awards

Ave Maria Press is pleased to announce that eight of its titles have been named finalists across seven categories in the Association for Catholic Publishing (ACP) 2026 Excellence in Publishing Awards.The Finalists are: General Interest: Lovemaking: How to talk about Sex with Your Spouse by Renzo and  Monica Ortega. Prayer (General): The Homefront Devotional: Navigating Military Life with Courage, Hope, and Faith by Tara McMullen. Prayer (Seasonal Resources): Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary’s Eyes by Catherine Cavadini and Anastassia Cassady, Illuminate: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. John Nepil Witness: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP. Resources for Liturgy: First Reconciliation and Beyond: A Family's Guide for Learning and Living Forgiveness by Katie and Tommy McGrady Resources for Ministry: The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities by Michael White and Tom Corcoran Scripture (Pastoral Resources): Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary's Eyes by Catherine Cavadini and Anastassia Cassady  Children’s Books (Teens): Friendship Reset: Ditch the Drama and Find Your Crew by Maggie Craig. Each category was judged by a three-person panel, who reviewed all submissions and selected a group of six to nine finalists to advance to the final round. First-, second-, and third-place winners will be announced in June.Congratulations to the authors, editors, and book designers!

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Hallow Announces Guides for the Advent Pray25 Challenge with The Reed of God

Hallow Announces Guides for the Advent Pray25 Challenge with The Reed of God

Hallow and Ave Maria Press have partnered for this year’s Advent Pray25 Challenge. Participants are invited on a 25-day journey through the Christian classic The Reed of God by British Catholic writer Caryll Houselander, guided by Jonathan Roumie, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Chris Pratt, Gwen Stefani, Fr. John Burns, Fr. Pierre-Touissant, CFR, and Mother Natalia. Beloved by Catholics since its publication in 1944, Houselander’s spiritual masterpiece offers a profound and deeply human portrait of Mary, the Mother of God. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, users can follow along in the Hallow app with daily reflections and meditations inspired by The Reed of God, the Gospel infancy narratives, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. The weekly schedule includes: Monday–Wednesday: Meditations with Jonathan Roumie and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT Thursday: Reflections and prayer with Fr. John Burns Friday: Reflections on The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Chris Pratt  Saturday: Reflections on the saints with Gwen Stefani and Mother Natalia  Sunday: A homily from Fr. Pierre-Touissant, CFR The Pray25 journey will move through four weekly themes: receive, trust, surrender, and fiat. Prepare for the challenge by purchasing your copy of The Reed of God at avemariapress.com or wherever fine books are sold. As you enter into this Advent journey, may Caryll Houselander’s reflections help you make space in your heart—just as Mary did—for Christ to be born anew within you.

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Ave Maria Press Announces Three Key Hires to Support Continued Growth

Ave Maria Press Announces Three Key Hires to Support Continued Growth

Notre Dame, IN—Ave Maria Press is pleased to announce three new additions to its editorial and marketing teams: Katharine (Kate) Camden as Acquisitions Editor, Patty Crawford as eCommerce Manager, and Ivy Dybas as Marketing Coordinator. Each brings deep experience and fresh vision to advance Ave’s mission of serving the Church through transformative books, digital resources, and faith-formation initiatives.  Kate Camden, Acquisitions Editor:  Camden brings more than a decade of experience in Catholic   publishing, brand development, and content strategy. She   joins Ave from Our Sunday Visitor, where she led trade book   acquisitions and editorial development for OSV Kids. Camden   also cofounded Tapestry Branding & PR and previously   served  at Ascension Publishing as content and brand   manager— supporting multimedia launches and global faith-   formation programs.A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville (B.A., English Literature, magna cum laude), she also completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford University.“We create books that set hearts on fire—and Kate is exceptional at cultivating authors who do exactly that,” said Josh Noem, editorial director. “We’re excited for the ways she will help us expand the Ave family of faith.”“Good books are powerful tools for connection and grace,” Camden said. “I’m delighted to join Ave Maria Press and contribute to this beautiful mission.”Camden is based in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Patty Crawford, eCommerce Manager:Crawford brings nine years of experience in digital marketing and eCommerce across publishing, nonprofit, SaaS, and agency sectors. Most recently, she managed eCommerce at Franciscan Media, where she optimized a 500-product Shopify platform—growing online sales revenue by 40%. She brings expertise in SEO, UX optimization, AI-driven content strategy, and conversion growth. At Ave Maria Press, Crawford will lead eCommerce operations, user-experience enhancements, and digital growth initiatives.She holds a B.A. in Marketing and Communications from The Ohio State University and an M.B.A. in Business Administration and Leadership from Anderson University. Crawford is based in Evans, Georgia. “We are poised to continue building digital momentum so that we can meet readers where they are,” said Heather Glenn, director of marketing and sales. “Patty’s strategic skillset—and her desire to accompany others in mission-inspired work—make her a perfect fit for this new role.” “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join Ave Maria Press,” Crawford said. “I truly feel God placed this next step in my journey. I’m honored to help set hearts on fire for God through this work.” Ivy Dybas, Marketing Coordinator: Dybas joins Ave from the University of Notre Dame Press,  where she served as social media and marketing fellow. She crafted marketing copy to expand the reach of scholarly books, created Amazon and social media ads, and developed metadata and SEO keywords for dozens of titles. Dybas holds a B.A. in Linguistics and Literatures in English from Cornell University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame. As Marketing Coordinator, she will ensure that Ave’s metadata is accurate, compelling, and optimized across all sales channels.“I was drawn to Ave because of how passionately the company lives out its Catholic mission,” Dybas said. “It is a blessing to contribute to that work.”“Her attention to detail, joyful spirit, and passion for the faith are evident in everything she does,” Glenn said. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

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Ave Maria Press Partners with Hallow for the Advent Pray25 Challenge

Ave Maria Press Partners with Hallow for the Advent Pray25 Challenge

Ave Maria Press is delighted to partner with Hallow for this year’s Advent Pray25 Challenge! Together, we invite you to spend twenty-five days journeying through The Reed of God—the beloved spiritual classic by British Catholic writer Caryll Houselander. First published in 1944, this profound meditation on Mary offers a deeply human and deeply hopeful portrait of a woman who made space in her life for Christ to dwell. Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, you can follow along on the Hallow app for daily reflections and guided prayer rooted in The Reed of God. Be ready for the challenge by purchasing your copy of The Reed of God at avemariapress.com, or wherever fine books are sold.  

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Ave Maria Press Title "A Journey through the Catechism" Named Resource of the Year by the Association of Catholic Publishers

Ave Maria Press Title "A Journey through the Catechism" Named Resource of the Year by the Association of Catholic Publishers

NOTRE DAME, IN—Ave Maria Press is pleased to announce that A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan has been named Resource of the Year in the 2025 Excellence in Publishing Awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP). “The judges emphasized how well Fr. Mahan, director of the Institute on the Catechism at the USCCB, captured the heart of the Catechism in this new title and made it accessible,” the ACP noted. “The question-and-answer format and the beautiful sacred art throughout present the Catholic faith with wisdom and clarity. They agreed that this is an excellent resource for homes, classrooms, OCIA, and parish libraries.” In addition to being named Resource of the Year, A Journey through the Catechism received first place in the resources for ministry category and third place in the general interest category. The Catholic Media Association also honored the book in its 2025 Book Awards, where it received four awards in the categories of faith formation, catechetics, first-time author, and design and production—making it the most highly decorated book in Ave Maria Press’s publishing history.  This year’s ACP runner-up for Resource of the Year was also an Ave Maria Press title: Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour Reflections by Fr. Tim Anastos. A gifted preacher and spiritual director, Fr. Anastos invites readers into deeper intimacy with Christ through thirty guided reflections designed for Eucharistic adoration. “We are honored to bring these exceptional resources into parishes, schools, and homes,” said Karey Circosta, Ave Maria Press CEO and publisher. “Fr. Mahan’s A Journey through the Catechism and Fr. Anastos’s Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive both help Catholics of all ages grow in their faith so they may know, love, and serve God faithfully.” “Receiving the Resource of the Year award is a tremendous honor,” said Fr. Mahan. “I am grateful for the recognition of A Journey through the Catechism and for the many encouraging comments from pastors, catechists, and those in the OCIA process. Writing this book has been a joy, as it allowed me to draw on conversations with people preparing to enter the Church and to share the treasures of the Catechism that have enriched my thirty-seven years of priestly service. My hope is that readers will be inspired by the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith to live more deeply the sacramental life of the Church and share it with others.” A Journey through the Catechism and Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive are available now from Ave Maria Press and major book retailers.About the Authors Fr. Daniel J. Mahan is director of the Institute on the Catechism at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has served as a parish priest, seminary formator, and retreat leader, and is widely recognized for his work in catechesis and evangelization.     Fr. Tim Anastos is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the assistant chaplain at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois–Chicago. He serves as a eucharistic preacher for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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Ave Maria Press Welcomes Kathleen (Katie) Meads as New Acquisitions Editor

Ave Maria Press Welcomes Kathleen (Katie) Meads as New Acquisitions Editor

Ave Maria Press is thrilled to announce that Katie Meads has joined the editorial team as our new Acquisitions Editor. Katie brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm for books and storytelling. She has spent her career immersed in curating compelling narratives for both the page and the screen. Previously, Katie served as an acquisitions editor at HarperCollins Publishers, where she conceptualized and pitched new titles, managed projects from acquisition to publication, and worked closely with authors to develop engaging, meaningful works. Her professional background also includes significant contributions to the entertainment industry. At Entertainment 360, Katie served as a liaison between the film/TV industry and the publishing world, scouting intellectual property and fostering connections. As vice president of development at Bentkey Kids & Family Entertainment, she oversaw story production and cultivated relationships with agents, authors, and other key industry contacts. Now at Ave Maria Press, Katie is eager to unite her professional expertise with her Catholic faith. “Storytelling in its many forms is a vital tool for softening hearts, enlightening minds, and shaping a culture that honors truth, beauty, and goodness. I'm thrilled to join Ave Maria Press’s mission to create books that edify readers and connect a modern world to the eternal vision of the Church.” “We are delighted to welcome Katie to Ave Maria Press,” said Josh Noem, editorial director at Ave Maria Press. “She brings excellent editing skills, collaborative and creative instincts, and a drive to create books that bring hope. Her deep love for the Catholic faith will help us continue to lead people to know, love, and serve God.” Contact Information for Katie Meads:kmeads@nd.edu

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Two Ave Maria Press Authors Honored in 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards

Two Ave Maria Press Authors Honored in 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards

Ave Maria Press is proud to announce that two of its acclaimed authors, Susan De Bartoli and Timothy P. O’Malley, have been recognized in the prestigious 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards in the Author of the Year category.   Susan De Bartoli received second place for her outstanding work and recent release, Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio. Known for her deep devotion and ability to make the lives of the saints relatable and inspiring, De Bartoli has written two other beloved titles featuring the popular saint: Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio and Carry the Cross with Padre Pio.     Timothy P. O’Malley received an honorable mention for his exceptional contributions to Catholic publishing. O’Malley’s numerous books with Ave Maria Press include Behold, Believe, Become; Real Presence; Becoming Eucharistic People; and A Fierce and Tender Love, all of which explore the beauty and transformative power of the Eucharist and Catholic life.     “We are so grateful to Susan De Bartoli and Timothy P. O’Malley for their dedication to sharing the gospel message and contributing to Ave’s mission of setting hearts on fire for Christ,” said Karey Circosta, publisher and CEO of Ave Maria Press. “Their voices continue to inspire and guide readers toward deeper faith and encounter with God.” With these author honors, Ave Maria Press earned a total of twenty-five awards in the 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards, which recognize excellence in Catholic publishing and media across North America. Media Contact:Erin PiercePublicist, Ave Maria Pressepierce@nd.edu | (800) 282-1865

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