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.
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.”
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.
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.
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
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
Six First-Place Titles Recognized Across a Broad Range of Categories
Ave Maria Press is proud to announce it received twenty-three honors at the 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, including six first-place recognitions for books that reflect the publisher’s deep commitment to forming disciples and strengthening the Church.
Several books earned multiple awards, including A Journey through the Catechism, which received four honors, and Intensive Caring by Dr. Natalie King, which was recognized in three categories, highlighting Ave’s emphasis on practical and compassionate Catholic resources.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our authors, editors, and designers,” said Karey Circosta, publisher and CEO of Ave Maria Press. “They reflect our mission to set hearts on fire for Christ by publishing books that inspire Catholics to live out their faith with conviction, beauty, and hope.”
First Place Awards
Faith Formation: A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic Faith by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan(Editor: Michael Amodei, Designer: Andy Wagoner)
Lifestyle Books: Living the Seasons: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Beauty of Your Faith Throughout the Yearby Erica Tighe Campbell (Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Catholic Social Teaching: We Are Only Saved Together: Living the Revolutionary Vision of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement by Colin Miller (Editor: Josh Noem)
The Future of the Church: Behold, Believe, Become: Meeting the Hidden Christ in Things We See, Say, and Do at Mass by Timothy P. O’Malley (Editor: Eileen Ponder)
Healing and Self-Help: Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness by Brya Hanan (Editor: Kristi McDonald)
Catalog: Ave Maria Press Spring 2024 Catalog(Designer: Kate Coates)
Second Place Awards
Pastoral Ministry—Catechetical: A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan
Religious Book Series: Redeeming Power: Exercising the Gift as God Intendedby Ann M. Garrido (Editor: Eileen Ponder, Designer: Samantha Wilson)
Family Life: Talking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics by Julia Sadusky (Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Christopher D. Tobin)
First-Time Author (Theological Subject Matters): A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan
Grief and Bereavement: Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care by Natalie King, MD (Editor: Eileen Ponder, Designer: Andy Wagoner)
Religious Book Series: Redeeming Power by Ann M. Garrido
Front Cover Artwork: Festive Faith: Catholic Celebrations Through the Year and Around the Worldby Steffani Aquila (Editor: Eileen Ponder, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Scripture—Series: One Sunday at a Time: Preparing Your Heart for Weekly Mass (Cycle C)by Mark Hart (Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Christopher D. Tobin)
Third Place Awards
Pastoral Ministry—Catechetical: Behold, Believe, Become by Timothy P. O’Malley
Life and Dignity of the Human Person: Intensive Caring by Natalie King, MD
Grief and Bereavement: A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult Questionsby Abigail Jorgensen (Editor Eileen Ponder, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Design and Production: Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditationby Heather Khym, Illustrated by Josiah Henley (Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Front Cover Artwork: Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym(Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Honorable Mentions
Pastoral Ministry—Catechetical: Festive Faith by Steffani Aquila
First-Time Author (Theological Subject Matters): Intensive Caring by Natalie King, MD
Design and Production: Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN; Illustrated by June Jameson (Editor: Kristi McDonald, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Design and Production: A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan
Religious Book Series: Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc featuring Thea Bowman, Thomas Merton, and St. Joan of Arc
These awards reflect Ave Maria Press’s growing impact in publishing Catholic books that accompany readers through all seasons of life—from catechesis and liturgical living to healing, grief, and spiritual growth.
To learn more about these award-winning books and resources, visit www.avemariapress.com.
Media Contact:Erin PiercePublicist and Strategic Partnerships ManagerAve Maria Pressepierce@nd.edu | (800) 282-1865, ext. 223
NOTRE DAME, IN— Ave Maria Press was the most awarded publisher at the 2025 Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) Excellence in Publishing Awards, earning ten honors—more than any other publisher. The standout achievement was a complete sweep of the General Interest category, with Ave Maria Press capturing all four top awards. The publisher also received the most First Place honors across categories.
General Interest Category: Complete Sweep
Ave Maria Press swept the General Interest category, taking the top four awards:
First Place: A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult QuestionsAuthor: Abigail Jorgensen | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Brianna Dombo
Second Place: Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life CareAuthor: Natalie King, MD | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Andy Wagoner
Third Place (Tie):A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic FaithAuthor: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy WagonerTalking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for CatholicsAuthor: Julia Sadusky | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Christopher D. Tobin
Additional Awards Across Key Categories
General Prayer
First Place: Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour ReflectionsAuthor: Fr. Tim Anastos | Designer: Andy Wagoner
Prayer: Seasonal Resources
First Place: Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and MeditationAuthor: Heather Khym | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Brianna Dombo | Illustrator: Josiah Henley
Resources for Ministry
First Place: A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic FaithAuthor: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy Wagoner
Third Place (Tie): Redeeming Power: Exercising the Gift as God IntendedAuthor: Ann M. Garrido | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Samantha Watson
Inspirational
Second Place: A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You through the School YearAuthor: Amy J. Cattapan | Designer: Brianna Dombo
Spirituality
Third Place (Tie): Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre PioAuthor: Susan De Bartoli | Designer: Katherine Robinson
These accolades reflect Ave Maria Press’s ongoing mission to serve the Church—as a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross—by publishing resources that are faithful, practical, and inspiring.
“We’re honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Karey Circosta, Publisher and CEO of Ave Maria Press. “These awards affirm our commitment to creating resources that fulfill our mission of setting hearts on fire for Christ and support Catholics in every season of life.”
Congratulations to the gifted authors, editors, designers, and illustrators whose work has been honored!
