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!
Today, Catholics around the world join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88. The Holy Father, known for his humility, warmth, and deep compassion, led the Catholic Church for more than a decade, offering a steadfast witness to the sanctity of all human life and a radical call to mercy and love.
As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, Pope Francis broke new ground from the moment he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013. His papacy was marked not by pomp or privilege, but by a consistent devotion to the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.
In his 2017 TED Talk, watched by millions around the globe, Pope Francis called for a “revolution of tenderness.” “What is tenderness?” he asked. “Tenderness means to use our eyes to see the other, our ears to hear the other... to take care of those in need.” These words captured the heart of his pastoral mission—one rooted in encounter, listening, and love.
One of the most iconic moments of his papacy came on March 27, 2020, when, amid the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood alone in a rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square to offer the Urbi et Orbi blessing. With the Blessed Sacrament held high, he reminded the world that “Jesus is in the boat” with us, even in the storm. His powerful message of hope and solidarity will (hopefully) never be forgotten.
Over the course of his pontificate, Pope Francis authored four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations, including Laudato Si’, his groundbreaking letter on care for our common home, and Evangelii Gaudium, a joyful invitation to renew the Church’s mission of evangelization. His writings continue to inspire Catholics to live out the Gospel with courage, compassion, and joy.
Though we mourn his passing, Pope Francis’s legacy lives on—in his words, his witness, and the countless lives he touched.
Let these words from Pope Francis continue to guide and challenge us:"Whatever you do, don’t be the sorry sight of an abandoned vehicle! Don’t be parked cars, but dream freely and make good decisions. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don’t go through life anaesthetized or approach the world like tourists. Make a ruckus! Cast out the fears that paralyze you, so that you don’t become young mummies. Live! Give yourselves over to the best of life!” (Christus Vivit, 143)
"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just." - Angelus, March 17, 2013
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
We are thrilled to announce that fifteen titles and fourteen authors from Ave Maria Press have been named finalists in the 2025 Excellence in Publishing Awards presented by the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP). These prestigious awards honor the very best in Catholic publishing and highlight works that contribute meaningfully to the Church and the world.
This year’s finalists span a wide range of topics—from discipleship and spiritual growth to pastoral care and theology—reflecting Ave Maria Press’s commitment to providing high-quality Catholic resources for individuals and ministries alike.
Ave Maria Press finalists by category include:
General Interest
A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss by Abigail Jorgensen
A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan
Befriending Your Inner Child by Brya Hanan
Intensive Caring by Natalie King, MD
Talking with Your Teen about Sex by Julia Sadusky
Inspirational
A Midwinter God by Christine Valters Paintner
A Saint Squad for Teachers by Amy J. Cattapan
Reaching for Heaven by Michael Amodei
We Are Only Saved Together by Colin Miller
Prayer: General
Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive by Fr. Tim Anastos
Prayer: Seasonal Resources
Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym
Resources for Liturgy
A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan
Resources for Ministry
Redeeming Power by Ann M. Garrido
Spirituality
Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio by Susan De Bartoli
Theology
Behold, Believe, Become by Timothy P. O’Malley
Each entry was evaluated by a panel of three judges, who selected 6–9 finalists in each category to advance to the final round. Winners—first, second, and third place—will be announced this June.
Therese Brown, ACP Executive Director, noted key trends among the finalists this year: a strong emphasis on discipleship, including a focus on women, saints, and Mary; a thoughtful approach to complex pastoral issues from miscarriage to end-of-life care; and a notable number of prolific authors, including one with five books among the finalists.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our authors and thank the ACP for recognizing their important contributions to Catholic publishing.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners in June!
NOTRE DAME, IN—Ave Maria Press is thrilled to announce the launch of our completely redesigned website at avemariapress.com. This exciting update is inspired by our mission to help you know, love, and serve God. With a fresh look and user-friendly features, our new site is designed to set hearts on fire for Christ and make your faith journeymore fulfilling.We recognize that our previous website didn’t always meet your expectations, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as we worked to enhance your online experience. Your feedback and support have been invaluable in shaping this redesign.WHAT’S NEW?• Simplified Checkout: A faster, easier checkout process for a smoother shopping experience.• Streamlined Browsing: Effortlessly explore books and resources by topics and categories.• Customer Reviews: Make informed choices with insights from fellow readers.• Live Chat Support: Get real-time help with products or orders.• Social Shopping Integration: Shop directly from Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.• Wishlist Feature: Save your favorite titles for later.• Loyalty and Rewards Program: Earn perks with every purchase.This redesign goes beyond convenience—it reflects our ongoing commitment to serving you with excellence and supporting your faith journey. We hope that the new avemariapress.com will become your go-to destination for discovering books and resources that inspire and enrich your life.EXPERIENCE IT TODAY!We invite you to explore our new website at avemariapress.com. Discover how these updates make finding the books and resources that spark your love for God simpler than ever. And rest assured, our team, is here to support you every step of the way.Thank you for being part of the Ave Maria Press community. Together, let’s continue to set hearts on fire for Christ.With gratitude,The Ave Maria Press Team
Ave Maria Press is excited to introduce a brand new collection of Catholic theology textbooks for high school students, available for the 2025–26 school year. Designed with both teachers and students in mind, these textbooks offer updated content, engaging resources, and a renewed emphasis on evangelizing catechesis to both educate and inspire students in their Catholic faith.
The series includes the following titles:
• God Reveals: An Introduction to the Bible (Course I)
• God Loves: Jesus Christ Enters the World (Course II)
• God Saves: We Are Redeemed through the Paschal Mystery (Course III)
• The Holy Catholic Church: History and Mission of God’s People (Course IV)
• Catholic Morality: Finding Truth in God’s Law (Course V) COMING SPRING 2026
• The Seven Sacraments: Signs of God’s Grace (Course VI) COMING SPRING 2026
Each textbook is designed in a student-friendly format, and includes classical and contemporary artwork, in-text infographics, focus questions, assessments, and chapter projects that accommodate diverse learning styles, making them suitable for both traditional and block scheduling. For students seeking deeper engagement, enhanced content offers opportunities for further study. The durable, sleek 6x9 format reinforces a serious academic approach, while also ensuring ease of use and accessibility.
All textbooks have been reviewed as part of the USCCB’s Institute on the Catechism’s new accompaniment model, are fully in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and have received an imprimatur. In addition, we offer FREE classroom resources curated to complement each textbook.
Available in both print and digital formats, the series can be accessed through:
• eTextbooks on platforms such as Apple, EdTech, eCampus,
and VitalSource
• PDF site licenses directly from Ave Maria Press
Ave Maria Press authors and designers earned 10 awards from the Catholic Media Association on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the annual Catholic Media Conference in Atlanta.
Meg Hunter-Kilmer won first place in the backlist beauty category for Pray for Us.
Three second-place awards were given to:
Jen Norton in the contemporary spirituality category for Arise to Blessedness
Fr. Goyo Hidalgo in the memoir category for From Prodigal to Priest
Erica Tighe Campbell in the category of lifestyle books for Living the Seasons
Third place was awarded to The Grief of Dads for the front cover artwork, and Living the Seasons for design and production. Congratulations to designers Christopher D. Tobin and Brianna Dombo!
Honorable Mention goes to Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran for Rebuilt Faith in the popular presentation of the Catholic faith category; John Bergsma for Love Basics for Catholics, popular scripture studies category; Emily Jaminet for Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart, family life category; and The Ave Guide to the Scriptural Rosary, collections of prayers category.
The complete list of winners is available on the Catholic Media Association website.
