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:
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First Place: A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult Questions
Author: Abigail Jorgensen | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Brianna Dombo
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Second Place: Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care
Author: Natalie King, MD | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Andy Wagoner
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Third Place (Tie):
A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic Faith
Author: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy Wagoner
Talking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics
Author: Julia Sadusky | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Christopher D. Tobin
Additional Awards Across Key Categories
General Prayer
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First Place: Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour Reflections
Author: Fr. Tim Anastos | Designer: Andy Wagoner
Prayer: Seasonal Resources
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First Place: Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation
Author: Heather Khym | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Brianna Dombo | Illustrator: Josiah Henley
Resources for Ministry
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First Place: A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic Faith
Author: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy Wagoner
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Third Place (Tie): Redeeming Power: Exercising the Gift as God Intended
Author: Ann M. Garrido | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Samantha Watson
Inspirational
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Second Place: A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You through the School Year
Author: Amy J. Cattapan | Designer: Brianna Dombo
Spirituality
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Third Place (Tie): Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio
Author: 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!
