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)
by 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 Intended
by 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 World
by 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 Questions
by Abigail Jorgensen
(Editor Eileen Ponder, Designer: Brianna Dombo)
Design and Production: Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation
by 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 Pierce
Publicist and Strategic Partnerships Manager
Ave Maria Press
epierce@nd.edu | (800) 282-1865, ext. 223
