Among the awards include a first place win in “inspirational” for Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy
[Exton, PA — June 1, 2026] Ascension, the leader in Catholic faith formation, earned eight awards across six categories in the 2026 Excellence in Publishing Awards presented by the Association of Catholic Publishers. This marks Ascension’s highest number of ACP awards since 2022. The 2026 honors highlighted particular strength in the “Children’s Books” and “Inspirational” categories.
"We're honored to receive 8 awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers," remarked Ascension President and CEO, Jonathan Strate. "It's a privilege to help others encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith through these works. We're deeply grateful to the ACP for this meaningful recognition."
Ascension has been represented in this competition for the last 10 years winning 35 total awards, most recently bringing home two first-place wins in 2025 and the coveted "Resource of the Year" honorific in 2023 for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition.
2026 Ascension Winners
Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy (Claire Couche, Neena Gaynor, Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini)
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1st Place, Inspirational
My First Interactive Rosary Book, (Written and Illustrated by Candace Camling)
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2nd Place, Children’s Books: Picture Books
Dilexit Nos, "He Loved Us" (Pope Francis)
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2nd Place, General Interest
She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood (Suzanne Bilodeau)
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2nd Place, Inspirational
The Abbey Psalms and Canticles (Monks of Conception Abbey)
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3rd Place, Music: Liturgical Music Resource
Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins (Fr. Josh Johnson)
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3rd Place, Prayer: General
Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes (Written by Patrick O'Hearn, Illustrated by Elizabeth Blair)
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3rd Place, Children’s Books: Picture Books
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition, Premium (Jeff Cavins, Mary Healy, Andrew Swafford, Peter Williamson, Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, Patricia Isaacs)
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2nd Place, Resources for Ministry
About the Association of Catholic Publishers
The Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) is a membership organization of Catholic publishers, those who provide services to Catholic publishers, and individuals who work with Catholic publishers. The ACP provides opportunities for members to further the Catholic publishing industry, promote Catholic publishing and reading, and engage those they interact with, including retailers, pastoral leaders, individual customers, and staff.
About Ascension
Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. For over 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of over 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and the Ascension Presents YouTube channel and Ascension app.
Media Contact
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