The annual awards competition hosted by the Catholic Media Association "recognizes and honors outstanding works that resonate with Catholic values, promote faith, and inspire reflection and understanding."
[Exton, PA - June 26, 2026] Ascension, the leader in faith formation, has earned 15 awards and 6 honorable mentions in this year's Awards competition hosted by the Catholic Media Association (CMA), including 6 first-place honors. This is Ascension's 5th year winning honorifics from the CMA, an organization founded more than a century ago to serve the Catholic press and the Catholic public.
2026 Ascension Winners
Books
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When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV’s Early Days by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Katie Prejean McGrady
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First Place in "Pope Leo XIV"
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Life Everlasting: Heaven, Hell, Death and Judgment by Dr. Edward Sri and Dr. Jeffrey Morrow
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First Place in "Modern Exploration of the Catholic Faith"
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Third Place in "Pastoral Ministry – Catechetical"
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She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau
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First Place in "Anthology"
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Second Place in "Family Life"
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A Catholic Guide to the New Testament by Jeff Cavins, Dr. Jeffrey Morrow, Dr. Bill Rocha, and Dr. Andrew Swafford
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First Place in "Scripture – Series"
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Saints of the First Monasteries (Catholic Classics), introduction and commentary by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, Rev. Dr. Christiaan Kappes, and Dr. Jerome C. Foss
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First Place in "Edited Collections – Classic Authors"
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The Abbey Psalms and Canticles, The Monks of Conception Abbey
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Second Place in "Liturgy or Worship"
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The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life by Shannon Wendt
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Second Place in "Mariology"
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Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz Journal by Fr. Mike Schmitz, cover art by Mike Moyers
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Third Place in "Front Cover Artwork"
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The Imitation of Christ (Catholic Classics) by Thomas à Kempis, Author; Fr. Dylan Schrader, Translator
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Third Place in "Edited Collections – Classic Authors"
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The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation by Jeff Cavins
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Third Place in "Modern Exploration of the Catholic Faith"
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Third Place in "Scripture – Popular Studies"
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Honorable Mention in "Pastoral Ministry – Catechetical"
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Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church by Dr. Edward Sri and Marcellino D’Ambrosio
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Honorable Mention in "Pastoral Ministry – Catechetical"
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Honorable Mention in "Modern Exploration of the Catholic Faith"
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The Great Adventure Catholic Bible (Limited Edition), by Jeff Cavins, Dr. Mary Healy, Dr. Andrew Swafford, Dr. Peter Williamson, Rev. Dr. Sebastian Carnazzo, and Patricia Isaacs
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Honorable Mention in "Reference / Academic Studies"
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Honorable Mention in "Design and Production"
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Eight Promises of God: Discovering Hope Through the Beatitudes by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
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Honorable Mention in "Backlist Beauty"
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Media
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Prayers, Posts, and White Smoke: Ascension’s Social Media Journey with Pope Leo XIV, Amie Duke and Cami Berthiaume
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First Place in "Best Use of Social Media for Breaking News"
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How to Go to Confession (COMPLETE Step-by-Step Catholic Guide), Fr. David Michael Moses, Sean Boyd, Matt Pirrall, Lindsay Rudegeair, Patrick Mason, and Castletown Media
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Second Place in "Best Video – Explainer: Radio, Television Stations and Film Companies"
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About Ascension
Ascension is one of the most trusted publishers of Catholic books and digital media today. For over 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million people through award-winning resources including the chart-topping The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast, the groundbreaking The Great Adventure Bible study program, bestselling Bibles, over 50 faith formation programs, and Ascension Presents—one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in the world. As the leader in faith formation, Ascension combines wide-reaching media, a commitment to quality, and a deep connection with the Catholic community to help millions encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.
Media Contact
For author interviews or other media inquiries, please contact Newsroom@AscensionPress.com.