The leader in Catholic faith formation emerged as the most-nominated publisher among this year’s finalists.
[Exton, PA - April 10, 2026] The Excellence in Publishing Awards, presented each year by the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP), has recently recognized Ascension with 18 nominations across 18 categories. The ACP is a membership organization made up of Catholic publishers and individuals whose mission it is to “support a viable, vibrant, and diverse Catholic publishing environment throughout North America and beyond.”
In the ACP press release announcing 120 finalists submitted by 18 different publishers, ACP executive director Therese Brown comments on trends that stood out among this year’s nominations:
“There are three interesting trends among this year’s finalists,” notes Brown. “First, the focus on accessibility and practical, lived faith. Second, among the growing number of family resources, there is an emphasis on early and ongoing formation. Third, current ecclesial and modern concerns are well-represented in this group of finalists.”
The emphasis on family resources and early formation closely aligns with Ascension’s nominations this year, with four recognized in children’s categories: My First Interactive Rosary Book, My First Interactive Christmas Story, Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes, and Through Living Waters: An Origin Story About Baptism.
2026 Ascension Finalists
-
Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God, (Brian Middleton, Susan Middleton, and Ron Watson)
-
Finalist: Biography
-
-
When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days (Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Katie Prejean McGrady)
-
Finalist: Biography
-
My First Interactive Christmas Story (Written by Suzy Senior, Illustrated by Jayne Schofield)
-
Finalist: Children’s Books, Picture Books
-
My First Interactive Rosary Book (Written and Illustrated by Candace Camling, Ascension Press)
-
Finalist: Children’s Books, Picture Books
-
Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes (Written by Patrick O'Hearn, Illustrated by Elizabeth Blair)
-
Finalist: Children’s Books, Picture Books
-
Through Living Waters: An Origin Story About Baptism (Written by Claudia Cangilla McAdam, Illustrated by Gina Capaldi)
-
Finalist: Children’s Books, Young Readers
-
Finalist: Resources for Liturgy
-
Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us") (Pope Francis)
-
Finalist: General Interest
-
Pocket Guide to the Works of Mercy (Claire Couche, Neena Gaynor, Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini)
-
Finalist: Inspirational
-
She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood (Suzanne Bilodeau)
-
Finalist: Inspirational
-
The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life (Shannon Wendt)
-
Finalist: Inspirational
-
The Abbey Psalms and Canticles (Monks of Conception Abbey)
-
Finalist: Music, The Liturgical Music Resource
-
Pocket Guide to Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins (Fr. Josh Johnson)
-
Finalist: Prayer, General
-
Finalist: Resources for Liturgy
-
Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Journal (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
-
Finalist: Prayer, Seasonal Resources
-
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition (Jeff Cavins, Mary Healy, Andrew Swafford, Peter Williamson, Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, and Patricia Isaacs)
-
Finalist: Resources for Ministry
-
The Bible in a Year Study Guide (Fr. Mike Schmitz, Claire Couche)
-
Finalist: Resources for Ministry
-
The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation (Jeff Cavins)
-
Finalist: Resources for Ministry
Previous Wins for Ascension in the ACP “Excellence in Publishing Awards”
Over the years, Ascension has earned 33 awards and dozens of finalist designations from the Association of Catholic Publishers. In 2023, Ascension’s edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church was named the ACP’s Resource of the Year, a feat the company had previously achieved in 2015 for Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation. In 2022, Ascension books and programs won more awards from the EPA than any other publisher.
###
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
For author interviews or other media inquiries, please contact (800) 376-0520 or Newsroom@AscensionPress.com.