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ACP Book Awards: Eucharistic Resources for Children Win 4 Awards Just in Time for the National Eucharistic Congress

[Exton, PA, June 4, 2024—]

When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God earned Dr. Edward Sri his 5th recognition in the “Excellence in Publishing Awards.” 

Image shows the logo for the Association of Catholic Publishers

A year after winning the coveted “Resource of the Year” top prize from the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP), Ascension has once again brought home several honorifics from the most competitive book awards in American Catholic publishing.

Ascension titles won 5 prizes this year, with Eucharistic resources for children having a particularly strong showing:

  • Jesus and Me: Talking with My Greatest Friend (Melissa Kirking)
    • 2nd place: Resources for Liturgy
    • 3rd place (tied): Children’s Books – Young Readers
  • Renewed: Your Journey to First Reconciliation
    • 3rd place: Resources for Liturgy
  • Received: Your Journey to First Communion
    • 2nd place (tied): Resources for Ministry
  • When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God (Dr. Edward Sri)
    • 2nd place: Prayer

Renewed and Received, which together form a curriculum program for young students preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, previously earned 5 Telly Awards for video excellence in 2023. The program videos follow “Felicity,” a winsome young student preparing to receive these sacraments. Short video clips show conversations and experiences Felicity has with her family and local parish as she grows and prepares for sacramental encounters with Jesus.

Jesus and Me, the debut title from Eucharistic catechist Melissa Kirking, earned 3rd place in “Children’s Books: Young Readers” and 2nd place in “Resources for Liturgy.” When the title first launched in 2023, Kirking commented: “My heart’s work is bringing children to the Eucharistic Jesus where they can feel love in the presence of love,” says Kirking. “Jesus and Me helps children nurture a prayer life that is meaningful at the age they are.”

This year marks the 5th ACP Award for Dr. Edward Sri, author of the video-based small group program When You Pray. Pulling from the wisdom of over a dozen saints, the program is shot on-location at holy sites important to the saints profiled in the program: Siena for St. Catherine, Assisi for Ss. Francis and Clare, Subiaco for St. Benedict, and Rome for St. Pope John Paul II. 

About the Association of Catholic Publishers

As described on their website: “The Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) supports a viable, vibrant, and diverse Catholic publishing environment throughout North America and beyond. It seeks to provide visibility to, advocacy for, and sustainability of published Catholic content.”

The ACP shares: “the goal of the ‘Excellence in Publishing Awards’ is to recognize the best in Catholic publishing.” Categories include Children’s Books, Resources for Ministry, Resources for Liturgy, Scripture, Spirituality, and Theology.

About Ascension

Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 10 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 Ascension Presents, which hosts one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in English.