Ave Maria Press authors swept the prayer category in the 2021 Excellence in Publishing Awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers.

In addition, of the seven awards earned by Ave authors, three were first-place honors.

In the prayer category, Surrender All by artist Jennifer Norton took first place. Awaken My Heart by Emily Wilson Hussem earned a second-place award. Bless Us, O Lord by Robert M. Hamma was the third place winner.

Deacon Ed Shoener and Bishop John P. Dolan won two awards for their books on suicide: Responding to Suicide won first place in resources for ministry, whileWhen a Loved One Dies by Suicide earned second in the general interest category.

Other winners included: 

•    The Caregiver’s Companion by Debra Kelsey-Davis and Kelly Johnson tied for third in general interest.
•    La Biblia by Rafael Ramírez tied for third in Spanish books.

First-, second-, and third-place awards were given in fourteen categories. An overall resource of the year from among the first-place winners will be announced later this summer.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Media Association will announce its award winners early Thursday evening during its virtual annual conference.