August 8, 2025

Father Daniel Mahan honored by publishers for 2024 book on catechism

Criterion staff report

Father Daniel MahanFather Daniel Mahan, an archdiocesan priest and director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Institute on the Catechism, was recently honored for his 2024 book, A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of the Catholic Faith.

The book, published last year by Ave Maria Press, received a first-place award in the “Faith Formation” book category at the Catholic Media Association’s (CMA) annual awards announced on June 27 at its recent conference in Phoenix.

“This beautiful book makes the catechism easily accessible to those who would benefit from a clear explanation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” judges wrote. “The book is broken down by question and provides answers on topics that many people may question about the faith with references to where those topics are addressed in the catechism.

“The beautiful illustrations enhance the content of the book, and the font and headings make it easy for the reader to process content,” judges continued. “The prayers and guidelines for how to pray specific devotions help the reader to deepen his or her faith. The appendix helps clarify unfamiliar language.”

Father Mahan’s book also captured second place in the “Pastoral Ministry: Catechetical” book category.

Judges described the book as a “very thorough and accessible companion to the catechism.”

“Written in such a way that as one approaches this ‘official document,’ ” the judges wrote, “one can see their movement as a spiritual journey to a deeper relationship with God.”

The archdiocesan priest’s book received honorable mention recognition in the “Design and Production” category from the CMA as well.

Father Mahan was also honored with two awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers. His book was the first-place finisher in the “Resources for Ministry” category and received a third-place award in the “General Interest” category. †

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