Dr. Mary Beth Yount

Dr. Mary Beth Yount has contributed to and written the introduction for a book that has been named a finalist in the Association of Catholic Publishers’ 2016 Excellence in Publishing Awards. The Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) sponsors the annual awards that “recognize the best in Catholic publishing,” said Therese Brown, ACP executive director.

Family, the Church, and the Real World is a finalist in the inspirational category. In her introduction, Yount writes: “There is, in all of us, a sense deep within that we are all called to a loving relationship with each other and with God. These relationships can take many forms, married and celibate, and we can all live them better . . . This book provides a community of support for all of us who are working to improve ourselves, our relationships, and our families.”

Yount jumped at the chance to contribute to the book. “When Liguori Publications first suggested a book about the ‘holy messiness’ of family life, I saw the need for it immediately.” An assistant professor of theological studies and former director of programming for the 2015 World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia, she admits, “I got even more excited when the all-star lineup of authors was finalized.”

The nomination for the award, she believes, reflects the warmth and authenticity of the book. “The fact that this book has been selected as a finalist for the top inspirational book of the year by the Association of Catholic Publishers highlights that the experience of reading it feels like talking to your best friend, but with a depth of insight that makes it unforgettable.”

Winners will be announced in June.