Pillars of Faith Training & Support for Parishes

Video tutorials, quick start guides, and helpful resources to support catechists

We are so excited to join you on this journey with Pillars of Faith for your faith formation program! Here you'll find getting started videos, quick start guides, teaching tips, and access to our Catholic Curriculum Community on Facebook to connect with other catechists. Be sure to sign up for updates on all things Pillars of Faith at the bottom of this page!

Getting Started Videos for Catechists

These Getting Started videos are practical walkthroughs to help catechists get set up and ready to teach. You can watch in order, or jump to what you need. If you're a homeschooler, follow this series if you purchased a Catechist's Guide.

Part 1

Learn what evangelizing catechesis means and about the curriculum's spiral structure.

Part 2

Take a close look at the lesson structure and available teaching resources.

Part 3: coming soon!

Learn how Pillars of Faith is rooted in Scripture and Tradition.

Meet the Creators: The Story Behind Pillars of Faith

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn the story behind Pillars of Faith, and what drove the team's vision for the curriculum.

Quick Start Guides for the Ascension App

The Ascension app offers high-quality, engaging resources for students, parents, and catechists. Download the Quick Start Guide to get started. In it, you'll find instructions on how to create a free login to the app and navigate to the wealth of resources available.

Homeschooler? CLICK HERE for your Quick Start Guide!

Guide for Parishes

Tips for Creating an Engaging Learning Environment

Establish prayer habits

Prayer is such an integral part of our faith. Make a habit to start every class with a prayer to get students in the right mindset. After the first few weeks, invite students to lead the prayer if they feel comfortable. Then have them keep a prayer journal to use during class and bring home.

Pick a Patron Saint

Saints are our guides for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Make a list of 5-10 saints (students can suggest options). Then have students vote on who will be the patron saint of the class for the year, incorporating that saint's life events and patronage into their learning.

create a visually sacred space

Creating a dedicated space in the classroom, just like our parishes and homes, for prayer and devotion is part of being Catholic. Have students help contribute to the space that will be designated as the prayer corner or classroom altar for a personal touch.

Display the Bible and Catechism

Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are the pillars of our faith. Display the Bible and Catechism prominently and show them to the class on day one, so students understand their role in learning about the Faith and how they are both sources of truth.

Visit our religious education blog to dive into related topics, like the purpose behind an evangelizing catechesis and the significance of Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

Religious Ed Blog

Join Ascension's Catholic Curriculum Community

Join the Pillars of Faith Catholic Curriculum Community on Facebook to share ideas and best practices, ask questions, and connect with other catechists.

Homeschooler? CLICK HERE to join our Facebook Community for homeschoolers.

Join the Curriculum Community