Fact Sheet

Ascension is one of the most trusted publishers of Catholic books and digital media today. Since 1998, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million people through award-winning resources including the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, the groundbreaking The Great Adventure Bible study program, bestselling Bibles, over 50 faith formation programs, and Ascension Presents—one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in the world. As the leader in faith formation, Ascension combines wide-reaching media, a commitment to quality, and a deep connection with the Catholic community to help millions encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.

Fast Facts

Awards & Recognition

  • Certified “Great Place to Work” four years in a row (Great Place to Work Institute)
  • 2 Regional Emmy Award nominations (Mid-Atlantic Chapter, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences)
  • 59 Excellence in Publishing Awards (Association of Catholic Publishers)
  • 54 Book Awards (Catholic Media Association)
  • 47 Telly Awards (for study programs and media)
  • Additional honors from the W3 Awards, iHeart Podcast Awards, Signal Awards, How to Homeschool Award
  • Aggiornamento Award (Catholic Library Association) for outstanding contributions to parish and community renewal

About The Bible in a Year

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® is the world’s #1 religion podcast. Since its 2021 debut, listeners worldwide have been guided through the entire Catholic Bible in 365 daily episodes using The Great Adventure Bible Timeline learning system. With over 800 million downloads and over 50,000 five-star reviews on Apple Podcasts, The podcast has transformed how Catholics engage with Scripture and sparked a global movement of daily Bible reading.

About The Great Adventure

The Great Adventure® is the most widely used Catholic Bible study program in the world. Developed by Catholic speaker and author Jeff Cavins, it organizes the story of salvation history into 12 color-coded periods using The Great Adventure Bible Timeline learning system, making Scripture simple to understand and easy to follow. Millions of Catholics have deepened their understanding of God’s Word through The Great Adventure, which has inspired parish programs, personal study, and even the global phenomenon The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast.

Our Mission

Ascension’s mission is to present the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith by serving parishes, schools, small groups, and individuals through innovative resources and powerful media that answer the longings of the human heart with the transformative power of the Gospel.

Leadership

  • Jonathan Strate, President and CEO
  • Marisa Beyer, Managing Director of Consumer Products and Media
  • Jeffrey Cole, Director of Parish, School, and Small Group Products
  • Deacon Michael Connor, Director of Accounting
  • Jennifer Eckenrode, Director of Operations
  • Josh Rudegeair, Managing Director of App and Communications
  • Cassie Schmidt, Senior Manager of People and Culture

Media Contact

General inquiries: newsroom@ascensionpress.com
Phone: 1-800-376-0520
Website: https://ascensionpress.com
Ascension
P.O. Box 1990
West Chester, PA 19380