for Parishes
Catholic Curriculum for K–8
A Groundbreaking Curriculum Rooted in Scripture and Tradition
Built from the ground up by the trusted leader in faith formation content
Pillars of Faith is a complete K–8 curriculum that evangelizes students, catechists, and families through an exciting new kind of catechesis. Discover how Ascension’s Pillars of Faith can strengthen your parish community.
What Makes Pillars of Faith Catholic Curriculum Unique?
Enhances Biblical and Catechetical Literacy
Paired with Ascension’s Bibles and Catechisms uniquely adapted for K–8 students
Ascension’s brand-new Catholic Bibles and Catechisms for students in grades K–8 share the truth and beauty of the Faith through visually stunning, age-appropriate content. Students get a seamless experience between Pillars of Faith, Scripture, and Tradition. Parents can learn with their children, as they follow along in their own Great Adventure Bible and Ascension’s Catechism, with matching verses and paragraph numbers.
Engaging, Dynamic, and Relevant
From Ascension, the faith formation leader who brings millions of people to Jesus Christ
With input from educators, catechists, religious education leaders, and theological experts, Pillars of Faith turns complex theology into accessible, engaging lessons to bring people to Jesus Christ. Ascension carefully considers how each lesson brings the vision of an evangelical catechesis to life and fully engage today’s students both in and out of the classroom.
Spiral Curriculum to Build Lifelong Catholics
Rooted in Scripture and Tradition to reinforce the foundations of Catholicism
Each grade is thematically structured on Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer and organically interwoven with references to Scripture and the Catechism throughout. This spiral curriculum builds upon itself year-over-year so students develop long-term knowledge of the Catholic Faith, devotion to the sacraments, a meaningful prayer life, and a desire to become the saint God calls them to be.
Multimedia Resources for Catechists and Families
High-quality videos and resources support catechists and invite families to play an integral role
Pillars of Faith offers high-quality videos and digital resources to help catechists build an engaging learning environment, in and beyond the classroom. To deliver on Ascension’s promise of innovative, and accessible content, we’ve integrated Pillars of Faith’s digital resources into the Ascension web-based app, making it easier than ever for catechists and parents to access resources they need to support their students’ learning.
Pillars of Faith is a Complete K–8 Religious Education Program
Built from the ground up, Pillars of Faith Catholic Curriculum offers supportive resources, differentiated activities, engaging videos, and more for students, catechists, and parents.
- Catechist's Guide
- Student Workbook
- Lesson Videos
- Family Connection
- Ascension App
- Bibles & Catechisms
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Catechist's Guide
An intuitive Catechist’s Guide offers clear lesson overviews and objectives to easily plan out each day of the week. To support daily classroom instruction, catechists can take advantage of teaching strategies and prominent Scripture and Catechism connections that tie into the Bible Timeline and Catechism Pillar.
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Catechist's Guide
Every Pillars of Faith lesson follows a simple, intentional pattern with plenty of opportunities to pray with students:
- Dive-In sets a sacred tone for the lesson through prayer and an engaging activity.
- The Core is where students actively learn the heart of the lesson, focusing on a learning goal for each day tied to the Bible and Catechism.
- To the Heart invites students to go deeper through a short video, a saint story, or a quick assessment.
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Catechist's Guide
Extension and take-home activities keep learning going beyond the classroom or can serve as a flex day of learning at the end of the week.
The Taking it Home page allows parents to follow each lesson's core teachings.
Additional support and content can be accessed in the Ascension web-based app.
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Student Workbook
Aligned with the USCCB’s new catechetical framework, the Student Workbook includes varied activities in every lesson to support different learning levels and styles.
Each lesson features scripture, sacred art, a saint story, and a Catechism connection.
The Living the Faith tear-out page equips families to share and reinforce the lesson at home.
Lesson Videos
Featuring trusted Catholic presenters like Sr. Josephine Garrett, CFSN and Tanner Kalina, each lesson offers a short, dynamic video to engage students more deeply with the theme of the core teaching.
Lesson Videos
Catechist-focused videos provide in-depth support and guidance on not just how to implement the curriculum, but how to teach the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith with joy and confidence.
Additional support and content can be accessed in the Ascension web-based app.
Family Connection
Engaging videos guide parents to bring the faith alive at home—building Catholic traditions, establishing prayer habits, and gaining confidence to answer their child’s big questions.
Family Connection
The Living the Faith tear-out page offers parents a review of the theme, and ideas to engage with the whole family.
Additional support and content can be accessed in the Ascension web-based app.
Access to the Ascension App
Catechists and parents can easily search and find Pillars of Faith digital resources and support directly in the web-based Ascension app. You’ll find:
- Catechist training videos
- Parent-focused videos
- Lesson videos for students
- Printable PDFs, including reviews, assessments, and activities
- Bible and Catechism references
- Ascension-related content
Bibles & Catechisms
Pillars of Faith is the only curriculum that pairs with uniquely crafted Catholic Bibles and Catechisms adapted for students in K–8.
Every lesson has a Scripture and Catechism tie-in so students can follow along in their own copies of The Great Adventure Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Utilizing the Bible Timeline® color-coded system and Ascension’s color-coded Foundations of Faith approach to match the companion Bibles and Catechisms, the curriculum creates a seamless learning experience between Catechesis, Scripture, and Tradition.
For questions about Pillars of Faith Catholic Curriculum, download the FAQ.
Ready to Partner with Ascension for Your Religious Education Curriculum?
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