Sacramental Prep

Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church

Ascension’s NEW OCIA Program

Someone shows up in your parish because they are being drawn toward the Catholic Church. Maybe they can't quite explain why, but something is pulling them.

OCIA could be the moment that changes everything for them—where a quiet curiosity becomes a real encounter with Jesus Christ.

Invited was created with the conviction that OCIA should make disciples, not just deliver doctrine. Following the approach recommended by the Directory of Catechesis, the kerygma anchors the whole process. Three priorities shaped the curriculum: fidelity to Church teaching, accessibility for those new to the Faith, and genuine formation of the whole person—mind, heart, and soul. 

Every element is ordered toward a single goal: to know the faith and live it. For this reason, prayer is woven throughout the program, with particular moments designed to draw participants into a living relationship with God. Videos and resources support the catechist with focused, heartfelt content to support their teaching and the relationship they build with the participants.

Spanish translations of the components are coming soon.

Presented by: Fr. Mike Schmitz Jeff Cavins Mari Pablo Michael Gormley Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN Mark Hart Jackie Francois Angel Bobby Angel

Written by: Fred Shellabarger Kara Kardell

28 Lessons About 8–12 min. each Great for groups

Have questions? Program Details

PREORDER STUDY MATERIALS Start Free Preview Explore Leader's Resources Explore Invited in the App

Meet Your Presenters
Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Jeff Cavins

Jeff Cavins

Mari Pablo

Mari Pablo

Michael Gormley

Michael Gormley

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Mark Hart

Mark Hart

Jackie Francois Angel

Jackie Francois Angel

Bobby Angel

Bobby Angel

Choose Your Format

This program is available in: English, Spanish

(Archived) Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Faith, Participant Pack

Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church, Participant Pack

    $44.95
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    (Archived) Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Faith Starter Pack

    Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church Starter Pack

      $159.95
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      Available in the web and mobile versions of the Ascension app

      Access Free Videos and Resources in the Ascension App

      All Invited videos are 100% free in the Ascension app, with no paid subscription required. All you need to do is create a free account and sign in.

      Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church

      Invited: Your Journey into the Catholic Church

      Includes:

      • All program videos

      • Over 150 additional free resources (podcasts, articles, and extra videos) that help participants go deeper into the lessons, as mentioned in each lesson of the Participant’s Guide

      • Links to downloadable resources

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      Lesson Titles

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      Participant’s Guide Sample

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      Leader’s Guide Sample

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      Jeff Cavins Lesson Preview Video

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      Fr. Mike Schmitz Invitation Video

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      At a Glance
      Version
      1st Edition
      Session Count
      28 Lessons
      Video Length
      About 8–12 min. each
      Class Length
      60 or 90 minutes
      Grade Levels
      Young Adult (18-25) • Adult (26+)
      Target Audience
      Teens & young adults • Adults
      Recommended Age Group
      Adults
      Available Languages
      English, Spanish
      Presenters
      Fr. Mike Schmitz • Jeff Cavins • Mari Pablo • Michael Gormley • Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN • Mark Hart • Jackie Francois Angel • Bobby Angel
      Authors
      Fred Shellabarger • Kara Kardell

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What are the differences between Invited and Foundations of Faith?

      What is the purpose and who is the audience?
      • Invited is designed for those considering or preparing to enter the Catholic Church (unbaptized, non-Catholic Christians, unconfirmed Catholics).
      • Foundations of Faith is designed for Catholics already in the Church who want a deeper understanding of the Catechism.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the assumed knowledge?
      • Invited assumes little to no prior knowledge of the Faith; explains foundational concepts from the ground up.
      • Foundations of Faith assumes a Catholic baseline; the language and framing take
        familiarity with the Church for granted.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the tone of the program?
      • Invited's tone is invitatory, welcoming, and pastoral—meets people where they are, including those with wounds or skepticism about religion.
      • Foundations of Faith's tone is academic and formational, with a stronger emphasis on theological content and the structure of the Catechism.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      How many lessons/sessions?
      • Invited has 28 lessons.
      • Foundations of Faith has 20 sessions.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the video length?
      • Invited: ~10 minutes per lesson, designed to leave room for discussion.
      • Foundations of Faith: ~30 minutes per session

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the filming approach?
      • Invited is parish-centered and relationally grounded; the visual world reflects the ordinary experience of parish life. Keeps the camera closer to home because the person it’s speaking to is still deciding whether they belong here at all. The scale of the Church could feel as intimidating as it is inspiring to someone at the threshold.
      • Foundations of Faith: Filmed across 40+ locations in 11 countries—a cinematic pilgrimage through the history behind the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
        Uses grandeur and historical sweep to inspire awe in people already inside the Church who are diving deeper.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the structural framework?
      • Invited follows the OCIA stages (Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy).
      • Foundations of Faith Follows the four pillars of the Catechism with a color-coded
        system; includes a good amount of directed reading from the Catechism.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the spiritual emphasis?
      • Invited is explicitly prayerful; each lesson includes a catechist’s prayer, an opening and a closing prayer, and at-home spiritual activities.
      • Foundations of Faith is study-oriented; transformation comes through a deeper
        comprehension of Church teaching.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      Are there supplemental resources?
      • Invited has free videos and resources are integrated into the Ascension app, allowing participants to learn about the Faith at their own pace.
      • Foundations of Faith includes a workbook and the Catechism at a Glance chart;
        designed to work with the Ascension Edition of the Catechism.

      Download this side by side comparison of Foundations of Faith and Invited.

      What is the goal of the program?
      • Invited is Intended to form missionary disciples—not just to convey doctrine, but to draw people into a living relationship with Christ and the Church.
      • Foundations of Faith is intended to present the Catechism as a key to understanding the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith and God’s plan for our lives.

      Download a side by side comparison of Invited and Foundations of Faith.

      What are the similarities between Invited and Foundations of Faith?

      What are the similarities between Invited and Foundations of Faith?
      • Format: Both are video-based programs for parish or small
        group use.
      • Presenters: Both include the key voices of Fr. Mike Schmitz and
        Jeff Cavins.
      • Catechism Coverage: Both engage substantially with the content of
        the Catechism.
      • Participant Books: Both include printed companion resources (participant
        guide/workbook) to support engagement with the content.
      • Accessibility: Both aim to make Catholic teaching comprehensible—
        not just for scholars but for ordinary people in the pews.
      • Scope: Both cover the breadth of the Catholic Faith: the
        sacraments, Scripture, moral life, prayer, and the nature of
        the Church.

      Download a side-by-side comparison of Invited and Foundations of Faith.

      Explore Ascension's Sacramental Preparation Programs

      Baptism
      Baptism
      First Reconciliation
      First Reconciliation
      First Communion
      First Communion
      Confirmation
      Confirmation
      OCIA
      OCIA
      Marriage
      Marriage
      Learn More