Study Summary Guide

 

All Ascension studies are listed below in alphabetical order. If you are looking for more in-depth information about a particular study, click the study title to learn more.
  • Study
  • Number of Sessions
  • Video Length
  • Video Presenter(s)
  • Description
  • The 99: A New System for Evangelization
  • Number of Sessions: The 99 Masterclass: 6 sessions; 18 Total Video Segments, The 99 Experience: 3 Sessions; 8 Total Video Segments
  • Video Length: The 99 Masterclass: 3-7 Minutes per Segment, The 99 Experience: 7-14 Minutes per Segment
  • Video Presenter(s): Multiple (9)
  • Description: A system of resources designed to meet the needs of modern-day evangelization ministry within the Catholic Church. It provides tools for training evangelists, creating a story-based experience for parish or group evangelization, and includes materials to support individuals in their encounter with Jesus.
  • Activated Disciple Challenge
  • Number of Sessions: 10 sessions; 8 sessions have 2 video segments each (18 videos total)
  • Video Length: 6 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: Put your faith into practice and change the shape of your day by cultivating the eight most important characteristics you need to be a true follower of Jesus.
  • Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom
  • Number of Sessions: 20
  • Video Length: 53 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: In this Great Adventure Bible study, learn how the Holy Spirit enlivens and empowers the Church, Christ's Kingdom on earth, to carry out his work of teaching, preaching, and healing in the same way Jesus did.
  • Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed
  • Number of Sessions: 5
  • Video Length: 20-60 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Multiple
  • Description: Get Catholic teens to love and appreciate the mystery and beauty of Mass like never before! Designed to stir thought, create conversation, dispel myths, and inspire young souls, not to fill teens’ heads with information, but to pierce their hearts with transformation.
  • Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 7
  • Video Length: 10 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Fr. Mike Schmitz
  • Description: Belonging supports parishes as they prepare parents for their child's baptism. The program provides a thorough yet accessible presentation of the sacrament of baptism, a flexible schedule that allows for one 3-hour session or two 90-minute sessions, and an adaptable program that allows for classroom setting or in-home instruction.
  • The Bible Timeline: The Story Of Salvation
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: 50 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: This comprehensive Great Adventure Bible study journeys deep into salvation history and unfolds the story of how the major people, places, and events of the Bible come together to reveal God's remarkable plan for his people and for your life.
  • A Biblical Walk Through The Mass Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 5
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Dr. Edward Sri
  • Description: Take an exciting tour of the Mass and explore the biblical roots of its words and gestures. Learn the "why" behind the prayers, structures, and rituals of the Mass.
  • Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: 15-25 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Multiple (10)
  • Description: An award-winning prep program featuring twelve top Catholic presenters that excites teens about their faith. Easy to implement, with step-by-step leader’s notes, flexible scheduling options, and free online resources. Filmed in more than fifty locations with stunning, fast-paced videos. Comprehensive. Relevant. Effective.
  • Chosen: This Is Your Catholic Faith
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: 15-25 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Multiple (10)
  • Description: Win over the hearts of teens, and make them lifelong disciples of Christ by helping them to see how the sacraments, prayer, and discipleship are the keys to a happy life. Same content as Chosen Confirmation, but without references to sacrament preparation.
  • Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation
  • Number of Sessions: 5
  • Video Length: 25-30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Colin and Aimee MacIver, Fr. Josh Johnson, Mari Pablo, Chika Anyanwu, Taylor Tripodi, Bob Lesnefsky, Chris Stefanick, Richarad Krajewski, and Paul Kim
  • Description: Connected offers a unique presentation that blends glimpses of Catholic organizations at work in the world today, with accessible and attractive explanations of Church teaching, as well as engaging stories of the saints. This combination cuts through the noise to touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of your teens.
  • Encounter: A Middle School Bible Study
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart
  • Description: Help middle schoolers see God not as a distant concept but as a loving Father who desires a meaningful and lasting encounter with them. Speak to the hearts and minds of 6th to 8th graders, using the color-coded Bible Timeline to reveal God’s plan for their lives.
  • Ephesians: Discover Your Inheritance
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: In this Great Adventure Bible study, Learn about the Church as a body, as a household, as a mystery, as a communion, as a bride, and as an army. Discover your place within the Church and your inheritance as a son or daughter of the King.
  • Epic: A Journey Through Church History
  • Number of Sessions: 20
  • Video Length: 50 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Steve Weidenkopf
  • Description: This exciting 20-part series explores the major people, places, and events that make up the history of the Catholic Church.
  • Epic: The Early Church
  • Number of Sessions: 10
  • Video Length: 45 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Steve Weidenkopf
  • Description: The second study in the Epic Church history series, The Early Church is a 10-part program that presents in exciting and dramatic detail the first 500 years of the Church through the lives and events of the saints, philosophers, theologians, martyrs, and ruthless emperors.
  • Exodus: Called to Freedom
  • Number of Sessions: 10
  • Video Length: 28 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Tim Gray
  • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study reveals how the Exodus story isn't just Israel's story of freedom from the Egyptians, but a story that foreshadows the freedom from sin that comes through Christ.
  • First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community
  • Number of Sessions: 11
  • Video Length: 28 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Tim Gray
  • Description: This Great Adventure study explores the key elements of the gospel message that Paul introduced to a new and growing Church. In this 11-part program, presenter Tim Gray examines Paul’s advice for living an authentic Christian life in a pagan culture, as well as his teachings about the nature of grace, the Church as the body of Christ, and the most powerful gift of all–the Eucharist.
  • Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30-35 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Dr. Edward Sri
  • Description: In this Bible study on the Gospel of John, Edward Sri guides participants to a deep personal encounter with Christ and a life of committed discipleship.
  • Freedom to Love
  • Number of Sessions: 5
  • Video Length: 50 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Christopher West
  • Description: Christopher West presents a five-part series for young adults that explores how the Theology of the Body provides a roadmap for freedom in love.
  • Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism (Part One)
  • Number of Sessions: 14 sessions; Parts 1 & 2 contain 7 sessions each
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Sonja Corbitt
  • Description: Using the Old Testament tabernacle as a blueprint for God’s plan, Fulfilled reveals how the most questioned Catholic teachings are faithfully rooted in Scripture. Part One focuses on the elements found in the outer sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the liturgical calendar, the priesthood, purgatory, baptism, and more. Part Two focuses on the elements found in the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the Magisterium, the Eucharist, incense, Mary, and more.
  • Galatians: Set Free to Live
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 45 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: Through this Great Adventure Bible study, re-ignite your love for God as you learn of the astonishing, merciful love that the Father has for you, and the extraordinary gift of salvation that Jesus has won for you.
  • The Gift: Your Call to Greatness
  • Number of Sessions: 1
  • Video Length: 60 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Christopher West
  • Description: Find answers to some of the most fundamental questions of human existence: What will bring the happiness we all long for? What is our origin, history, and destiny? Why were we created male and female?
  • Great Adventure Kids
  • Number of Sessions: n/a
  • Video Length: n/a
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins and Sarah Christmyer
  • Description: Teach young children the narrative story of salvation history using the five items in this package (Bible Timeline Chart, Card Game Set, Bible Story Coloring Book, Bookmark, and Prayer Beads) which are based on the color-coded system of The Great Adventure.
  • God’s Plan in Scripture Starter Pack
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: n/a
  • Video Presenter(s): Written by Emily Cavins, Lisa Bromschwig, Regina Neville, and Linda Wandrei
  • Description: This Starter Pack contains everything a leader needs to begin the God’s Plan in Scripture (GPS) program, including:
    • Teacher’s Guide
    • Storybook
    • Beginner Student Workbook
    • Intermediate Student Workbook
    • Advanced Student Workbook
    • Plays
    • Bible Timeline Bookmark
    • Bible Timeline Chart
    God's Plan in Scripture (GPS) is the perfect Catholic Bible study for children. This program consists of twenty-four lessons that guide children through the story of salvation using a color-coded system of biblical periods. Through fun and engaging activities, discussions, and plays, children will experience God as a loving Father who has a great plan for them.
  • God’s Plan in Scripture Storybook
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: n/a
  • Video Presenter(s): Written by Emily Cavins, Lisa Bromschwig, Regina Neville, and Linda Wandrei
  • Description: Introduce children to the Bible as God’s love story for them. Use the same color-coding and chronological approach as the adult Great Adventure Bible Timeline to teach children about the scriptural basis for the Rosary, the Sacraments, and Mass responses.
  • GPS God’s Plan in Scripture Teacher's Guide
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: n/a
  • Video Presenter(s): Written by Emily Cavins, Lisa Bromschwig, Regina Neville, and Linda Wandrei
  • Description: Through this comprehensive Bible curriculum for young people from kindergarten to 8th grade, learn how to use God’s Plan in Scripture Storybook, the Bible, and The Catechism of the Catholic Church to guide students through salvation history and show them how our Catholic faith is rooted in Scripture.
  • How to Pray Like Mary (Book with online videos to complement)
  • Number of Sessions: 6 videos, no DVDs available online
  • Video Length: 12 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Sonja Corbitt
  • Description: Starting with Mary’s response to the Annunciation, Sonja Corbitt shows you how to pray with Scripture under the guidance of the Blessed Mother. You will learn a powerful practice for daily prayer as Mary models it: L–listen, O–observe, V–verbalize, E–entrust. Sonja draws from vivid biblical texts to show you the key to loving Scripture and deepening your relationship with God.
  • Into the Heart: A Journey Through the Theology of the Body
  • Number of Sessions: 16
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Christopher West
  • Description: Building upon An Introduction to the Theology of the Body, Into the Heart will move you deeper into this life-changing message, enabling you to apply and integrate it into every aspect of your life. Here you will be given the tools needed to develop the sacramental worldview that is so crucial to living an authentic human sexuality.
  • An Introduction to the Theology of the Body
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Christopher West
  • Description: Based on Saint John Paul II’s revolutionary teaching and presented by world-renowned speaker and author Christopher West, An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life, is a comprehensive system designed to lay a firm foundation for those who desire to incorporate the Theology of the Body into their daily lives.
  • James: Pearls for Wise Living
  • Number of Sessions: 11
  • Video Length: 50 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study looks to the book of James to provide practical solutions for handling everyday circumstances faced by ordinary Christians who struggle to meet the competing demands of this world and their faith.
  • Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
  • Number of Sessions: 10
  • Video Length:Approx. 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s):Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Jeff Cavins, And Edward Sri.
  • Description:This program explores the entirety of Jesus’ life: his relationship with the Father, and his extraordinary influence on his disciples, his followers, and even his enemies. Filmed on location in The Holy Land, it lets Catholics experience the extraordinary world in which Jesus lived and taught.
  • Joy-Filled Marriage Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 6 sessions in God's Plan & 6 sessions in Life Skills
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Christopher West
  • Description: This program offers a comprehensive approach to marriage preparation that covers not only the sacramentality and theology of marriage, but the practical life skills necessary to live out the rich Catholic vision of marriage.
  • Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Dr. Edward Sri
  • Description: Go on an extraordinary pilgrimage into the powerful drama of Mary's earthly life, learn more about her and how she continues to work in your life today, helping you to become more like Christ.
  • Matthew: The King and His Kingdom
  • Number of Sessions: 24
  • Video Length: 50-55 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: In this Great Adventure Bible study that focused on the Gospel of Matthew, watch Jesus fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, establish the New Law, and inaugurate the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
  • Momnipotent
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Danielle Bean
  • Description: Find encouragement and discover the eight feminine strengths that will lead you to peace, balance, and joy in your vocation as a mom. Journey with other mothers through the concerns, happiness, and challenging experiences that motherhood brings.
  • No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion
  • Number of Sessions: 5 sessions; 1 bonus video on the Resurrection
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Dr. Edward Sri featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Jennifer Fulwiler, Curtis Martin, Teresa Tomeo, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Elizabeth Sri
  • Description: Walk through the last hours of Christ's life: See how Old Testament prophecies, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. Filmed on location in the Holy Land.
  • Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Fr. Mark Toups
  • Description: Become aware of God’s presence in your life and learn how to hear his voice in Scripture, in your heart, and in ordinary moments. Develop an authentic relationship with God and have intimate conversations with him.
  • Pillar I: The Creed
  • Number of Sessions: 12 sessions
  • Video Length: 45 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Sean Innerst
  • Description: Pillar I unpacks the structure of the Creed and builds a foundation for understanding The Catechism of the Catholic Church as the roadmap for our faith journey.
  • Pillar II: Sacraments
  • Number of Sessions: 12 sessions
  • Video Length: 45 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Sean Innerst
  • Description: Discover the sacraments as the source of grace Jesus gives us to face life’s struggles, challenges, and temptations. Learn Embrace the life transformation and healing they bring.
  • Power and Grace: A Guide to the Catholic Sacraments
  • Number of Sessions: 30
  • Video Length: 4-7 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Various
  • Description: Learn the purpose and meaning of the seven sacraments with high-quality material curated from our popular sacramental preparation and teen programs such as Chosen, Altaration, and Belonging.
  • Prophets: Messengers of God’s Mercy
  • Number of Sessions: 10
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Thomas Smith
  • Description: In this Great Adventure Bible study, discover who the Old Testament prophets were, what their message was, and how you are called to be the voice of God to others by proclaiming repentance, warning of the dangers of sin, and announcing the blessings of faithfulness.
  • Psalms: The School of Prayer
  • Number of Sessions: 11
  • Video Length: 53 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins, Sarah Christmyer, and Tim Gray
  • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study on the book of Psalms reveals how Israel's response to God serves as a model for those who are seeking him. Through this examination, learn how to address and respond to God in prayer.
  • Quick Catholic Lessons
  • Number of Sessions: 15 sessions; 2 additional videos for leaders
  • Video Length: 6-10 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Fr. Mike Schmitz
  • Description: If you are a teacher or leader looking for a resource based on the wildly popular Father Mike videos, something that creates a fun and engaging experience for your group, this curriculum-type, spiral-bound book is for you! Includes DVD and reproducible handouts on fifteen important topics.
  • Quick Catholic Lessons 2
  • Number of Sessions: 15 sessions
  • Video Length: 5-10 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Fr. Mike Schmitz
  • Description: More done-for-you lesson plans based on Fr. Mike's videos. Many of those working in Catholic parishes and schools have found the growing library of Fr. Mike Schmitz’s videos on Ascension Presents to be an effective resource. As classroom supplements, these make topics come even more lesson plans based on Fr. Mike’s popular videos can alive for students. They are also great resources for parish ministry; they work as small-group prompts for campus ministry sessions, for Confirmation candidates and their parents, for youth group nights, and many others.
  • Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary
  • Number of Sessions: 1 thirty minute introductory video available on DVD and online, followed by 4 shorter videos (3-5 minutes in length) available online
  • Video Length:
  • Video Presenter(s): Fr. Mark Toups, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Sr. Miriam James
  • Description: This Advent, don’t get caught up in the busyness or lost in the anxiety of preparing for a day. Prepare for the person of Jesus by encountering Mary in the quiet of your heart. Imagine having an Advent that is more peaceful, more joyful, and more meaningful than ever before.
  • Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come
  • Number of Sessions: 11
  • Video Length: 53 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study examines how Revelation is more than an apocalyptic vision of the "end times," but is most importantly a revelation of God as the Divine Bridegroom and the Church as his spotless Bride.
    • Romans: The Gospel of Salvation
    • Number of Sessions: 8
    • Video Length: Approx. 30 min.
    • Video Presenter(s): Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins
    • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study explores the ways in which Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's prophecies, which leads to the universal, "Catholic" family of God. It provides an authentically Catholic, comprehensive, and simple way to understand the overarching theme of Romans—salvation.
  • Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family
  • Number of Sessions: 12
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Rose Sweet
  • Description: Experience hope and healing from the pain and loneliness of a broken marriage. Divorce and separation cause unexpected and unimaginable heartache, questions, and challenges. Get expert answers to your questions. Laugh, cry, and identify with the testimonies of others.
  • T3: The Teen Timeline
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart
  • Description: Make the Bible come alive for Catholic teens by unpacking scripture in a relateable way and showing them the “big picture” of salvation history.
  • T3 Acts: The Keys and the Sword
  • Number of Sessions: 4
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart
  • Description: Understand the main characters, doctrines, and events that make up this "gospel of the Holy Spirit." Includes the Ascension, Pentecost, Sts. Peter and Paul, evangelization, the sacramental ministry, the first Christian communities, the call to offer our lives as living witnesses.
  • T3 Matthew: Thy Kingdom Come
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart
  • Description: Encounter the authentic Jesus of the Gospels and enter into the drama of his life. This study covers Jesus' birth, duel with Satan, Sermon on the Mount, miracles and parables.
  • T3 Revelation: The Lion and the Lamb
  • Number of Sessions: 4
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart
  • Description: Unpack the myths about Revelation, the end times, the Mark of the Beast, and give your teens an invaluable foundation for understanding what has become the most talked about (and most misunderstood) book in Sacred Scripture.
  • Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 20 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Brian Butler, Jason Evert, Colin MacIver, and Aimee MacIver
  • Description: Give middle schoolers solid answers to tough questions concerning their bodies, their sexuality, and their future. Help them deal with bullying, gossip, peer pressure, and divorce. This study also addresses balancing family, friends, school, God, music, TV, internet, and texting.
  • Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible Disponible en español
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 30 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins
  • Description: This Great Adventure Bible study uncovers the story woven into Scripture and provides the “big picture" of salvation history.
  • Venture: The Bible Timeline for High School
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: Three 8–10 minute segments per session
  • Video Presenter(s): Mark Hart, Fr. Josh Johnson, Mari Pablo, Chika Anyanwu, Taylor Tripod, Andrew Swafford, Paul Kim, and Bob Rice
  • Description: Venture: The Bible Timeline for High School introduces teenagers to the “big picture” of salvation history in a way that is simple to understand and easy to teach.
  • Walking Toward Eternity: Daring to Walk the Walk
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 50 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins and Emily Cavins
  • Description: Learn how to develop the seven key virtues of a Christian life: love, forgiveness, humility, prayerfulness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and thankfulness.
  • Wisdom: God's Vision for Life
  • Number of Sessions: 8
  • Video Length: 20-25 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith
  • Description: Gain confidence in discernment as you learn Biblical wisdom and see how God's vision relates to your daily life.
  • YOU: Life, Love, and The Theology of the Body
  • Number of Sessions: 10
  • Video Length: 20 min.
  • Video Presenter(s): Jason Evert, Crystalina Evert, and Brian Butler
  • Description: Cut through the noise of high school to present an authentic view identity, gender, love, and chastity. Help teens discover the truth about their bodies, their sexuality, and their call to be to selfless. This study covers tough topics like homosexuality, abortion, and pornography.