# Ascension PM, DESIGN, iOS, ANDROID, QA, BE /FAITH & RELIGION # Building a digital home for the catholic faith **QUICK LINKS** [ iOS app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ascension-catholic-bible/id1660909501) [ Android app ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ascension.app&hl=en) ## FAITH IN TECH For over 25 years, Ascension has been a leading force in Catholic media — a publisher and content powerhouse committed to meeting people wherever they are on their faith journey. Best known for *The Bible in a Year*, one of the world’s top religion podcasts, Ascension creates content that’s accessible, engaging and deeply meaningful. **Tech Stack** - React Native (for seamless cross-platform development) - AWS Cloud Infrastructure (scalable backend) - AWS OpenSearch (for hybrid & semantic search) - Custom Embedding Models (for AI-driven discovery) # VISION MODERN FAITH, MEET MODERN TECH Ascension came to STRV with a vision: to build the most comprehensive Catholic app ever made — a single digital home for Scripture, catechism, study plans and community. More than just a Bible app, this platform would support people at every stage of their spiritual journey. The goal wasn’t just scale; it was significance. This platform needed to honor the depth of Catholic tradition while feeling modern, approachable and designed for daily use. STRV’s role was to bring that to life — with smart tech that could meet the moment and grow with its global audience. # CHALLENGE FAITH AT SCALE We were starting from scratch, designing and engineering every layer for an audience ranging from newcomers to seasoned theologians. The first and biggest hurdle: content. Much of Ascension’s library (including the Bible, Catechism and Bible in a Year companion) existed in legacy or print formats. We couldn’t simply load an EPUB file into a reader view. To make these resources searchable, cross-referenced and discoverable alongside podcasts, articles and study plans, we needed to completely transform them into structured, app-ready data. The goal was to enable the feature that now defines the app: deep, contextual cross-referencing that promotes discovery and helps users go deeper in their knowledge and faith. Search presented its own challenge. Users expected more than keyword matches; they wanted context, intent-based results and the ability to connect concepts across different types of content. And finally, the audience. We had to build for a massive and growing user base, capable of handling huge traffic spikes without huge infrastructure costs — while remaining personal and easy to navigate for all. **Highlights** - **4.9** APP STORE RATING - **2T+** OF STRUCTURED AND SEARCHABLE CONTENT # WHAT WE DID ENGINEERED FOR FAITH & FUTURE STRV led the full build — product management, backend and frontend development, architecture, QA and data strategy. We developed a modular backend on AWS-managed services and a cross-platform frontend in React Native. A custom parsing script transformed the Bible, Catechism, companion texts and key events into structured, offline-ready app data. These became the backbone for cross-referenced features like related content surfacing, podcast tie-ins and intuitive navigation — making discovery seamless and meaningful. Search combined semantic and exact-match retrieval, refined through real-world feedback from 1,300 closed beta testers. Managing that group became a masterclass in listening, prioritizing and implementing user input — including a major roadmap change to launch a night mode far earlier than planned (due to user demand). To ensure sustainability, we introduced a subscription model anchored by premium audio studies — a proven, high-value format beloved by Ascension’s audience. This decision drove strong adoption and financial stability from launch. The result: a stable, extensible platform designed for millions, ready to evolve as Ascension’s mission grows. **Key Insights** # BUILT ON TRUST ### **A Partnership That Moved With Purpose** This project was powered by a true partnership. From day one, we worked closely with Ascension — moving fast, iterating often and staying aligned around a shared vision. Real-time input from Facebook groups and closed beta testers kept us grounded in what users actually needed. # CAPACITY, COVERED ### **Engineered to Handle the Rush** We engineered the system to handle massive daily traffic spikes without inflating infrastructure costs. STRV’s backend architecture delivers minimal server bills and the flexibility to support even larger audiences. # FROM DOWNLOAD TO DEVOTION ### **A Habit Worth Keeping** This is beyond an app — it’s a daily ritual for thousands. Now one of the most downloaded Catholic reference apps in the world, it’s become a go-to companion for learning, reflection and spiritual growth. # OUTCOME THE WORD, DELIVERED STRV helped transform a centuries-old tradition into a seamless, AI-powered digital experience. What began as a Bible app is now a full-scale faith companion, woven into the daily routines of many. It’s a testament that timeless values and modern technology can thrive together when built with care, purpose and a foundation made to last.