Customer Reviews (500)

Robert "the data sci guy" • 2025-03-22T18:38:01-07:00

Thank you to the faithful whom have labored to bring us the good news of Jesus Christ. This application is very well done and easy to use

Horse senses • 2025-03-21T06:10:14-07:00

Always good information.

ChristensenJ • 2025-03-21T05:43:38-07:00

I love the rosary in a year podcast it has helped me grow in my faith and drawn me closer to Jesus.

Summary of Key Insights

The Ascension | Bible & Catechism app enjoys overwhelmingly positive sentiment, primarily driven by the engaging content, particularly the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year programs featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz. Users appreciate the app's ease of use and the ability to access the Bible and Catechism texts, audio, and additional resources in one place. However, some recurring issues include app glitches, feature requests (like family sharing and better iPad optimization), and concerns about previously free content being moved behind a paywall. The app is generally considered a valuable tool for spiritual growth, especially for Catholics.

  • Overall Rating: High, with a strong skew towards 5-star reviews.
  • Key Strengths: Engaging content (Fr. Mike Schmitz), ease of use, comprehensive resources, and value for spiritual growth.
  • Key Weaknesses: App glitches, iPad optimization issues, paywall concerns, and feature limitations (search, sharing, notes).
  • Overall Sentiment: Very positive.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 80.8%, 4-star: 7.4%, 3-star: 4.4%, 2-star: 2%, 1-star: 5.4%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews appear to be a mix of recent and older submissions, spanning at least several months, possibly longer. Specific dates are not provided for each review.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and categorization of user comments, keyword extraction, sentiment assessment based on star ratings and review text. No automated sentiment analysis tools were used.

Key User Pain Points

  • App Glitches/Bugs: Several users report technical issues such as the app crashing, episodes not playing, syncing problems across devices, and specific features malfunctioning (e.g., daily reflection videos not loading, chapter verses missing, inability to download episodes).
    • Impact: Frustration, disrupted user experience, and potential abandonment of the app.
  • iPad Optimization: Many users complain that the app is not fully optimized for iPad, leading to display issues (iPhone-sized view, incorrect orientation).
    • Impact: Suboptimal viewing experience, reduced usability on tablets.
  • Paywall/Subscription Concerns: A significant number of users express dissatisfaction with the introduction of a paywall for previously free content (e.g., Bible in a Year Companion notes, Q&A). Some consider the subscription price too high.
    • Impact: Negative perception of value, frustration for long-time users, potential loss of users.
  • Search Functionality: Some users find the search feature inadequate, lacking advanced options like exact match or case sensitivity.
    • Impact: Difficulty finding specific content, reduced efficiency in Bible study.
  • Sharing Limitations: Users desire the ability to easily share specific verses or content with friends and family. The current sharing options are seen as limited or unattractive.
    • Impact: Reduced potential for organic app promotion and sharing of faith.
  • Lack of Subtitles/Captions: Some deaf users report the lack of subtitles/captions for videos, limiting accessibility.
    • Impact: Excludes users with hearing impairments.
  • Login Issues: Some users have experienced being logged out unexpectedly and having to reset their passwords.
    • Impact: Inconvenience and frustration.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Family Sharing Plan: Many users request a family sharing option to make the subscription more affordable for households with multiple members.
  • Improved iPad Optimization: Full iPad support with landscape and portrait modes is a highly desired feature.
  • Dark Mode: Users want a dark mode option for easier reading in low-light conditions.
  • Enhanced Note-Taking/Highlighting: More intuitive note-taking capabilities, handwritten notes, and better organization of prayer intentions are requested.
  • Offline Download Improvements: Users want to be able to download episodes and content more reliably.
  • Apple Watch App: An Apple Watch app for listening to content without a phone is desired.
  • Multi-tasking Support on iPad: Users want to be able to use other apps alongside the Ascension app on their iPads.
  • Spanish Language Support: Some users have requested Spanish language support.
  • Widget Support: Users would like widgets for daily verses or other content.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Engaging Content: The Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year programs with Fr. Mike Schmitz are highly praised for their clarity, insight, and engaging presentation.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to navigate and user-friendly.
  • Comprehensive Resources: The app provides access to a wide range of resources, including the Bible, Catechism, daily readings, podcasts, and study plans, all in one place.
  • Spiritual Growth: Users report that the app has helped them deepen their faith, understand the Bible better, and improve their prayer life.
  • Convenience: The app allows users to access religious content anytime and anywhere.
  • Free Content: Users appreciate the availability of free content, including the Bible and Catechism texts and the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year audio.
  • Reliable Podcast Playback: Users appreciate the ability to resume podcasts where they left off.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Fix App Glitches/Bugs: Address the reported technical issues (crashing, playback problems, syncing errors) immediately to improve user experience and prevent churn.
    • Optimize for iPad: Provide full iPad support with landscape and portrait modes to cater to tablet users.
    • Re-evaluate Paywall: Consider offering a more affordable subscription tier or restoring some previously free content to address user concerns about the paywall.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Search Functionality: Enhance the search feature with advanced options (exact match, case sensitivity) to improve content discovery.
    • Enhance Sharing Options: Implement easier and more visually appealing ways to share verses and content on social media.
    • Implement Dark Mode: Add a dark mode option for better readability in low-light conditions.
    • Improve Offline Download: Fix issues with downloading and playing episodes offline.
  • Low Priority:
    • Develop Apple Watch App: Create an Apple Watch app for convenient listening without a phone.
    • Add Spanish Language Support: Consider adding Spanish language support to broaden the app's reach.
    • Implement Widget Support: Add widgets for daily verses or other content to increase user engagement.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Catholic Social Network: A social network specifically for Catholics, integrated with Bible study and prayer tools, could be a valuable platform for community and faith sharing.
  • Personalized Prayer Journal App: An app that allows users to organize prayer intentions, track prayer habits (e.g., rosaries, masses), and reflect on their spiritual journey could be a compelling offering.
  • Subscription Bundling Platform: A platform that bundles multiple Catholic apps and resources (e.g., Ascension, Hallow, Catholic Answers) into a single, affordable subscription could provide greater value to users.
  • Accessibility-Focused Bible App: An app specifically designed for users with disabilities, with features like text-to-speech, customizable font sizes, and sign language interpretation of Bible verses, could address an underserved market.

Trends and Observations

  • Fr. Mike Schmitz' Influence: The popularity of the app is heavily tied to the presence and engaging style of Fr. Mike Schmitz.
  • Catholic Community Focus: Users appreciate the app's focus on Catholic teachings and traditions.
  • Desire for Deeper Engagement: Users are looking for ways to engage more deeply with the Bible and their faith, as evidenced by the requests for enhanced note-taking, sharing, and community features.
  • Value-Conscious Users: Many users are sensitive to pricing and are looking for affordable options for accessing religious content.
  • Growing Demand for Mobile Accessibility: Users increasingly expect apps to be accessible on a variety of devices (iPad, Apple Watch) and in different environments (dark mode, offline).
  • Appreciation for Free Features: Users appreciate the availability of free content and are disappointed when features are moved behind a paywall.

Conclusion

The Ascension | Bible & Catechism app is a highly valued resource for Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of the Bible and Catechism. The app's strengths lie in its engaging content, ease of use, and comprehensive resources. However, addressing the identified pain points (app glitches, iPad optimization, paywall concerns) and implementing the requested features (family sharing, dark mode, improved note-taking) will be crucial for retaining users, attracting new subscribers, and maximizing the app's potential. Prioritizing bug fixes and optimization is key to maintaining a positive user experience.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ascension-bible-catechism/id1660909501?uo=2