Want to go deeper in your Catholic faith — or explore it for the first time? The Word on Fire Institute is the educational arm of Bishop Robert Barron's global media ministry, forming confident evangelists through prayer, learning, community, and action.^1
The Institute offers 55+ courses and films across nine categories, monthly live seminars with Q&A sessions, 15+ expert-led communities (covering topics from theology and apologetics to writing and art), certificate programs, and an accredited Master of Arts in Evangelization & Culture through a partnership with The Catholic University of America.^2 Members also receive Evangelization & Culture, a quarterly print journal now in its seventeenth issue. The platform is available on iOS and Android, so formation can happen anywhere.^3
What sets the Institute apart is its vision of building a "digital city of God" — a thriving network of over 29,000 members united by a love for Christ and a willingness to engage the culture with beauty, goodness, and truth.^1 Led by Dr. Matthew Petrusek and supported by a team of professors and fellows, the Institute descends from the spirit of St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization.^4 In 2025, Word on Fire celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, and in 2026 announced its first-ever theatrical documentary release, Heaven in Stone and Glass, an immersive exploration of France's Gothic cathedrals.^5
Why Christians Love It"I was an under-catechized 'none' who rediscovered faith through the Word on Fire podcast and books. Since joining the Word on Fire Institute, I have grown in leaps and bounds." — Peter^1
"This app complements the website perfectly with a highly intuitive and helpful user interface. I can spend my time learning and growing in my faith instead of streaming Instagram and growing nowhere."^3
"Word on Fire Institute provides a depth in its content that isn't available anywhere else. For those looking for a daily devotional or a place to seek sound teaching on specific topics, this is the place to go."^3
Notable- Bishop Barron is one of the most-followed Catholics on social media and creator of the award-winning CATHOLICISM documentary series^6
- Partnership with The Catholic University of America offers an accredited MA in Evangelization & Culture; a 33-credit hybrid program with live online courses and a summer residency in Washington, D.C.^2
- Word on Fire celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025; Heaven in Stone and Glass, its first theatrical documentary, arrives in U.S. theatres September 2026^5
- The College Bible Campaign has distributed over 25,000 copies of The Gospels to students on 100+ campuses nationwide^7
- Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit^1
