Ascension’s new ‘Connected’ program helps Catholic teens tackle social justice

Ascension

New resource for youth ministry emphasizes Christ as the source of unity amid social divisions

In Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, Catholic evangelists Fr. Josh Johnson and Mari Pablo present Jesus Christ’s healing message as the antidote to all social division. The co-hosts pull from Scripture, Church teaching, the lives of the saints, and interviews with Catholic social justice leaders to cast a vision for human society steeped in God’s justice and mercy.

Fr. Josh and Mari Pablo are joined in their presentations by an incredible team of speakers and Catholic social justice leaders, including Chika Anyanwu, Bob Lesnefsky, Paul J. Kim, the Sisters of Life, and more.


Connected focuses on five traditional areas of Catholic social teaching, each a challenging and complex topic close to the heart of many teens:

  • God’s Creation and Stewardship
  • The Dignity of Human Life
  • Solidarity, Race, and Responsibility
  • Poverty and the Dignity of Work
  • Family: The Foundation of Society

“This program is meant to help us fulfill the desires of Jesus that He expresses to us in the Gospels,” explains co-presenter Fr. Josh Johnson. “Namely, to love God and neighbor – especially in the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable.” 

“Then, what the teens learn from the program can be shared with others,” adds co-presenter Mari Pablo. “That will spark fruitful conversation, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit they will use their own voices, go out, take action, and evangelize.” 

Connected is designed to run for five sessions in a youth ministry or religious education setting of high school or college-age youth. The program features artistic videos exploring Catholic social justice leaders and initiatives, as well as participant workbooks and a leader’s guide. 

Shop Connected at www.AscensionPress.com/Connected 

Limited interviews are available with Fr. Josh Johnson and Mari Pablo. Contact Lauren Joyce for more information.

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Contact:
Lauren Joyce
Ascension
484-876-1400
[email protected]

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.


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