As the summer heats up and the Fourth of July draws near, we hope you have the time to take a look at all of the new free content we posted on the Ascension website this week. We aren’t shying away from the tough issues, but address them with clarity and charity. Come take a look, see what we have posted below:
Ascension Presents
Fr. Mike Schmitz
The Church & Immigration
On the issue of immigration, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin” (CCC 2241). While elaborating on that teaching, in this video Fr. Mike also points out that a nation has a right and responsibility to protect its borders. While it’s impossible to avoid politics completely on this issue, Fr. Mike addresses primarily the Christian principles inherent in the immigration debate. Watch video …
Encountering the Word
No Human Is Merely Mortal
In this week’s Encountering the Word video for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jeff Cavins reflects upon the eternal aspects of our existence and that we are all creations of God. The readings are:
First Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15
Alleluia: cf. 2 Timothy 1:10
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35B-43
Matt Fradd
The 3 Elements of a Good Argument
Who would have thought there actually is a correct way to argue? In this video, Matt explains the three elements of a good argument: clear terms, true premises, and valid logic. These elements are so distinct and concise, it’s a wonder why people don’t use them in their everyday debates more often. Maybe you’re someone who tries to avoid arguments or debates because you think your thoughts on a matter are just your own opinion; but by using these three guidelines in logic, we can avoid that relativistic pitfall and gain more confidence in what we have to say. Watch video …
Find out more about Matt Fradd at MattFradd.com.
The CFRs
Lost and Suicidal Man Seeks Christ
Sometimes all a person needs is someone to remind them that God is with them. In this video, Father Emmanuel tells the story of a man whose car broke down at the merge of two highways. He was despairing about his life, but Father Emmanuel was able to minister to him just by being present at the scene. The many instances where God was at work in this story are real and apparent. As Father Emmanuel says, sometimes you just have to stop the car and let God be God. Watch video …
Ascension Podcasts
Blood Transfusion
What would you do if someone you loved refused something that could save their life? Listen …
Infant Baptism, Ending Friendships, and Purgatory
Fr. Josh answers questions about baptizing infants, ending friendships, and the purpose of purgatory. If you have a question, comment, or a response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Listen …
Give People What You Have!
How do you share your faith with someone who is opposing you or bombards you with question after question? Today Jeff shares three things to remember when sharing about the Catholic Faith. You have the opportunity to change someone’s life, so be prepared to give the world what you have! Listen …
One Parish’s Winning Formula for Confirmation Prep
One parish in Louisiana transformed their confirmation prep ministry by making three simple, yet powerful changes. Their teens went from begrudgingly memorizing answers about Catholicism, being confirmed, and then disappearing from church, to becoming active participants in their parish – truly on fire for the Catholic Faith. Listen as Colin MacIver, a contributor for Chosen: Your Journey Towards Confirmation, shares this story of incredible transformation and the formula that made it possible.
“The idea of Chosen is to have a great resource so that the focus and energy of your team and your parish isn’t “How do I say this perfectly?”, it’s, “How do I build these relationships well, and how do I model and mentor being a disciple?” Listen …
5 Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List
Summer is a time set apart, and so I see … opportunity! To set a goal! To try something new! This week, I’m sharing some ideas I think you should consider adding to your list of goals this summer. What is going on your bucket list this summer? I would love to hear from you about what goals you are setting for yourself and your family during this season. Listen …
Ascension Blog
The Missions of Sts. Peter and Paul Passed on to Us
Christian devotion to Saints Peter and Paul is of a most ancient origin. The special Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul has always been celebrated in Rome, at least since the reign of the emperor Constantine. Some Roman catacombs from this time period possess graffiti asking for the prayers of these great saints. One scribbled inscription reads, “Paul and Peter, make intercession for Victor”. Read More …
Liberty, How Can We Rediscover You?
If you enter the old CIA headquarters lobby, one thing you will notice are the words of Christ chiseled into the marble wall. Taken from John 8:32, the engraving reads:
“AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.”
Believe it or not, this verse actually is the motto of the Central Intelligence Agency. Read More …
Embracing Confirmation Prep as a Challenge and an Opportunity
When asked why he first decided to write and develop a Confirmation program, Chris Stefanick said, “Confirmation is one of those few intersections that the Church—in all its beauty and power—has in the lives of the average Catholic. I served for four and a half years at a parish in East LA, and found that there was no single resource available that would both fully catechize and effectively evangelize teens.” Read More …
One Month After Abortion Vote in Ireland, Have We Already Forgotten?
What was once unthinkable happened on May 25. When the people of Ireland voted to remove from their constitution the provision that protected unborn children, people the world over looked on, baffled that the land once known as the Island of Saints and Scholars had fallen so far. Read More …
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