Ascension Press Aiding Parishes and Schools in Teen and Pre-Teen Chastity Formation
Contact: Kate Camden, Ascension Press, 484-875-4550 ext 216, kcamden@ascensionpress.com
WEST CHESTER, Penn., March 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a recent meeting with American bishops, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the use of programs to "recover an appreciation of the virtue of chastity" in their dioceses, citing chastity formation as a key component to renewing the vision of authentic sexuality in the Church and in society as a whole.
Ascension Press is leading the way in implementing this advice from the Holy Father through their "Theology of the Body for Teens" high school and middle school programs. Pope Benedict's recommendation of doing more than "presenting arguments, but of appealing to an integrated, consistent and uplifting vision of human sexuality" is an apt description of these exciting and effective programs.
Brian Butler, co-author of both editions of the "Theology of the Body for Teens" program, made note of the dramatic freedom he has seen in the teens who have discovered the gift of chastity. "Young people are tired of being lied to and are hungry for the truth. We have seen so many lives transformed through this program because it reveals the truth of who they are, the reality of their God-given identity underneath their experiences and desires," Butler says. "They light up with hope when they see this truth spoken to them in a language that is relevant without being relativistic, and sacred without being sappy. They are responding in freedom to the 'reasons behind the rules' that they knew but seldom understood, until now."
Several teens shared their stories of the "Theology of the Body for Teens," echoing Butler's observations. Corinne, age eighteen, experienced a profound transformation. She "searched for love in all the wrong places and fell away from the roots of my faith. Theology of the Body stripped me of my blindness and brought me back to the light of God's word. The depth of this program's teaching put forth such a powerful message of Catholic beliefs and Christ's love for me... I know now that I am not a prize, I am a precious treasure."
Anthony, age seventeen, says, "The lessons were revolutionary. Never did I hear the beliefs of the Catholic Church presented in a way that was applicable to my personal life... All the music, drugs, and sex that are displayed in our media have held a negative impact on our youth, but I believe that the TOB is the way to reverse the trend."
"Theology of the Body for Teens: High School Edition" and "Middle School Edition" are available from Ascension Press at AscensionPress.com or by calling 1-800-376-0520.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with Brian Butler, Jason Evert, or another of the authors, please contact Kate Camden at (484) 875-4550 ext. 216 or by email at kcamden@ascensionpress.com.
