The One Thing Connecting All of Catholic Social Teaching (feat. Fr. Josh, Mari, and Chika)

Have you ever heard of Catholic social teaching? Do you know what it's all about?
Each of us was made in the image of God-unique and unrepeatable-and those of us who are baptized have the Holy Spirit living within us. This makes us walking temples of Christ, and as reflections of him we should be standing up for the sanctity of life in all forms, from outlawing abortion and euthanasia, to examining capital punishment and eliminating discrimination.
Today, Fr. Josh, Mari, and Chika talk about what it really means to be pro-life in every way in today’s society.
Looking for more content like this? Check out Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation (tinyurl.com/yf...) a five-session program that leads teens to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Church’s teachings on how we should treat our world, each other, and ourselves.
❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍
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[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Jesus I adore you, ever present in “The Blessed Sacrament.” 💒💒💒

[@chachatruth3534]

AMEN!!

[@jenalietorres5314]

Y'all please pray for my friend, we had a big discussion over abortion and I pray that Jesus can open her eyes and teach her to apriciate life❤️🙏

[@domenical.2261]

I mean... I just prayed about this a couple hours ago!!!! God answered!

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Aw, thank you kindly. “God Bless y’all and all the whole World.” 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@paularamon654]

AMEN!!! Can’t wait for this new program....exactly what the world needs..

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

This day 3 years ago Irish people voted to repeal the (pro-life) 8th amendment. This video could not have been better timing.

[@chachatruth3534]

6660 BABIES last year I wonder how many now? I cant BELIEVE the IRISH fell!

[@angelataplin5671]

Just watched this trailer. The programme is for teens? Wow. But we ALL need it 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Richie016]

s a Christian we live a life with God at the center of all things, a life driven by love, kindness and sharing as a common fraternal brotherhood in Jesus Christ.

[@chachatruth3534]

AMEN!!

[@dsc4178]

Nicely said. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

[@mazikode]

Loking forward to this program

[@t2bzofree4798]

Consistent Life Ethic. All of these issues are connected and cannot be solved one at a time. I’m looking forward to this series.

[@hallower1980]

I admit, I look forward to this series with a mix of hope and caution. Too often, Catholic social teaching is misrepresented or misapplied; often by our own shepherds. Catholic teaching is more defined on morals (basic principles regarding right relationships) than on ethics (application of morals to specific circumstances). There are scenarios like abortion in which the answers are simple. (It's never permissible to kill an innocent person to spare someone hardship.) But more often application of our values, priorities, and methods is not so simple. For example, the Church teaches that executions are rarely permissible, not that death penalties are absolutely and unconditionally immoral. That ethic, like the ethic of Just War, leaves room for discernment. Much of the difficulty regards the facts from which consideration and debate can proceed. Until we agree about the nature of a problem, we can't cooperate to address it. With disagreements about trustworthy sources of information, even establishing a starting point is difficult. Catholics today agree that racism is evil, but disagree about who and what is racist. We agree that strangers and foreigners should be welcomed, but disagree about how that applies to immigration laws. We agree that the vulnerable should be defended from disease, but disagree about measures of risk and acceptable tradeoffs (ie, other risks and harms). We agree that our wealth is given to us for sharing, but disagree about the priority of free will in giving (a forced action does not express charity or love). We agree that gay neighbors should be loved, but disagree about how to love them. In short, we all acknowledge the virtues and gifts of the spirit but disagree about the prudential balance of values that love demands. It is sadly possible to be unjust in pursuit of justice. When's the last time you heard a bishop discuss the Church's teaching of subsidiarity with regard to a specific ethic? Anyway, we should begin as always with prayer. I pray often that Christians may be united in clarity. Love is not possible without truth. We need to see the world as one before we can act as one... not to establish paradise on earth, but to bear witness to God's goodness until Jesus comes again in glory to remake the world.

[@laurenbennett3030]

This was so well-written. Thank you for putting into words what makes this so hard!

[@dakotaescher1]

When we devalue one life we devalue all life.

[@hallower1980]

Another common problem in consideration of Christian ethics is that people conflate social action with government action. They are related, but not the same or equivalent. Much can be done non-legally and even informally. Government-operated welfare programs have been normalized in the past century. But do you imagine that your ancestors before such laws existed callously disregarded the needs and pains of their neighbors? Of course they didn't. Human nature does not change (not since Pentecost, anyway). Before the modern welfare state, people helped each other through a variety of non-legal arrangements and associations - extended families and churches chief among them. The Catholic principle of subsidiarity holds that needs should be addressed at the most local level possible. The people closest to a problem generally care more deeply and understand more precisely. Also, charity is a gift of spirit; the self-giving aspect of God's divine love. Charity is personal. It is not an abstract redistribution of goods from one faceless group to another. Charity expresses love by personal sacrifice and personal concern - taking this treasure of my own to give freely to this person I care to know and love as an individual. Charity treats the whole person, body and soul. There are of course justifiable roles for governments and organizations to accomplish what individuals and immediate neighbors cannot. But, like the Church emphasizes an "option" (priority) for the poor, the Church by doctrine favors the most individualized and personally invested care possible. We can "see Jesus" in our neighbors' eyes, but not in statistics. We can love persons better than we can love lists of names and needs. Mother Theresa of Calcutta embodied Christ's love for the poor. She said the poor needed to be loved as individuals even more than they needed food and medicine. Incidentally, this comment was promoted by an Aquinas 101 reflection on angels and demons. Among the loving, power is used to serve the weaker. Among the loveless, power is used to dominate the weaker. With government, every power afforded for good use is also then available for evil or foolish use. Catholics may disagree with each other about amounts and types of power it is prudent to afford governments or organizations. Remember that the ancient Jews after the Exodus asked the Lord for kings and at times regretted that choice.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Thanks y’all. Hugs galore...

[@ponypublications]

Looking forward to this!! Loving our neighbors should be our default as Christians, not a political statement. I can’t wait to hear what y’all have to say! 😊

[@janbeck7989]

what a brilliant presentation. I look forward to hearing more!

[@derpoise9751]

Christ the King can’t wait for Fr. Josh to come to LSU!!

[@WarriorKnitter]

This is a good way to get our young people re-interested in and re-energize their Catholic faith. Our young people also need to be better catechized. If they were so many would not be leaving the faith. Once we get them re-engaged through Catholic social teaching we can at the same time evangelize and catechize them and through them others and so on.

[@lidette711]

This looks like a very lively group. What a blessing to be learning from y'all. :)

[@lupsy54]

I am excited for this!!!! 🙌🏼💗🙏🏼

[@waltbaby4357]

I’m looking forward to this

[@karinagbarros6301]

God bless you guys

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Right on “We Are One.”

[@Lisamaema]

this is amazing! so excited

[@rosey_views]

So excited for this! ❤️

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

“Go @Ascension Presents this is how we do it...” 🤣🎼🙌🏻

[@maryvictor1739]

IT IS VERY INTERESTING, THANK U. MAY THE LORD BLESS U ABUNDANTLY. By Saba K. and I was born in Middle East now Christian CATHOLIC, & Canadian.

[@karinagbarros6301]

WE LOVE YA

[@curtisgross6328]

This looks great! In conversations about racism, I would like to see the topic of scrupulosity addressed. Fighting against real, manifest racism is extremely important, but I think it can be damaging to see racism in everything (the classic definition of scrupulosity is “to see sin in everything”). I’m interested in dialogue about real policies and practices that manifestly favor one ethnic group over another, or are derogatory towards certain peoples. I hope this dialogue doesn’t descend into a focus on “micro-aggressions” and “white privilege.” It can be very damaging to make rash judgements about the comments people make, trying to find a way to make a neutral comment or even a compliment into a racist “micro-aggression.” This divides people and makes people nervous to even talk to minorities. Also, it’s not fair to label groups of people as racists merely because of their skin color or social status. These strategies are Marxist and divisive. My hope is that the conversation which happens here is educational and fruitful!

[@karinagbarros6301]

Can’t wait !

[@jacobschuler2591]

I hope that they hit on the encyclical "human vitae" and mention how the lack of teaching from this has led to so many ills in society today, such as increased divorce, increased abortion, lowering morality, gender confusion.

[@imalive4u169]

The judgement of nations in Matthew 25:31-46 is an example of how we are judged by God for our deeds what we done and what we failed to do. How we treat others is how we treat our Lord which is why to love your neighbors as you love yourself is the golden rule.

[@Teamfra]

Sooo jazzed !!! You three 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@no_prisoners6474]

Wonderful

[@terricolarusso2639]

I can’t wait for the new program

[@nicoleyoshihara4011]

Love this program 😊🙌❤

[@karinagbarros6301]

Love

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@deborahnadler782]

Let us get real- of course everyone who is Christian believes life is precious however are we willing to walk with the woman (where is the man? Are we willing to ask him to be as accountable?) Back to the point to walk with the woman day in and day out .... contemplation needed. Contemplate her view her reality her and undoubtedly intertwined reality...

[@aname1264]

You’re absolutely right. There’s no question that abortion is wrong, but sadly many Catholics think that fixing abortion simply translates to voting Republican when, debatably, the pro-choice Democrats seem to offer more for single mothers thus incentivizing keeping the baby or at least not condemning the single mother to a life of poverty as a result. It’s a tricky issue because neither party fully reflects or mirrors Catholic social teaching so here we are left divided.

[@teachavid1]

Look at the actual research on this topic, we need policies that strengthen the family. Democrat social welfare incentivises single parenthood. The data is clear. Look at the research by aclaimed academic Thomas Sowell. Democrat social welfare policies look to replace the government in place of the father.

[@aname1264]

@@teachavid1 that’s a problem sure, but what do you suggest we do to help single mothers other than charity? (I’m only skeptical of charity replacing welfare because it involves the American people actually caring enough to voluntarily help others in need on a mass scale and that’s a joke in of itself.)

[@karinagbarros6301]

Yessssssssss

[@IONov990]

I am very nervous about this addressing uncomfortable topics. The division is the West definitely affects personal relationships.

[@bill7778]

Jesus met evil head on. As the angels said "fear not". The evil ones are addressing and "normalizing" evil behavior every day on all social media platforms.

[@IONov990]

@@bill7778 It can be hard to know what is evil or not. It can be hard to condemn evil.

[@bill7778]

@@IONov990 ok, not trying to condemn, but I think the chatechism spells out most of it clearly.

[@IONov990]

@@bill7778 I should trust the catechism over human opinion

[@angelalemos9811]

Okaayy not too bad but I would have liked elaboration when it comes to the mention of racism and policies. Great video so far still not convinced this won't turn into a "modernism", heretical, apostasy pot of mess. We shall see

[@crobeastness]

That's what I was waiting for too.

[@angelalemos9811]

@@crobeastness sad that's our current state of affairs 😣😣

[@user-pf3ei6gw1f]

You're right. There was a previous video of Ascension Presents about racism but instead of saying Black Lives Matter is NOT an organization that promotes Christian values, it simply said that racism is bad. We all know that already (roll eyes). they should have condemned the actions of BLM instead.

[@angelalemos9811]

@@user-pf3ei6gw1f can't remember if I have seen that one or not but that makes me annoyed because either they are marxists and agree with them or they are somewhat dodging the real topic here. Although this was a general video to start with and I am happy that they are prolife. The things I mentioned before is what I feel we are headed towards. Doesn't make me happy. Ascension is not a place where I am convinced that everyone is a respectful and decently logical people. You look at other channels and you have no doubts. You look at this and I think somewhere in there is disrespectful, misleading, commies trying to manifest 🤪

[@christygarcia4843]

Elaboration is coming. This video is only the trailer, the commercial, for a series they are working on.

[@karinagbarros6301]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@karinagbarros6301]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@charizardsniper5064]

I love this video it talks about a very important thing that we must do. The videos about social justices and stuff wonderful videos cuz that is something we need other wise it’s just ppl doing what they want and we all know where that leads too. Not to get to far off subject cuz I’m not but where does the Church stand on the 2A? In the Bible we have David vs Goliath, the Jews given permission to defend themselves after Ester uncovered a plot to kill them all, Jesus himself saying to go out and to get a sword to defend yourself which is why Peter had one at the garden and so many more time throughout history where the need for weapons was necessary for some form of freedom or protection. Protectors need weapons to defend the guy with the Bible and don’t angels open carry swords? I have heard of some priests and nuns conceal carrying and Saints form the past taking up arms to defend the ppl and the church and the holy land. We talk a lot about acceptance of others, equal justice and liberty for all, reflection of ourselves to see what’s in there and how we can improve through God. We always talk about the sheep why never the shepherds? Not the metaphorical ones the real ones out there every day stopping ppl form jumping off bridges, stopping mass shootings, stopping a burglary with their children in the house. You think it’s hard trying to talk a woman out of an abortion try aiming a gun at another because he/she will not stop charging at you with what ever he/she has in their hands hoping they do before you have to make a decision that will effect lives for years to come and in some states they go after the defender not the aggressor. So tell me Father Mike, Jackie, etc where does the church stand you make these videos and I’m asking make one about the ppl that ACTUALLY make you safe. Give an answer without giving and answer and I know who I’m actually talking to. Please I struggled for years if I should pick up a gun or not because I love God and his creations........ I prayed I got my answer and now I have one strapped to me everyday. This is serious please make a video.

[@tonischroeder6716]

I really try to understand Catholic Social Teaching. However, I cannot for the life of me understand how some people think they can be pro choice. Can someone explain this to me?

[@clq2461]

This is an honest question and not a troll. I also do not mean this in any ill will. Why is it when social justice teaching is done now days, it seems like it can only be done by people who are not Caucasian? You have a panel of these beautiful people with different backgrounds, different skin color, but not one of them is Caucasian. Could Ascension not find one Caucasian who knows social justice to join the panel? I am not saying that these people cannot teach us about social justice. I have seen them in many other types of teaching videos so I know what they are like and I like watching many of them. I am just so tired of the world telling us Caucasians that we do not know what social justice really means so we need to be taught by anyone other than a Caucasian person. Again I do not have a problem with the panel. I am just concerned that this is going to become the Catholic Church version of a secular belief where social justice is only being done by non-Caucasian people and Caucasian people are keeping others down.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Hola, Como Estes?

[@vbottoni]

theres no such thing as a non-pro life Catholic

[@IONov990]

Trust me there are plenty of pro choice Catholics

[@sargewoody]

@@IONov990 "catholic in name only", such as pelosi & biden; not Catholic. Matthew 18:5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

[@justinitsthatguyme010]

Stop talking like that. I hate that expression. Say they're not in good standing with the church or that they're disobeying the church. When you frame it your way you're saying they're not a baptized or confirmed etc Catholic. I'd hate to be the one who tells Jesus his sacrament weren't valid. They're Catholic. They're just not following teaching even close. If they weren't Catholic then there would be no reason for people to worry about people like Biden and Pelosi receiving communion. It's precisely because THEY ARE Catholic that it is a big issue

[@sargewoody]

@@justinitsthatguyme010 I like what you said, you are correct.

[@christiandpaul631]

I have regrets that I voted for a presidential candidate that slaughtered 500,000 American men, women and children to keep the stock market up so he would look good in the November election. I think the church should have condemned that man but promoted him and I think the church as greatly sinned.

[@michaelnewhouse8377]

Why do you keep using the word "care"...are you avoiding the word "love"? Great...then Chika goes all in on Love!

[@jonnarogers1123]

Get the babies right and let’s go from there. That’s foundational.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

I love my neighbors however if you crank your music so loud don’t think I won’t walk down and ask you to turn yo’ damn music down especially because I’m a Caregiver and it’s just disrespectful...so...stay humble and kind but don’t take no sh! 🤣🙏🏻👍🏻 The Cicadas should hush as well bahahhaha! 🤣 #YouAllGood

[@flyesouisi]

Jesus never told anyone to transform the world. He said to love one another as he loved us. And to preach the gospel, be the light and salt of the world. We do our part as he command and leave the Holy Spirit to "change the world" or destroy it. That's His prerogative. "Trying to make a difference" is fraught with danger from the ego. Careful!

[@crobeastness]

Capital punishment has always been an acceptable form of punishment in church history. Francis never official changed that. He stated an opinion. As a Catholic you can still very much be either for or against.

[@ResidntPresident]

@@jennifermcminn4194 Are you Jewish? Cause what you just said makes no sense from a Catholic point of view. You need to read the New Testament

[@rjskeptic5273]

Yeah. Read your catechism and read what it says about the LGBTQI community.

[@bill7778]

You forgot some letters....

[@RestingBitchface7]

You can’t talk about prolife without living wages, land ownership and food sovereignty. This was horribly superficial.

[@iflotaichi]

I had been listening to the catholic bible by Ascension press and it was well done, this is disappointing. Might be suitable for children I guess but lacks any real depth.

[@justinitsthatguyme010]

Not every catechesis has to be "in depth". Don't forget theology lies within in love and simplicity too. In fact, I'd theology from the head never makes its way to the heart to be lived, then it's dead and useless and pointless. Therese of lisieux, a DOCTOR of the church, was so simply yet so profound. Some theology is so accessible that it doesn't take needing to go into the deepens to grasp and know it.

[@kowens8504]

Only 8 mins Kevin. It’s really just a brief intro to something coming after.

[@iflotaichi]

@@kowens8504 regardless, talking to people like they are children worked in the 50's but it's not going to work now.

[@patmiller9236]

Kevin - This program is designed for teens, not adults. Hence the style difference. From Ascension Press "We live in a broken and hurting world. Teens today see division, anxiety, and tension all around them. Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation brings Christ’s healing message to a world that sorely needs it through the topics that are most important to teens right now. It addresses: Session 1 - God’s Creation and Stewardship Session 2 - The Dignity of Human Life Session 3 - Solidarity, Race and Responsibilities Session 4 - Poverty and the Dignity of Work Session 5 - Family: The Foundation of Society Connected offers a unique presentation that blends glimpses of Catholic organizations at work in the world today, with accessible and attractive explanations of Church teaching, as well as engaging stories of the saints. This combination cuts through the noise to touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of your teens."

[@iflotaichi]

@@patmiller9236 uh huh.. I have a teen, who is also a believer, I could show him this and video his reaction if you like.

[@karinagbarros6301]

Love