Over the past month, it’s felt like the whole world tuned in to Saint Peter’s Square, anxiously waiting and watching with us between the passing of Pope Francis and the elevation of Pope Leo XIV. In a time when we’ve lost a sense of rootedness, people were glued to their screens to see the liturgies, processions, and rituals surrounding the death and election of popes. The Church exists to evangelize and draw others to Christ; this is an excellent opportunity for us to share the faith with others.
4 Tips Young Adults Need To Defend Their Catholic Faith In Today’s World
- Stay rooted in prayer. In John 15, Jesus compares his disciples’ relationship to him with branches on a vine. Apart from him, we can do nothing. Prayer is our lifeblood, our connection to the source of true life. We can’t give what we don’t have; we need to be intimately connected to the Lord and regularly receiving his life through the sacraments if we hope to share the faith and invite others to the abundant life Jesus offers. Our opportunities for evangelization should also be rooted in prayer. Ask the Lord for the chance to share your faith, and then ask him for the words to say when you’re given the opportunity.
- Read good Catholic literature. We are so blessed by the abundance of solid Catholic authors, informing and inspiring the faithful to grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. There are several solid Catholic publishers, including the Saint Paul Center, where authors like Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma share decades of Scripture scholarship in a way that’s accessible and relevant to our everyday lives.
- Use your screentime well. Time on our phones doesn’t have to be wasted in endless scrolling. There’s lots of great content out there, like Franciscan University of Steubenville’s faithandreason.com that offers podcasts, Scripture reflections, interviews, and lectures. Apps like Hallow even help walk people through prayer itself.
- Invest in your formation. Spend a weekend steeped in encountering Jesus through inspiring talks, beautiful liturgies, uplifting worship, and a community of hundreds of other men and women striving to grow in their ability to know, love, and share the Catholic faith. From August 1-3, Franciscan University is hosting its annual Defending the Faith Conference. This year’s speakers include Katie McGrady, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, John Bergsma, Noelle Mering, and Karlo Broussard, and we have special discounts and presentations for young adults.
