Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Teens and adults in Alton are invited to attend a presentation by national Catholic speaker, Jason Evert, aimed at empowering individuals to live a life of purity. The event, which will take place on March 4 at St. Mary Catholic Church, will address the challenges faced by young people when it comes to love, dating, relationships, and sex.

Evert, known for his expertise on chastity and authentic love, highlights the confusion and pressure that teenagers and young adults experience in a culture that promotes promiscuity. He emphasizes the need for straight answers to tough questions and believes that young people are tired of fear tactics and shame.

"We live in a culture of single people who pretend like they are dating, we have a culture of dating people who pretend like they are married, and we’re stuck with a culture of married people who seem to think they are single," Evert said. "Everything is out of order. We live in a culture where more people hook up than hold hands. What they really want to know is how to find and build authentic love."

The event will feature two talks by Evert: "Purified" and "Gender and the Theology of Your Body." The first talk aims to bring parents and teens together to discover God's plan for love and provide them with resources for continuing the discussion at home. Evert's renowned talk, "Love or Lust," will also be included, combining humor with practicality to make the conversation about love easier.

The second talk, "Gender and the Theology of Your Body," addresses the meaning of sex, gender, and the human body. In a time when the truth of masculinity and femininity is being questioned, Evert explores how one's body reveals their identity and calling.

The event will also include eucharistic adoration, praise and worship, and an opportunity for attendees to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. After the talks, there will be a session of eucharistic adoration and confession.

Tickets for the event cost $25 and can be purchased in advance through chastity.com/event. Attendees will leave with resources tailored to their gender and age group. For further inquiries, interested individuals can call (618) 581-7055.

This presentation by Jason Evert offers a valuable opportunity for teenagers, young adults, and parents to gain insights into living a life of purity and authentic love. By addressing the tough questions and providing practical guidance, Evert's talks aim to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of dating and relationships in today's culture.