Ascend: The Catholic Faith for a New Generation

by Vince Tomkovicz and Eric Stoltz

Ascend: The Catholic Faith for a New Generation is an approachable, clearly written, and contemporary exploration of the Catholic faith aimed at young adults. Precisely with this audience in mind, it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809146215
• ISBN13: 9780809146215
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 229 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Everything a Young Adult wants to know of thier Catholic Faith

Amazing, easy to read book that is written so colorfully and vividly! It moves you out of the stuffy, dark paneled, vestibule and puts you front in center in front of the bright and airy sanctuary that is filled with the warmth of God's love. This book is amazing and opens your mind and heart to our faith. Recommended reading for Teens who are preparing for Confirmation, Adults in RCIA, Couples getting married in the Catholic Church and men and women considering a calling in vocations to serve.

Ascend - Must Have Catholic reading

"Love, grace and peace to you." These words open the introduction of "Ascend." This invitation by authors Eric Stoltz and Vince Tomkovicz leads readers into a creative, new book about Catholicism, written with flair. For anyone involved in young adult catechetical efforts or evangelizing ministry, "Ascend" is a must-have item. This is no heavy theological tome filled with cerebral concepts and words. Ascend is written primarily for young people who want to learn more about the faith and who may need to be stimulated to retain what they read. "Ascend" is made to be carried around, thumbed through and used as a guide. It is a small but hefty volume with eye-catching graphic design. The cover alone is stunning, with the word "Ascend" floating in a blue sky over office towers in Los Angeles. The slick look is no gimmick: Even the well-informed will learn something from reading this book. The authors, both permanent deacons from Los Angeles, write in clear, concise language meant for a time-challenged and technology-oriented generation. "Ascend" opens with some basic information, including a "how to read this book" section. Each chapter topic is complemented by Scripture references, art and graphics. There is liberal use of visual material, such as the Hebrew for many of the words used in our faith practices. Each chapter also has some sidebar elements such as "profile" and "backstory" that either pose a question or by give essential information. One profile about Joseph, the husband of Mary, begins by positing that we don't really know all that much about this man. The profile ends with a challenge to consider other "men on the move," trying to provide for their families, urging readers to "think of Joseph the next time you pass that group of men looking for work in the parking lot of the Home Depot." Such spiritual challenges and invitations are all over this book, popping up in clever, creative and meaningful ways. Numerous questions are also posed throughout the book, along with answers on many topics ranging from evolution to annulment. Featured are familiar Catholics like Ss. Ignatius of Loyola and Catherine of Siena, as well as less familiar ones like Takashi Nagai and Rev. Mychal Judge. One interesting element were the sections called "In the Media." These address topics such as evolution, annulment, atheism and clerical abuse. Each is discussed in clear terms that are both Catholic and catholic meaning universal in every way. "Ascend" has the potential to invite, challenge and transform a generation of new Catholics and to invigorate existing but inactive ones. It will also stir those who are a bit older but still hungry for ways to enkindle their communities and themselves. Catholics of all stripes should consider making it a part of their personal or parish libraries.