Ann Arbor, MI

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This report is the first in a two-part story from evangelist Mark with our National SPSE team:

St. Paul Street Evangelization collaborated with St. Thomas the Apostle Parish at the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. The weather was very muggy, and we had to contend with wildfire smoke coming down from Canada, but the event draws tens of thousands of people every year. Ann Arbor is a college town and, on average, the most educated city in the US. Visitors tend to get more into theological debates and apologetics, compared to our evangelization outings in different cities.

A few people were interested in the Church’s teaching on sexuality. Some quietly took pamphlets on chastity and homosexuality, but didn’t want to talk about it personally with me. Many young people were drawn to our rosaries, listened with curiosity and intent. We typically don’t speak to children but there were several times that a child approached us while a parent stood at a distance.

A group of middle school boys was drawn to our Rosaries and Miraculous Medals. One of them glanced at our rack of pamphlets and was immediately drawn to our pamphlet on abortion. He grabbed an abortion pamphlet and asked for my opinion. I explained Catholic teaching and said it is seriously evil to intentionally, directly harm and/or end human life. This is especially true for the innocent and defenseless, such as an unborn child. The boys thanked me and said he would give the pamphlet to his sister.

Praised be Jesus Christ!