What is the meaning of life? Why is life so unfair sometimes? Can being a Christian make me happy? Is the Eucharist really the body of Christ? What does the Church really say about sex and marriage? What if I'm not sure I believe all this stuff?

The generation of Catholics who have come of age since Vatican II is different in many respects from Catholics of their parents' generation. These younger people have grown up in a world--and a Church--which has changed tremendously in a very short period of time. They were raised in a society which encouraged them to question what their parents accepted on faith. They were formed by a system of religious education which was in many ways struggling to keep up with rapid social change.

John Paull II is a pope for these times. He recognizes that today's young Catholics have many questions. He sees emerging in them a deep and sincere faith struggling for definition and for support. In response, he has designated a special, bi-annual event--World Youth Day, where he comes to them to bring the truth and the love of the Roman Catholic Church.

In this book, Mary Beth Bonacci joins with John Paul II in bringing young Catholics a clearer understanding of the Church and their role in it. She takes his quotes from the five World Youth Day events and "unpacks" them, explaining the truths of the faith clearly and concisely. This book is perfect of the Catholics of "Generation X"--and for Catholic "youth" of any age who wish to understand and to deepen their faith.

"A long overdue, down to earth but precise presentation of the truths of our Catholic Faith, not only for young people, but even for older folk who may have never been presented with the solid content of the Church's faith and moral practice. Mary Beth's tone is fresh, lively and upbeat. Jesus is always the focus and a personal relationship with him is this work's principal goal."
Rev. Msgr. Michael Wrenn
Author, Catechisms and Controversies

Mary Beth Bonacci has been giving talks to Christian audiences all over the world since 1986, including a talk to 75,000 youth at World Youth Day in Denver in 1993. She is also the author of the book Real Love, and a video curriculum series by the same name. In addition, she writes a regularly syndicated column and is featured in six videos promoting chastity. She holds a Master's degree in Theology of Marriage and Family.