CHARLOTTE — On Aug. 7 and 8, two dozen high school students from the Diocese of Charlotte came together at St. Patrick Cathedral for Camp Joshua, a youth leadership program hosted by North Carolina Right to Life.
Participants attended six sessions of pro-life apologetics training designed to equip them with the skills to engage in respectful, persuasive conversations about abortion. Students heard speakers including Hank Chardos of Birthright of Charlotte; Debbie Capen of MiraVia; Dr. Matthew Harrison; Jon Paul, founder of Sheepdog; Charlotte Swannek, a student pro-life leader from the Diocese of Raleigh, and Dr. Bill Pincus, president of North Carolina Right to Life.
A candlelight vigil provided a moving moment of reflection as students honored the memory of the 66 million unborn children lost to abortion in the United States since 1973.
Each participant was challenged to “be a light in the darkness” by living out their pro-life convictions with courage and compassion. On Friday mornizang, many students – joined by their parents – participated in a prayer vigil outside Charlotte Planned Parenthood alongside Father Peter Ascik, pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral.
— Rachel Burgess
