By Remee Vargas
On January 18, 2026, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church welcomed a standing-room-only crowd of more than 320 teens and adults (ages 13+) for a Jason Evert Double Feature about love, dating, relationships and identity, all rooted in the healing presence of Jesus Christ. Attendees traveled from throughout the Archdiocese of San Francisco (13 parishes) and beyond, including one group who drove more than three hours from Ferndale for the experience. Others came from Modesto and Oakdale in the Central Valley and as far south as San Jose.
Jason Evert is a Catholic author, speaker, apologist and co-founder with his wife Crystalina of the Chastity Project. Evert, whose engaging style blends humor, clarity, and compassion, created ease and comfort around topics that families and young adults often find challenging and uncomfortable. The day included catechesis, prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The program began with Purified, a discussion for parents and teens that helps them rediscover God’s plan for love. Jason addressed sensitive topics with honesty and warmth, removing awkwardness and creating space for meaningful connections. By the end of the talk, participants walked away with a better understanding of the good news of chastity, a healthy sense of self-worth, and perhaps most importantly, the hope that it is always possible to begin again. Parents were equipped with practical, faith-based resources to continue these conversations at home in a healthy and approachable way.
Following a brief intermission, the next presentation, Gender and the Theology of the Body, focused on how Catholics can approach the topic of gender, an issue young people and families are navigating today, with both charity and clarity. The talk encouraged thoughtful conversation grounded in Church teaching, respect for the dignity of every person, and pastoral sensitivity. Rather than avoiding difficult questions, Evert provided concrete examples and testimony of how to answer and address those questions with truth and compassion.
Before the day ended, Evert, accompanied by St Anthony’s Youth Choir, facilitated an encounter with the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic adoration and invited the group to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The faithful were invited to bring what they had heard, along with their questions, struggles, and hopes, directly to Christ. Many took the opportunity for confession, experiencing God’s mercy, healing, and renewal.
Resources were provided to all attendees – boys, girls and parents – including relevant books and materials, ensuring that the impact of the day would continue well beyond the church walls. The free references provided additional information for students and parents to continue having conversations about love, identity, and faith.
The success of the event was made possible through the leadership and dedication of Alejandra Carranza, youth faith formation director at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, along with her youth group, parish staff and volunteers whose hospitality created a welcoming and prayerful environment.
The Jason Evert Double Feature was a clear testament to the hunger among families and young people for guidance that is honest, hopeful, and rooted in Christ. As attendees departed, the afternoon stood as a reminder that when the Church offers truth with love and creates space for encounter with Jesus, hearts respond.
Remee Vargas is the youth and young adult coordinator for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
