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Michigan Teen Finds Hope in Catholic Vocational School

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Brendan LaFave, from a large Catholic family in Ann Arbor, Michigan, struggles with the impact of social media on his mental health.
After excelling in school, he considered monastic life or construction work to avoid college debt.
He learned about a new Steubenville, Ohio school, the College of St. Joseph the Worker, offering liberal-arts Catholic studies alongside vocational training in carpentry and plumbing.

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Story summary

Brendan LaFave, from a large Catholic family in Ann Arbor, Michigan, struggles with the impact of social media on his mental health.
After excelling in school, he considered monastic life or construction work to avoid college debt.
He learned about a new Steubenville, Ohio school, the College of St. Joseph the Worker, offering liberal-arts Catholic studies alongside vocational training in carpentry and plumbing.