Catholic Human Sexuality Education

 

Since 1984 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Catholic School have implemented a multi-dimensional sexuality education program. The program was originally developed by two parents of St. Francis students and has evolved and grown at the request of St. Francis parents and students under the direction of the Sexuality Education Advisory Committee. The program is based on guidelines issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education. It incorporates the teachings of Pope John Paul II with specific references to his works The Theology of the Body and Love and Responsibility.

 

Our program strives to meet the purpose of human sexuality education as expressed in the document Human Sexuality: A Catholic Perspective for Education and Lifelong Learning approved by the Bishops of the United States on November 21, 1990:

 

In a Catholic context, the purpose of such education in human sexuality, whether formal or informal, is threefold:

 

1.     To give each learner an understanding of the nature and importance of sexuality as a divine gift, a fundamental component of personality, and an enrichment of the whole person – body, emotions, soul- whose deepest meaning is to lead the person to the gift of self in love.

2.     To give each learner an appreciation of chastity as a virtue that develops a person’s authentic maturity and makes him or her capable of guiding the sexual instinct in the service of love and integrating it into his or her psychological and spiritual development.

3.     To give each learner an appreciation of the human and Christian values that sexuality is intended to express and to lead each learner to a knowledge of, respect for, and sincere personal adherence to the moral norms regarding sexuality that are taught by the Church.

 

In order to accomplish this purpose there are several complementary aspects of the program at St. Francis Xavier Church and School:

 

1. Periodic adult education programs are offered in which participants can learn more about the Church’s teaching regarding sexuality, moral theology, and communication tips in dealing with these issues.

 

2. Parent/Child programs are offered each year using the PACTS (Parents and Children Talk about Sexuality) curriculum.       These programs use age appropriate materials to facilitate the active participation of parents in their child’s learning.

Kindergarten: Wonderfully Made

2^nd Grade: The Miracle of Life

4^th Grade: Growing in God’s Love

6^th Grade: Adolescence: A Time of Growth and Change

7^th Grade: God’s Gift of Sexuality

8^th Grade: Why Wait

3. Religion teachers use the regular Religion textbooks in kindergarten through 8^th grade to cover curricular requirements within the classroom setting. Family Life 3 published by Benziger is also used in 3^rd grade. Fourth grade will use Family Life 4 by Benziger and “God Made Me” written by Ann Marie Kalloz, RN, BSN. We use “Wonderfully Made” for 5^th grade and “The Miracle of Creation” for 6^th grade written by Ann Marie Kalloz to cover the religion and science curricula requirements in these grades. The St. Francis Xavier Morality Education 8^th Grade Program written by Ann Marie Kalloz is used in Grade 8. All the materials used emphasize the dignity of the human person as taught by Pope John Paul II in his Theology of the Body.  Homework is given on a regular basis and we rely on parents to use this material as a discussion starter at home. We recommend that parents periodically review their child’s textbook. Some classes use supplementary materials (handouts, videos, etc) and parents are welcome to review these at any time. Parents are welcome to sit in on any class and may arrange for this by speaking with Mrs. Kalloz or Mrs. Sieg.

 

4. A “Commitment to Chastity” ceremony is held yearly during a Sunday liturgy.

 

5. Graduates are invited and encouraged to participate in the Our Choice is Chastity programs sponsored by the Adams Deanery of Catholic Churches through which Mrs. Ann Marie Kalloz trains and mentors high school students as they become peer educators. In these programs high school and college students teach classes and spread the good news that chastity is possible and the smart choice in life.

 

6. Peer Mediation, Communication Skills, and Conflict Resolution Skills classes are also offered as part of the sexuality education program since sexuality is ultimately about being in relationship with others. (See information on St. Francis Xavier School’s Peer Mediation/Communication Skills link.)

 

The St. Francis Xavier Human Sexuality Education program has been designed to assist parents in their responsibility as the primary sexuality educators of their children. It communicates a knowledge and understanding of biological and medical facts, psychological and social influences, and Catholic Church teaching regarding sexuality in an honest, open, and positive way. It is reflective of the developmental level of the learner. It fosters and promotes chastity and Christian behavior as the desired lifestyle.

 

Scheduled Parent-Child Presentations at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School 2011-2012

 

Parent only class: Communicating with Children about God’s Gift of Sexuality	Sunday, September 18th	6:30 – 8:00	Conference room
Grade 2: The Miracle of Life	Sunday, September 25th	9:30 – 11:00	2nd Grade classroom
Grade 4: Growing in God’s Love	Sunday, October 2nd	9:15 – 11:00	4th Grade classroom
Grade 6: Adolescence: A Time of Growth and Change	Sunday, October 16th	9:00 – 11:00	6th Grade classroom
Grade 7: God’s Gift of Sexuality	Sunday, October 23rd	8:45 – 11:00	7th Grade classroom
Grade 8: Why Wait	Sunday, October 23rd	6:15 – 8:30 PM	Multipurpose Room
Kindergarten:   Wonderfully Made	Friday, October 21st	9:00 – 10:30	Kindergarten classroom

 

All of the parent-child programs at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School this year will conclude so families can attend the 11AM mass together.

 

Some of the above presentations will be repeated at Sacred Heart School’s gym (Conewago) on the following dates:

 

Grade 4: Growing in God’s Love	Thursday, October 6th	6:30 – 8:15
Grade 6: Adolescence: A Time of Growth and Change	Thursday, October 13th	6:30 – 8:30

 

If you have any questions you may call the program coordinator, Mrs. Ann Marie Kalloz at 334-4501 or Mrs. Rebecca Sieg, St. Francis Xavier Principal, at 334-4221.