Dear Friends in Christ:

Thank you. I want to begin with this sincere statement of my gratitude. Thank you for taking a moment to look through this resource material; and thank you for all that you do to form your children in the ways of the Gospel in these very challenging times. I have great respect for the patient and faithful love you show, day by day, for your daughters and sons. You teach them in many ways...with and without words...how Christ would have them live. Our Catholic tradition has always said that parents are the primary educators of their children, and I know that this is true. Thank you for those lessons and those sacrifices you make for them.

I suspect that one of the greatest challenges you face in forming disciples of Christ in our modern world involves the area of human sexuality. To foster chastity today is very difficult, since so much of our culture fails to understand and uphold a healthy vision of human sexuality. Music, television, movies, and now the internet bombard us with a false message about this beautiful gift.

We want to support you in this task of helping your children to form a positive and clear picture of God’s plan for our sexuality. I have asked a committee to review materials and curricula available in the area of chastity education. In light of our Catholic faith, they are seeking ways to assist parents in this invaluable work of education. This material is part of the fruits of their research and discussion.

In the following pages, you will find an overview of the beautiful vision of human sexuality taught by our Catholic faith. You will also find suggestions for discussion with your children regarding the key themes and truths in this vision. These are divided according to the child’s age, seeking to foster growth into an integrated understanding of the truth and purpose of the gift of sexuality. Obviously, as parents, you know your child’s stage of development best, and so you will adapt these categories to provide that individualized and personal formation.

It is my hope that you will find this information helpful and encouraging as you fulfill this most important task and help your children “Open the Doors to Christ” in their understanding of self and their relationships with others.

Be assured of my prayers for you and your families.

Sincerely in Christ,

 

+ Bishop John F. Kinney
Diocese of St. Cloud