VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE'
The manual was written in order to provide resource for parents, guardians and teachers approaching the sensitive and godly task of teaching youth about the Facts of Life.
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE' PART THREE
9. Education
Parents, guardians and educators will find personal prayer helpful in
approaching life education.
Becoming a prayerful guide assists in the task of going about making a
positive difference in the youth’s future.
At every stage of their lives, youth will benefit from our prayers.
The key to giving effective life education is not by trying to carry the task
out by ourselves, but rather by turning for help to the expert parent of all
time – our Father God.
The Great Parent will assist prayerful guides with inspiration to carry out
this responsible task effectively.
10. Life Education for Youth
Resource for the Educator
Marriage
According to the Plan of God, sex is meant for marriage.
Marriage is meant
to be a permanent commitment.
A couple in love look forward to a happy future together.
The reality
requires however that they first discuss a number of issues before they take
the big step of marriage.
When a couple marry, their entire lives change.
It is important that the engaged couple discuss important issues together in
order to prevent difficulties later.
Important Questions for Discussion include;
Facts of Life;
Knowledge about the facts of life is essential for a successful marriage.
In the past some entered the state of marriage without full knowledge of the
sexual implications. This led to difficulties within the marriage until appropriate information
about procreation was received; upon which anxieties and difficulties were
resolved.
Belief
Personal relationship with God has influence on the manner in which the
individual approaches life and takes decisions.
A couple with different beliefs need to take into account their personal belief
and the effect it will have on their planned marriage.
Questions may arise about the religious upbringing of the child and whether
the family will be able to worship together.
A family which is able to attend communal worship together will be
strengthened in its spiritual bonds, and supported by the community. Again, ‘the family that prays together stays together’
The Past
Past heartaches and old tragedies have influence on relationships; and often
on the person most closely connected with one.
Future marriage partners need to discuss unresolved questions from their
past with one another.
Openness and honesty are important components in a strong marriage.
Children
Being a parent is a serious responsibility.
Children have a big impact on a
marriage and the parents’ finances.
This is an area which is fraught with implications and the questions of how
both parents will share their financial responsibilities in their joint future
should not be left undiscussed during the engagement.
Financial dishonesty and uncertainty can give rise to much humiliation and
unpleasantness in families.
It is important for the engaged couple to discuss their views on the children
that may be born to the marriage.
Each child born to a couple should be kept safe during pregnancy.
Abortion is unacceptable in God’s Law.
The couple need to discuss how they see their future role as parent, and what
to expect from the partner’s role in the forthcoming marriage.
If one partner wants to have children, and the other does not, this needs to be
discussed before the marriage in order to prevent future marital problems.
If one partner wishes future children to be educated exclusively at boarding
school, while the other wishes that the children remain part of the secure
family unit while commuting to a day school, familial difficulties can result.
Prior discussion about the plan for the raising of the children is essential.
Future Plans
Do not assume that your fiancé understands your plans and dreams for future
if you have not discussed these.
If one partner goes into a marriage expecting to be given the freedom of long
periods of absence from home in order to pursue a career, this needs to be
discussed beforehand with the other.
Many marriages have been placed under unbearable tension when surprises
have been sprung on the partner shortly after the wedding vows have been
made.
The time to discuss issues is before the commitment, in order to prevent
future conflict which could weaken the marriage.
Money
Life is expensive, and married life more so. Once again, remember to
discuss your finances during the engagement.
Many marriages have been weakened by irresponsible handling of finances
by one or both marriage partners.
Discuss whether you will be married within community of property or by
antenuptial agreement.
Discuss any debts you may have, and how you will budget within your lives
together.
Work out how you will plan for large financial decisions, such as a
mortgage.
If one partner wants to buy a house while the other one does not, discuss the
issue prior to the wedding.
It is a fact that some couples want a large wedding and a luxurious
honeymoon which may be outside the scope of their finances.
At times a
newly wedded couple may come back from honeymoon to a morass of debt.
An alternative is to save the money which would be spent on a large
wedding, and choose a small celebration instead.
Many couples never again meet the majority of the people who attended
their wedding and whom at the time of the event they felt they could not
possibly exclude from their list of invitations.
This is fine for wealthy
people but very sad for those who may be struggling financially.
The money
saved by having a modest celebration could make a great difference to a new
couple starting married life together.
House Chores
The order in which house chores will be done should be discussed.
If both
partners work at a tiring career, it could cause difficulties in a marriage if
one partner were then to be expected by the other to perform all the house
chores because of the individual’s gender. Many women help their men with
painting and the garden, while men can help with the dishes or with bathing
the baby without loss of their masculinity. Work out ahead of time what role your spouse will expect you to play in
household chores; how you will purchase necessities and the financial means
you will use as payment.
Be aware how current and savings accounts work, plan for a pension upon
retirement and save a nest egg for a rainy day.
If one partner’s idea of a family meal is to leave the future spouse and
children at home while personally favouring a liquid lunch and dinner,
trouble will loom.
Likewise, if one partner expects the other to cook a home meal after the
latter has just completed a twelve hour workday with two hours commute
either way - while the first has been at home all day off work - controversy
tends to be the norm.
A good assessment of the roles each expects of the other within the future
marriage with regard to tasks such as the following, will clarify the
expectations of each for the other.
The tasks include;
Cooking
Cleaning
Organisation of bin payments and collection
Car wash and maintenance
Purchase of supplies
Payment of bills
Arguments
Discuss how you propose to handle differences in your marriage.
Drawing up a list of rules which both of you will refer to is helpful.
The main rule – as many a successfully married couple with many years of
marriage behind them often say – is never to mention divorce.
If divorce remains the unspeakable word, the road for communication may
remain open.
If a partner goes in to a marriage with a settlement left with their attorney in
case they decide on a future divorce, the marriage is not getting the best start
it could.
11. Difference between Love and Lust
Love is a joyful feeling of connection with another that wishes only the best
for the other person.
A loving relationship includes expressions of affection,
both physical and emotional.
Love wishes to offer pleasure, stability and
satisfaction to another.
Love wishes to cause no harm, is not jealous, and
puts the needs of the other before one’s own.
Love is, in essence, unselfish.
Love is characterised by tenderness, compassion and sensitivity to the needs
of the other.
There is a desire for shared activities and pursuits, an honest ongoing
exchange of personal feelings.
Love is the ongoing process of offering
concern, comfort and outward assistance for the loved one’s aspirations.
Love with sexuality such as is expressed in marriage, uses the sexual gift to
bring happiness and fulfilment to the other.
Unselfishness and morality are the hallmarks of sex in loving relationship.
Lust is sexual feeling which is not concerned with the good of the other.
Lust does not wish to offer stability, compassion or joy to the other.
Lust is
concerned with personal gratification, albeit at the expense of the other
person.
Lust also is not faithful. Gratification of sexual instinct is the main
goal, with no thought or concern as to the repercussions or results such
activity may cause in another.
The expression of true love, with sexual expression forming part of that
union, is the blueprint of the original Plan God had in mind for humanity.
Blog posts;
Value-based sexual expression manual 'facts of life' Part One
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/07/value-based-sexual-expression-manual.html
Value-based sexual expression manual 'Facts of Life' Part Two
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/07/value-based-sexual-expression-manual_88.html
BOOKLET "VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION 'FACTS OF LIFE' " AVAILABLE IN FOLLOWING LINK;
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_JEo1vAsAPsdGJxUE1mdVRBdUk
Disclaimer; The information contained in the 'Facts of Life' blog posts is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional Care
The booklet is for use copyright free, for any worthy purpose
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE'
The manual was written in order to provide resource for parents, guardians and teachers approaching the sensitive and godly task of teaching youth about the Facts of Life.
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE' PART THREE
9. Education
Parents, guardians and educators will find personal prayer helpful in
approaching life education.
Becoming a prayerful guide assists in the task of going about making a
positive difference in the youth’s future.
At every stage of their lives, youth will benefit from our prayers.
The key to giving effective life education is not by trying to carry the task
out by ourselves, but rather by turning for help to the expert parent of all
time – our Father God.
The Great Parent will assist prayerful guides with inspiration to carry out
this responsible task effectively.
10. Life Education for Youth
Resource for the Educator
Marriage
According to the Plan of God, sex is meant for marriage.
Marriage is meant
to be a permanent commitment.
A couple in love look forward to a happy future together.
The reality
requires however that they first discuss a number of issues before they take
the big step of marriage.
When a couple marry, their entire lives change.
It is important that the engaged couple discuss important issues together in
order to prevent difficulties later.
Important Questions for Discussion include;
Facts of Life;
Knowledge about the facts of life is essential for a successful marriage.
In the past some entered the state of marriage without full knowledge of the
sexual implications. This led to difficulties within the marriage until appropriate information
about procreation was received; upon which anxieties and difficulties were
resolved.
Belief
Personal relationship with God has influence on the manner in which the
individual approaches life and takes decisions.
A couple with different beliefs need to take into account their personal belief
and the effect it will have on their planned marriage.
Questions may arise about the religious upbringing of the child and whether
the family will be able to worship together.
A family which is able to attend communal worship together will be
strengthened in its spiritual bonds, and supported by the community. Again, ‘the family that prays together stays together’
The Past
Past heartaches and old tragedies have influence on relationships; and often
on the person most closely connected with one.
Future marriage partners need to discuss unresolved questions from their
past with one another.
Openness and honesty are important components in a strong marriage.
Children
Being a parent is a serious responsibility.
Children have a big impact on a
marriage and the parents’ finances.
This is an area which is fraught with implications and the questions of how
both parents will share their financial responsibilities in their joint future
should not be left undiscussed during the engagement.
Financial dishonesty and uncertainty can give rise to much humiliation and
unpleasantness in families.
It is important for the engaged couple to discuss their views on the children
that may be born to the marriage.
Each child born to a couple should be kept safe during pregnancy.
Abortion is unacceptable in God’s Law.
The couple need to discuss how they see their future role as parent, and what
to expect from the partner’s role in the forthcoming marriage.
If one partner wants to have children, and the other does not, this needs to be
discussed before the marriage in order to prevent future marital problems.
If one partner wishes future children to be educated exclusively at boarding
school, while the other wishes that the children remain part of the secure
family unit while commuting to a day school, familial difficulties can result.
Prior discussion about the plan for the raising of the children is essential.
Future Plans
Do not assume that your fiancé understands your plans and dreams for future
if you have not discussed these.
If one partner goes into a marriage expecting to be given the freedom of long
periods of absence from home in order to pursue a career, this needs to be
discussed beforehand with the other.
Many marriages have been placed under unbearable tension when surprises
have been sprung on the partner shortly after the wedding vows have been
made.
The time to discuss issues is before the commitment, in order to prevent
future conflict which could weaken the marriage.
Money
Life is expensive, and married life more so. Once again, remember to
discuss your finances during the engagement.
Many marriages have been weakened by irresponsible handling of finances
by one or both marriage partners.
Discuss whether you will be married within community of property or by
antenuptial agreement.
Discuss any debts you may have, and how you will budget within your lives
together.
Work out how you will plan for large financial decisions, such as a
mortgage.
If one partner wants to buy a house while the other one does not, discuss the
issue prior to the wedding.
It is a fact that some couples want a large wedding and a luxurious
honeymoon which may be outside the scope of their finances.
At times a
newly wedded couple may come back from honeymoon to a morass of debt.
An alternative is to save the money which would be spent on a large
wedding, and choose a small celebration instead.
Many couples never again meet the majority of the people who attended
their wedding and whom at the time of the event they felt they could not
possibly exclude from their list of invitations.
This is fine for wealthy
people but very sad for those who may be struggling financially.
The money
saved by having a modest celebration could make a great difference to a new
couple starting married life together.
House Chores
The order in which house chores will be done should be discussed.
If both
partners work at a tiring career, it could cause difficulties in a marriage if
one partner were then to be expected by the other to perform all the house
chores because of the individual’s gender. Many women help their men with
painting and the garden, while men can help with the dishes or with bathing
the baby without loss of their masculinity. Work out ahead of time what role your spouse will expect you to play in
household chores; how you will purchase necessities and the financial means
you will use as payment.
Be aware how current and savings accounts work, plan for a pension upon
retirement and save a nest egg for a rainy day.
If one partner’s idea of a family meal is to leave the future spouse and
children at home while personally favouring a liquid lunch and dinner,
trouble will loom.
Likewise, if one partner expects the other to cook a home meal after the
latter has just completed a twelve hour workday with two hours commute
either way - while the first has been at home all day off work - controversy
tends to be the norm.
A good assessment of the roles each expects of the other within the future
marriage with regard to tasks such as the following, will clarify the
expectations of each for the other.
The tasks include;
Cooking
Cleaning
Organisation of bin payments and collection
Car wash and maintenance
Purchase of supplies
Payment of bills
Arguments
Discuss how you propose to handle differences in your marriage.
Drawing up a list of rules which both of you will refer to is helpful.
The main rule – as many a successfully married couple with many years of
marriage behind them often say – is never to mention divorce.
If divorce remains the unspeakable word, the road for communication may
remain open.
If a partner goes in to a marriage with a settlement left with their attorney in
case they decide on a future divorce, the marriage is not getting the best start
it could.
11. Difference between Love and Lust
Love is a joyful feeling of connection with another that wishes only the best
for the other person.
A loving relationship includes expressions of affection,
both physical and emotional.
Love wishes to offer pleasure, stability and
satisfaction to another.
Love wishes to cause no harm, is not jealous, and
puts the needs of the other before one’s own.
Love is, in essence, unselfish.
Love is characterised by tenderness, compassion and sensitivity to the needs
of the other.
There is a desire for shared activities and pursuits, an honest ongoing
exchange of personal feelings.
Love is the ongoing process of offering
concern, comfort and outward assistance for the loved one’s aspirations.
Love with sexuality such as is expressed in marriage, uses the sexual gift to
bring happiness and fulfilment to the other.
Unselfishness and morality are the hallmarks of sex in loving relationship.
Lust is sexual feeling which is not concerned with the good of the other.
Lust does not wish to offer stability, compassion or joy to the other.
Lust is
concerned with personal gratification, albeit at the expense of the other
person.
Lust also is not faithful. Gratification of sexual instinct is the main
goal, with no thought or concern as to the repercussions or results such
activity may cause in another.
The expression of true love, with sexual expression forming part of that
union, is the blueprint of the original Plan God had in mind for humanity.
Blog posts;
Value-based sexual expression manual 'facts of life' Part One
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/07/value-based-sexual-expression-manual.html
Value-based sexual expression manual 'Facts of Life' Part Two
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/07/value-based-sexual-expression-manual_88.html
FULL BOOKLET 'VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION 'FACTS OF LIFE' AVAILABLE IN FOLLOWING LINK
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_JEo1vAsAPsdGJxUE1mdVRBdUk
Disclaimer; The information contained in the 'Facts of Life' blog posts is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional Care
Feel free to use booklet copyright free for any worthy purpose
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE'
The manual was written in order to provide resource for parents, guardians and teachers approaching the sensitive and godly task of teaching youth about the Facts of Life.
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE'; PART TWO
4. Concern for future
Parents have reason to be concerned about the stability of their children’s
future marriages. Challenges facing marriage include divorce and the
growing crisis of the family.
Challenges are, however, just that: challenges.
God will always assist us when requested to do so, as promised by Jesus
Christ. [Matt 6; 9-13]
Of concern to some is whether the use of birth control [also known as family
planning] is against God’s Will.
The reality is both biological and reassuring.
God Himself – the loving and ever-wise Parent – has inbuilt the ability to
plan and space a family within the woman’s reproductive system.
Varied reasons may lead to the decision to space a family.
Examples of
causes leading to the decision for family planning include;
The need for a woman’s body to recuperate from one pregnancy and
build up strength again prior to another pregnancy
Illness in husband or wife
Financial crises, refugee status or homelessness Situation of conflict or war
Since the husband is continually fertile and able to implant life, the choice to
have children when wished by the couple is assured.
Since the wife is fertile for only a few days each month, the choice may be
morally and confidently made by the couple to avoid intercourse during her
few fertile days, should reason and common sense dictate this decision.
Birth control which is morally value-based, biologically safe and chemicalfree
is discussed further in the booklet pdf below.
5. Decency and modesty
The practice of decency and modesty in speech, action and dress is very
important for creating an atmosphere suitable to the growth of value-based
self-mastery and maturity of character.
This practice must be well motivated
by respect for one’s own body and for the dignity of others. Parents should be watchful over the influences in their family home.
The
following influences should be closely monitored;
Some fashions may portray youth as objects of desire instead of
children peacefully living out their childhood
Glamorisation of violence or portrayal of sexual expression in a
milieu contrary to moral values
Divorce of the parents with subsequent disruption and distress to their
children
Media expressions which do not follow the moral values of decency,
modesty and family-based values.
Respect for privacy must be considered in close connection with decency
and modesty, which spontaneously defend a person who refuses to be
considered and treated like an object of pleasure instead of being respected
and loved for himself or herself.
If children or youth see that their legitimate privacy is respected, they will
know that they are expected to show the same attitude towards others. Non-anxious respect within a family for each other helps to support decency
and modesty.
This respect may include the following;
Parents show love and affection towards each other in a responsible
manner.
Privacy of the parents when exchanging love in the act of
marriage shows respect for themselves and their children
Non-anxious modesty by requiring privacy when dressing, bathing
and relevant ablutions among the family members strengthens the
values of decency and modesty
Breastfeeding of a new baby is a natural event and also for the older
infant/toddler.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6
months.
On average, when a mother is breastfeeding on demand,
ovulation only returns after 13 months. Choosing suitable clothes,
always keeping a shawl handy and teaching a speaking toddler an
appropriate code-word can ensure modesty and dignity – it is possible.
Some youth may feel slightly awkward at such an event.
New mothers
can thus either retire to another room if they wish, or place a shawl
over their shoulder [being careful to ensure air flow to the infant]
Supervision of who is allowed into the family circle and the family
home.
Sad experience has shown that all who are trusted are not
always worthy of that trust.
The family unit should be one of utmost
safety, nurture and protection of youth.
The parents are the guardians
of who may enter. Never take the moral decency of visitors for granted.
It is best to keep your children under home supervision at all times.
Many sleepovers at friends’ houses have exposed youth to abuse.
The choice of books, media in the home may deeply influence a child
or youth, and have a lasting effect on character in later life.
Parents
should have the confidence to choose value based literature in their
home library.
DVDs, CDs, books and magazines containing material
which glamorise violence, or prove negative towards family values
should be kept out. Indiscriminate television and cinema attendance may prove a
disruptive influence on a child’s moral formation of character.
Likewise, indiscriminate access to the internet, e-mail facilities or
telephone can place youth in a vulnerable position without the life
skills to discern what is of value to them or not.
Parents need to show
discernment in this regard. Some families do not have a television, and
allow children to have a phone which can only be used for an
emergency call and communication with the parents.
There are strong
forces which can place pressure on children such as cyber bullying or
grooming. The parent is the guardian protecting the child.
6. Sanctuary of life and faith
The first and greatest example that parents can give their children is their
generosity and joy in accepting life.
Through example, children will understand the joy of a new brother or sister
gifted to the family by God through the secure love of their parents.
A safe and balanced family unit is the best environment for a child’s holistic
growth to maturity, adulthood and independence.
The family is meant to be a sanctuary of life and faith.
Each infant is meant to be welcomed into the family with love and
acceptance.
This includes the handicapped, who are entirely dependent
upon the loving generosity of their families.
However, once the pregnancy has become fact, abortion can never be an
option.
Abortion is not allowed in the law of God [Exodus 20;13].
By word and example, parents should teach their children the importance of
obedience both to God’s Word, and love for the fruit of their own bodies.
Ideally, every family should be a home of faith and prayer, in which God the
Father’s Presence is sensed, the Word of Jesus is accepted, the Spirit’s bond
of love is felt, and where the Parents of Jesus – Joseph and Mary – are loved
and invoked.
The life of faith and prayer supports and nourishes family life with all its
varying circumstances.
Family life is a call from God.
Within its fabric, the family members
experience joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments, births and birthday
celebrations, wedding anniversaries, departures, separations, home-comings,
important and far-reaching decisions, deaths of loved ones. [7]
Through all these experiences, there is One Constant; God’s loving
intervention in the family history.
Prayer times should be woven into the family routine.
Examples are
Morning prayer upon rising
Evening prayer before retiring
Grace before meals
Grace after meals
The angelus
Bible readings
Sunday mass
Daily rosary
Baptisms, weddings, confession [sacrament of reconciliation],
Eucharist, anointing during illness, house blessings help to bring God’s
grace upon the family, strengthening it in their daily ups and downs.
The good example and leadership of parents is essential in strengthening the
healthy and morally sound formation of youth.
A mother who values her maternal vocation and her place in the home
greatly helps develop the qualities of femininity and motherhood in her
daughters, and sets a clear, strong and noble example of womanhood for her
sons.
Mothers often need to have a career in order to support the family finances
and ensure basic life necessities of the family.
Illness, desertion or widowhood are some of the factors which necessitate
that a mother become breadwinner as well as maternal head of the family.
This can place great demands on the mother; prayer and discernment prove
invaluable support to the mother in her role.
A father, whose behaviour is inspired by manly dignity and love of his
children is a strong model for his sons and daughters.
The father who values
his paternal vocation and his place in the home likewise greatly helps to
develop the qualities of manliness in his sons, and sets a clear, strong and
noble example of manhood for his daughters.
Fathers generally follow a
career in order to be the breadwinner for the family.
Illness, desertion or bereavement are some of the factors which necessitate
that a father not only be the breadwinner but also cause him to assume the
responsibilities of both parents within the family as well as remaining the
paternal head of the family.
This can place great demands on the father; prayer and discernment prove
invaluable support to the father in his role.
Both parents benefit greatly from grace sent by God in their roles and daily
tasks.
Prayer individually, with each other as a loving couple, and as a family helps
to strengthen their marriage in the face of the daily challenges families face.
‘The Family that Prays Together Stays Together’.
7. Materialism and consumerism
Children and youth benefit from parental education teaching them
independence from the pressures of materialism and consumerism.
This will enable them to grow up with a correct attitude of freedom with
regard to material goods, by adopting a simple and authentic life-style and
being fully convinced that each person is more precious for ‘what he is than
for what he has’. [8]
8. Role Models
The best way to give life education is to be a good role model oneself.
Healthy, integrated and moral expression of manhood or womanhood in
one’s personal life as a parent/ guardian/ educator is the best advertisement
for youth.
God sent role models for men and women in Joseph, Jesus and Mary.
Within
their family, they followed Bible-based values.
Joseph, as the father and head of the family, gave Jesus example of the
virtues and characteristics of a godly man.
These include;
Faith in God
Personal Prayer
Protection of wife and children
Provision of shelter and necessities for a harmonious family home
Assistance of Jesus throughout all His human developmental stages
Loving his family, ensuring they felt accepted and appreciated
Respect for women
Compassion
Nurturing
Affirmation
Education of Jesus, ensuring He was equipped with the skills
necessary for a happy adult life; ability to read and write, knowledge
of prayer, communal worship and the Word of God, support and
guidance as Jesus developed His personal talents, reassurance and
information as Jesus matured as a man
Ensuring a secure and protected family environment
Empathy
Honourable Values
Honour in living out manliness
Acceptance of the commitment and responsibilities of marriage and
career
Self-control
Avoidance of addictions
Acceptance of civic responsibilities .
In likewise manner, Mary gave Jesus example of the virtues and
characteristics of a godly women.
These include;
Faith in God
Personal prayer
Protection of unborn infant
Nurturing of her Child
Loving her family, ensuring they felt accepted and appreciated
Assistance of her Child throughout all His human developmental
stages
Care and nurturing of her husband and family home
Protection, nourishment and care of all in her family home
Education of Jesus, ensuring He was equipped with the skills
necessary for a happy adult life; ability to read and write, knowledge
of prayer, communal worship and the Word of God, support and
guidance as Jesus developed His personal talents, reassurance and
information as Jesus matured as a man
Acceptance of civic responsibilities.
Jesus gave example of the virtues and characteristics of a godly child;
These include;
Respect for His parents
Learning from the example and teaching of His parents
Learning how to develop through His developmental stages by
acceptance of wise and loving guidance and teachings from His
parents
Acceptance of responsibility within the family unit
Obedience to His parents
Hard work as He learned from the educational opportunities His
family offered Him
Learning a trade which would make Him self-sufficient
Becoming a Man of deep prayer.
Jesus’ Life as portrayed in the Gospels shows a Man of honor Who lived
according to the same life values as Joseph.
His experience of family life
was a positive one. He was welcomed as a newborn into a secure family unit
by both father and mother.
Jesus was protected from harm by both His
parents.
As an infant He received nourishment from His mother.
Medical care, sustenance, education including personal care and the facts of
life, shelter and good manners were ensured by Joseph and Mary in order to
guarantee that Jesus flourished through the stages of His human
development.
Jesus grew up in a home unfractured by divorce and inspired by prayerful
parents who responsibly carried out their roles.
Joseph was the template of
fatherly manliness while Mary exemplified motherly womanhood. Example and role modelling have proved effective over the centuries; the
integrated Messiah that Joseph and Mary had parented showed in every
witnessing word in the gospels how successful their efforts and devoted love
to Jesus had proved.
[7] The Pontifical Council for the Family. 1995. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Guidelines for Education within the Family. Vatican City; Section V, No 62
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html
[8] The Pontifical Council for the Family. 1995. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Guidelines for Education within the Family. Vatican City; Section IV, No 60
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html
Value-based sexual expression manual 'Facts of Life'; Part One
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/07/value-based-sexual-expression-manual.html
FULL BOOKLET OF "VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION 'FACTS OF LIFE' " AVAILABLE IN FOLLOWING LINK;
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_JEo1vAsAPsdGJxUE1mdVRBdUk
Disclaimer; The information contained in the 'Facts of Life'blog posts is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional Care.
Feel free to use booklet copyright free for any worthy purpose
With thanks to vatican.va
VALUE-BASED SEXUAL EXPRESSION MANUAL 'FACTS OF LIFE'
The manual was written in order to provide resource for parents, guardians and teachers approaching the sensitive and godly task of teaching youth about the Facts of Life.
1. Facts of Life
It is parental responsibility to give life information to their children.
It is likewise the responsibility of a guardian or educator to ensure that the
youth’s future not be jeopardized through ignorance of the facts of life. It should be borne in mind that the role of educator is not to replace that of
parental responsibility.
The educator plays a supportive role.
Life education is an area where information alone - without reference to
godly values and moral responsibility – may prove counter-productive. Life information is given effectively in a milieu of trust.
Values and attitudes
are learned in the parental home from role models.
If parental role models or a stable, protective home are not the reality for a
youth, guardians and educators play an invaluable role in the education of
the youth – including life education.
2. Character Development
Education on the subject of the Facts of Life also involves the task of
assisting youth to develop a godly character; one that will use the power of
sexuality – which can be used either to great good or in a destructive manner
– with responsibility and accountability.
Development of character in a non-repressive and non-anxious way is a
sound basis for a happy and balanced sexuality.
3. Guidelines
Moral guidelines are invaluable in teaching value-based sexual expression.
Popes Pius XI and Pius XII formulated that sex education should be a matter
of inculcating modesty, purity, chastity, and morality; a matter of teaching
the sixth and ninth commandments. [1] Pope John Paul II gave biblical reflection on human morality and sexuality
in his work ‘Theology of the Body’. [2]
Youth should be instructed about the dignity, duty, and expression of married
love.
Trained in good moral values and self-mastery, they will be able at a
suitable age to enter a marriage of their own after an honourable courtship.
[3]
Sexuality has been part of God’s plan from the beginning and thus it is very
good; sexuality is inextricably related to love and life and to lifelong selfgiving,
whether in marriage or the single state. However, owing to sin, sexuality can be wilfully misused, and for this
reason every person is called to purity and chastity - no matter what his or
her state of life.
Value-based self-mastery leading to maturity of character
requires the rejection of certain thoughts, words, and sinful actions.
Temptation is a reality. So is sexual anxiety. Parents and educators should
encourage those they teach to face these concepts and begin to work through
them from the very start of their sexual awareness so that they may reach
full maturity in their actions or in their abstaining from actions without
hang-ups, fears or secret feelings of shame and humiliation.
Education in values is best done privately, in the heart of the family. This
should take into account the individual stage of development of each child
thus being educated. [1]
Four working principles should always be operative whenever matters
related to sexuality are taught;
1. Human sexuality is a sacred mystery and must be presented according
to Scriptural and moral teachings, always bearing in mind the effects
of original sin
2. Only information proportionate to each phase of their individual
development should be presented to children and young people
3. No material of an erotic nature should be presented to children or
youth
4. No one should ever be invited, let alone obliged, to act in any way that
could objectively offend against modesty or that could subjectively
offend against his or her own delicacy or sense of privacy [1]
Parents must find time to be with their children and take time to talk with
them.
The practice of decency and modesty in speech, action and dress is very
important for creating an atmosphere suitable for self-mastery and maturity
of character
Each youth is a unique and unrepeatable person and must receive
individualized formation.
Since parents know, understand, and love
each of their children in their uniqueness, they are in the best position
to decide the appropriate time for providing a variety of information,
according to their children’s physical and spiritual growth.
No one can
take this capacity for discernment away from conscientious parents.
Personal dialogue between parents and their children, that is,
individual formation within the family circle, is the normal and
fundamental method of education about the facts of life. [1] Love is a gift of God, nourished by, and expressed in, the encounter of man
and woman.
Indeed, men and women as the image of God are created for
love.
This truth was fully revealed to us in the New Testament, together with
the mystery of the inner life of the Trinity; ‘God is love’ [1 John 4;8] and in
Himself lives a mystery of personal loving communion.
By the creation of
the human race in His own Image, God inscribed in the humanity of man
and woman the vocation - and thus the capacity and responsibility - of love
and communion.
Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of
every human being.’ [4]
Love is thus a positive force directed towards the
growth in maturity as persons.
In the plan of life which represents each person’s vocation, love is also a
precious source for the self-giving which all men and women are called to
make for their own self-realization and happiness. Married love is open to life. The gift of love does not end with the couple,
because it makes them capable of the greatest possible gift, the one by which
they become co-operators with God for giving life to a new human person.
Children born to their parents’ love are a living reflection of their love, a
permanent sign of their bond. [5]
Education of children for a life lived based on sound moral values requires
the following;
A positive atmosphere of love, virtue and respect for the gifts of God,
in particular the gift of life, in the family
To help youth to understand the value of sexuality and good moral
values in stages, sustaining their growth through enlightening word,
example and prayer.
Other educators can assist in this task, but they can only take the place of
parents for serious reasons of incapacity. [6]
Christian marriage is a sacrament through which sexuality is integrated into
a path to holiness. Marriage requires that the man and the woman commit themselves to
faithfully loving the other for life, through all the difficulties and challenges
that daily living may bring.
[1] Whitehead, Kenneth D. 1996. Sex Education: The Vatican’s Guidelines
http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/marriage-and-family/sexuality/sex-education-the-vatican-s-guidelines.html
[2] West, Christopher. 2009. Theology of the Body for Beginners. A Basic Introduction to Pope John Paul II’s Sexual Revolution. Ascension Press; USA
[3] Vatican II. 1975 Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World; Gaudium et Spes; Chapter 1, No 52
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
[4] The Pontifical Council for the Family. 1995. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Guidelines for Education within the Family. Vatican City; Section I, No 8
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html
[5] The Pontifical Council for the Family. 1995. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Guidelines for Education within the Family. Vatican City; Section I, No 15
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html
[6] The Pontifical Council for the Family. 1995. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Guidelines for Education within the Family. Vatican City; Section I, No 23
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html
THE FULL BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING LINK
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_JEo1vAsAPsdGJxUE1mdVRBdUk
Disclaimer: The information contained in the 'Facts of Life' blog posts is not meant to
replace your Doctor or Health Professional Care.
Feel free to use booklet copyright free for any worthy purpose
With thanks to catholiceducation.org, vatican.va
