Chastity vs. Sex Ed...

I recently attended a retreat that Father Chad has required for all parishioners who have a child or grandchild in Catholic Education. The title of the retreat was Chastity vs. Sex Education and the presenter was Katrina Zeno, a diocesan educator on theology of the body. This is a gem, especially for those of us who didn't attend Catholic school and/or didn't receive formal education on chastity. Katrina begins by explaining how we are made in the image of God and that our bodies are a gift, just as God is a total gift. 

Before that day, I'd heard murmurs from CE moms and dads at pick up and drop off: Why do we parents need to take a class on sex ed? If we have kids, isn't that proof enough that we understand how it all works? We got this! Aha! But the presentation wasn't the sex education we received in health class. While we may not need sex ed, we may need a better understanding of chastity. No, chastity is NOT synonymous with celibacy. In fact, married couples are also called to live in chastity. 

“No, chastity is NOT synonymous with celibacy. Married couples are also called to live in chastity.”
If you have never attended one of Katrina's talks, you need to hear her. She's a dynamic speaker and offers such relatable examples. You'll walk away with ammo for the first (or next) time you have "THAT talk" with your child or any of your children. Oh, but once you listen to Katrina's presentation, you'll see why you don't need to have THAT talk. What?! Oh now you're interested. 

Missed this retreat? No worries. There is a make-up retreat for CE parents scheduled for February. Even if your kids are too young or beyond CE age (and hopefully attend youth ministry), you will appreciate the knowledge and wisdom presented. 

In case you're intrigued, here's a video of Katrina speaking to 5th and 6th graders (great for sharing with the kids) and Katrina speaking to RCIA. She is also the author of The Body Reveals God, Discovering the Feminine Genius: Every Woman's Journey (Theology of the Body), and When Things Don't Go Your Way: Hope for Catholic Women Facing Pain and Disappointment. youtu.be/b2OjeLA3ugY

In His Service,
Cecyll LoBue
SGC President 2019-2020
SGCPresident.98@gmail.com