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Sexuality Education Guidelines

Introduction

At the very center of our lives rests the truth that God has first loved us. As human persons we are called to respond to God’s love. Our very humanness is God’s gift to us and as we grow toward more fully developing that humanity, we become more whole-more holy. Christian education toward human wholeness should include education in human sexuality, because sexuality is an integral part of who we are as human persons.

Sexuality is a multi-faceted reality, encompassing all that we are as men and all that we are as women. It is a fundamental way in which we relate to ourselves, to other persons, and to God. It is who we are, how we communicate, and how we express and live love.

Our sexuality is rooted in God’s own creativity. Genesis 1:27 says, “God created human beings in God’s own image; in the divine image God Created them, male and female God created them.” And the National Catechetical Directory comments, “Because human beings are created in God’s image and likeness, they are most capable of making God manifest in their lives. The more fully people live in fidelity to the image of God in them, the more clearly perceptible is the divine in human life.” (NCD, #51)

The depth, richness, and beauty of human sexuality profoundly expresses what it means to be human, and also somehow reflects the image of God. However, its integration in our lives, is a life-long process. Our culture has a narrow understanding of sex and sexuality; we tend to fragment and compartmentalize our lives, separating body from spirit, reason from feeling. As a result, sexuality seems to be separate from who we are as persons. The Church, therefore, has a special responsibility to proclaim a fuller understanding of sexuality because sexuality involves the deepest meaning of human reality.

With this in mind, the Diocese of Manchester strongly urges all Catholic parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions to provide formal programs in sexuality education which will help everyone – young and old – grow in the understanding and appreciation of their own sexuality. Since other sexuality education programs may already exist in the community – particularly in the public schools – Catholics need to be aware of these programs. They should support what is good in them, working to insure that these programs reflect basic Judaeo-Christian values. Formal programs in sexuality education are needed in Catholic parishes, schools and other institutions to teach specifically Christian and Catholic values to the Catholic members of the community. However, these are not intended, indeed cannot, replace the education in sexuality which happens regularly in family life. Rather, formal programs are intended to supplement the primary role of parents by encouraging communication between parents and children, and among all members of the Catholic community.

Recommendations

Because all adults have a responsibility to acquire a suitable education in matters of sexuality, parishes and other responsible institutions should see that appropriate workshops and programs are provided to achieve this end.
The parishes should assist parents to assume an effective role as the primary educators of their children and help them incorporate a Christian approach to sexuality in the home by:
informing parents of Christian teachings which directly or indirectly relate to sexuality either through homilies, work shops, family nights, or other appropriate means,
assisting parents to communicate with their children regarding matters of sexuality by making available resources, workshops, and other programs dealing with communication and parenting skills,
fostering parents’ groups to support and affirm families in their efforts to incorporate Christian values into family life.
Young people have a right to education in sexuality and they should have access to, and be supported by, their parents and other knowledgeable and competent adults. Parishes, schools, and families all have a responsibility in this area, either by incorporating sexuality education into existing programs or by establishing new ones.
A permanent diocesan committee should be established within the Secretariat for Education and Youth Services with responsibility for:
encouraging sound catechesis in human sexuality for all age levels,
evaluating sexuality education programs and materials,
assuring that workshops and programs on human sexuality are provided for all adults, but especially for those responsible for formal sexuality education.
All formal education in human sexuality, both in schools and institutions, public and private, and in Catholic parishes, should begin with the formation of an advisory committee consisting or parents, teachers and catechists, medical professionals, clergy, and other members of the community. These advisory committees should:
assess the need for sexuality education,
determine adequate programs to meet the needs,
make recommendations for adequate instruction,
make recommendations for competent staffing for educational programs,
examine and evaluate teaching methods, aids, and resources.
All education in sexuality should be based on sound and contemporary Christian teaching. Thus:
Education in sexuality must deal with issues of identity, relationship, and intimacy, all aspects of the human person. It must address, not only the physical and intellectual dimensions of the person, but also the emotional, spiritual and ethical dimensions.
Education in sexuality requires the fostering of attitudes and values conducive to positive growth in, and responsible living out of, personal sexuality: respect for self and others, respect for the sacred gift of sexuality, respect for marriage as the proper context for sexual union as an expression of the permanent personal commitment and faithful love of husband and wife, and respect for the family as the basic community of love which fosters human growth.
Education in human sexuality needs to be formal as well as informal and should provide for the effectiveness of both forms of instruction. Formal instruction should be presented sequentially according to its appropriateness for each age and maturity group.
The methods, strategies, and techniques chosen should take the learner seriously as one capable of engaging in an active learning experience. They should be chosen carefully, insure the personal freedom of the participants, and be rooted in sound educational principles.
Those involved in teaching and leading programs of sexuality education should be persons who have an adequate vision of the meaning and value of sexuality and a balanced integration of sound and positive Christian values.