Explaining Theology of the Body to Children

For many people, a first introduction to Theology of the Body (Blessed Pope John Paul II's integrated vision of the human person - body, soul, and spirit - delivered in a series of talks from 1979 to 1984) comes as an adult. Often, first-timers will sit stunned and wonder why they've never heard these beautiful teachings before. As they set about evangelizing this incredible work, they reach out to other adults in their lives.  Speaking of which...if you are unfamiliar with Theology of the Body, please stop by the SJE Lending Library to borrow such titles as Theology of the Body for Beginners, Marriage & the Eucharist on CD, or Purity in an Impure Age on DVD - just to name a very few!

But it can often be a struggle to explain such rich teachings to children. At SJE, we are striving to offer opportunities for explaining Theology of the Body to children of all ages:

Although not yet implemented, we do have a parishioner who has attended training to facilitate Theology of the Body for Middle School and Theology of the Body for Teens. For more information on those two programs, please email us!

"The Church has always affirmed that parents have the duty and right to be the primary educators of their children. Parents are rich in an educative potential which no one else possesses." (from the Vatican Document, The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, n 5 & 7)

If it's time for the growing up talk in your home, but you don't want more than your preteen can handle and you want it from a Catholic perspective, our Catholic Family Institute presents the Growing Up parent/child workshops with Dr. Coleen Kelly Mast on Monday, March 11th from 6:00 to 7:30pm.  The program is suitable for 9-12 year olds accompanied by mom or dad.  The program is open to any family.  Read more and spread the word!

If your children are simply too young for the message, Christopher West shares an awesome Theology of the Body Bedtime Prayer that he recites with his family every night...

Thank You Jesus for making Mommy to be a woman.
Thank You for making Daddy to be a man.
Thank You for bringing Mommy and Daddy into the Sacrament of Marriage.
Thank You for bringing (insert name(s) of children here) into the world through Mommy and Daddy’s love. 
Help our boys grow into strong men ready to give away their bodies in love.
Help our girls grow into strong women ready to give away their bodies in love.
If they are called into the Sacrament of Marriage, please prepare them for their future spouse.
If they are called to give themselves entirely to Jesus and the Church as a priest or religious, please prepare their hearts for that.
Amen.

Plant the seeds of chastity, love, and authenticity now so that your family can glorify the Lord for eternity!