Religious Education > Policy & Guidelines for Education in Human Sexuality

Education in human sexuality is an integral part of Christian education and formation in the faith. The Church recognizes that sexuality is an "important element of the human personality... It is both a central aspect of one's self understanding and a crucial factor in one's relationships with others" (NCD #191)

Education of any kind is multi-faceted. It is carried on in different ways by many different people. This is also true of education in human sexuality that embraces the entire person: moral, spiritual, psychological, emotional and physical.

The Church recognizes parents as the primary educators and the home as the first and most important setting in which such education is taking place. Others also play roles in the process by which children and young people come to a healthy understanding of the sexuality and value it as a beautiful gift from God. Catholic schools, religious education programs and other related parish-ministries are the means through which the Church exercises its own responsibility to carry on education in human sexuality that begins at home.

Parents and educators are seeking direction, clarification and support. Therefore, the following principles, guidelines and planning aids are offered to assist the Catholic faith community in providing comprehensive human sexuality education.

Policy

Each Catholic parish within the Diocese of Jefferson City is responsible for providing an educational program regarding human sexuality. Education in human sexuality in Catholic schools and religious education programs is understood within the context of the following principles and guidelines:

Guidelines

Making the Decision in the Parish: The decision as to when and how to introduce the program of education in human sexuality is determined by the pastor, principal, and/or religious education coordinator, parish council, school board and/or appropriate organizations.

Program Format: A comprehensive program of education in human sexuality may take different forms according to the needs and resources of the local parish and/or school.

1. A focused approach which consists of a number of sessions added to the curriculum and covering the topic of human sexuality.
   
   

2. An integrated approach in which the various components of education in sexuality are incorporated into the existing curriculum (e.g., science, religion, social studies, etc.)
   
   

3. A parent-as-educator approach in which parents are assisted in becoming more comfortable with their own sexuality and are enabled to share their knowledge and values in sexuality with their children.

Initiating the Program: The program should be initiated with prior consultation with parents.

• A parent orientation session/s should be held by the parish at the time when a program is being initiated.
  
  

• This orientation should include acquainting parents with materials to be used At the grade level(s) of their children. If some parents do not want their children to participate in part or all of the program, this request must be honored.

Continuing Parental Involvement:

• The parish program should have specific components for parents, teachers and students
  
  

• Teachers should make a continuous effort to involve parents, by use of materials that would compel interaction between parents and their children.
  
  

• Parishes should provide opportunities for the parents to continue their own learning in human sexuality so that they may better be involved in the formal education of their children.

Teacher Training:

• Selection and training of teachers will be the responsibility of the local parish. In most instances, a principal or religious education coordinator would assume this responsibility.
  
  

• In the integrated approach it is necessary for all teachers to receive adequate training in order that they might together communicate positive Christian attitudes toward human sexuality.
  
  

• Both the Ministry of Religious Education and Catholic School are available for consultation and to facilitate training of teachers.

Resources for Human Sexuality Education

Certain programs and related materials have been evaluated and are recommended for use in the Diocese of Jefferson City. The resources listed below are recommended for use in parishes and schools. Contact the Ministry of Religious Education or the Ministry of Catholic Schools for more information.

© 2000 – William H. Sadlier / Archdiocese of St. Louis
A supplementary program  for Grades 4 through 8 which focuses on the moral and religious dimension of human sexuality.   Basic themes are addressed  in three sessions each year, with a special fourth session in Grade 5 to address physical and emotional changes of puberty.  Includes family activity pages, family handouts and a “family chat site”. Suitable for both Catholic school and religious education programs.

© 2001 – Harcourt Religion Co. / Brown-Roa
A Catholic elementary series developed to reach grade levels K-8 (both Catholic school and religious education programs) parents, and the total parish.  The program is based on seven key themes of catechesis in human love and presented in seven sessions at each grade level, developing according to students’ level of maturity.  Integrated in the program is a Family Resource used in conjunction with student text to support parents in conveying sensitive information on such topics as reproductive biology and puberty.  Also included are grade level teaching guides, teaching resources and a parish-wide implementation manual.  Spanish materials also available.

The Fully Alive Program

© 1997 – Silver Burdett Ginn Co. / Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops / 1-800-552-2259
A family life education program for students in grade levels 1 – 8 and their families. The program is organized around five themes which are presented at each grade level and which provide the structure for flexibility in selecting individual topics (total of 22).  The program provides special Teacher editions,  Family Books  and also incorporates family sessions with parents coming together.  Although originally designed as a classroom resource, the program can be adapted for teaching at home using the student text and guided by the family books. 

© 2001 – Benziger/Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A moral catechesis program for the contemporary Catholic family.  The program encompasses 5 major themes taught in ten lessons at each grade level K – 8.  Included are Teacher’s edition and resource book at each grade level; student/parent pack with parent connection exercises; 2 parent booklets on Human Reproduction at 5th/6th grade levels; implementation kit
to train both parents and staff.  Spanish materials are also available. Program designed for classroom use (Catholic school & religious education).

New Creation Series  © 1988  (still available)

In God’s Image Series © 1988 (out of print)

SEX AS GOD'S GIFT (VT2025)

Topic: Sexuality, Chastity / JUNIOR HIGH, HIGH SCHOOL / 6 sessions, 25 min each
Mary Ronan talks straight and plain.  Kids love her, listen to her and respond.  Produced especially for 14 and 15 years olds, these programs help them think through in advance decisions related to sex.  This series challenges young people to understand sex as a valuable gift, something special and meaningful and not as a recreational sport.  Special emphasis is given to avoidance of sexual activity before marriage.  Facts are presented in a straightforward, honest way that teens relate to and respect.  Mary shows why it is important to know ahead of time what the decision is, to avoid being "caught up" in emotional circumstances.  These programs will help youth understand the beauty, importance, and reasons for Biblical morality.  This curriculum kit includes six programs of approximately 25 minutes each, a leader's guide with reproducible student worksheets, and a special bonus video and book presentation for parents: Raising Your Children in an Ungodly World.
Vision Video (2002)