As parents we want our children to be raised in a moral society. We teach them right from wrong. Our desire is that they will be honest and trustworthy, kind, generous, hardworking and responsible. We teach them to be empathetic, forgiving, and to understand the futility of holding a grudge. We teach them how to make good decisions and that bad decisions have consequences. We strive to be role models for our children by teaching them to respect themselves and the rights of others as well as respect for life, property, nature and our elders. Our children are never too young to learn the difference between vice and virtue.

A parent’s job is extremely difficult today! Unfortunately, we live in a society that practices the self-serving religion of “feel goodism.” Sometimes it seems that society is “hell-bent” on stealing the innocence of our children. I could cite numerous examples present in society today, but I’m sure that you are keenly aware (and sometimes awake at night) contemplating what we are up against.

Often parents express that they don’t quite know how to best teach and prepare their children to counter what they view in today’s society. The US Catholic Bishops Conference and our own Archbishop have provided direction in the form of documents and directives. St. John the Evangelist Parish will again integrate a Family Life program into our regular Religious Education programs, though using a different method than last year. Participation in this will be a joint effort by catechists and parents. Our teaching tool is Benziger Family Life – a series of age-appropriate books for each grade level (K-8). The material is presented in a sensitive manner at a level of understanding appropriate to the child.

This curriculum is designed around the five gifts/themes which correlate with the U.S. Catholic Bishops document on Human Sexuality and the Catechism of the Catholic Church: God’s Gifts of Family, of Self, of Life, of Sexuality, and God’s Gift of Community. Many of our students have, or in the 6th grade, will receive the biological component provided through their science/health curriculum in their schools. However, the comments and concerns, as well as questions posed by children to some of our Catechists, supports the reality that many of our children need support and understating of our Catholic teachings as well as a faith dimension as it relates to morality and Human Sexuality. The public and many private schools are able to provide a physiological approach but they are not permitted to bring God or morality into the equation.

We are providing information for your review. The only material designed for the student directly is the text. All of the other information is for parents. These include a parent guide for the text and a parent supplement from the Archdiocese. A parental consent was requested at the time you registered your child. An outline of the curriculum by grade level is available in the office.

Our primary time frame for teaching Family Life in the classroom will be during the month of January. Children should leave the “Blest Are We” books at home during those weeks and bring the Family Life text. My office will remind you to do this as the time gets closer. Your children’s catechist will also keep a good line of communication open. If you “opt out” of the Family Life program, your child should not come to class during the month of January. Those who “opt out” are still receiving these materials to be used at home in the manner and timing which you choose.

Communicating with our children about values and human sexuality can be difficult for some parents. Our hope is that the use of this teaching tool will open lines of communication and support your children in their understanding of our Catholic Christian teachings.

If you have any questions or desire any additional information, please contact Youth Minister, Cassandra Anderson or myself at 410 647-4892.

God’s peace to you,

John F. Poland,
Director of Religious Education

Site Map