March 5, 2010
Program teaches what it means to be a man with Christian values
Jerry Steckler and son Isaac, play Father-Son charades at an event sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville. Click for a larger version.
By EMILY SNIPES (Catholic Charities)
Over eight years ago Catholic Charities implemented a Mother-Daughter program aimed at allowing an atmosphere for mothers and daughters to learn together about God’s plan for becoming a woman. Girls ages 9-12 learned about the changes that happen during puberty, the sacredness of human life, respect, virtues and responsibility. The Mother-Daughter presenting team consisted of Natural Family Planning teachers from the Holy Family Center for Life and was held each spring in Evansville and Jasper.
Once the Mother-Daughter program was established parents began asking when the Father-Son program would be implemented. In answer to a definite need in our diocese, two teams of men were gathered this year and organized with the leadership assistance of Mark Ginter, assistant professor of Moral Theology at St. Meinrad, to present the program.
Boys 11-14 years old attend the afternoon program with their fathers or other significant male role models and listen to presentations, participate in team-building activities and a question and answer panel. Topics for the Father-Son program include what it means to be a man with Christian values, God’s plan for us and our bodies preparing for fatherhood.
The Jasper area team presented the first Father-Son program on Feb. 28 at St. Peter Celestine. Team members included Joe Munning, Jerry Stecker, Joe Cook, Father Ron Kreilein, Dr. J.R. Hoffman and Mark Ginter.
The Evansville area team will present their program on March 7 at the Catholic Center; team members include Josh Wongler, Jason Gries, Deacon Vince Bernardin, Dr. Tony Schapker, Father John Sasse and Mark Ginter.
Each program takes a three-pronged approach — biological, psychological and spiritual — to introduce young men and women to teachings about chastity and sexuality. Most parents begin to quiver at the thought of explaining sexual anatomy to their children. Many adults come from a generation where these things were not discussed openly.
The purpose of both programs is to provide an atmosphere of love and learning to discuss the important topic of growing up and to establish a foundation for continued communication between the parent and child. Presenters emphasize respect, understanding and appreciation for God’s gifts.
Both programs concentrate on what Pope John Paul II taught in his “Theology of the Body” and other works. The body is not just an object of pleasure or a machine for manipulation, but has a unique and distinct purpose. The pope encouraged a true reverence for the gift of sexuality and challenged Catholics to live in a way worthy of our dignity as human beings.
Catholic Charities plans to hold either the Mother-Daughter or Father-Son program each spring, alternating each year. For more information please contact their office at (812) 423-5456.