Byzantine Catholic Family Matters

The Church and Our Sexuality
Part VI

Where Can I Learn More?

Whether you are a teen, a young adult or parent, this series has merely begun to look at the good news of the Church about our sexuality. Yes, there have been a number of books and even a few videos on this topic in recent years, directed at different audiences, and from Catholic as well as Orthodox perspectives. All items are available from the publishers, your local bookstore, or from my website www.byzcathfamilymatters.com which will make its debut by mid to late March.

For teens and young adults I recommend two books from Our Sunday Visitor Press. Standing with Courage: Confronting Tough Decisions About Sex is written by Mary-Louise Kurey, a recent Miss Wisconsin. Ms. Kurey book is somewhat autobiographical as she discusses some of the important decisions she has made as she progressed through adolescence into early adulthood. The other book Christian Courtship in an Over-Sexed World: A Guide for Catholics is by T.G. Morrow, a Catholic priest who has spent much time ministering to single adults. Father Morrow has written a wide-ranging guide for singles. It is full of examples of singles he has served in his ministry. These two books alone provide teens and young single adults a lot to think about, pray over and discuss.

A very good book directed to parents is Beyond the Birds and the Bees by therapist and author Greg Popcak also published by Our Sunday Visitor. Mr. Popcak focuses on the importance of developing the total person in fostering a healthy sexuality.

For more theological and philosophical titles I am recommending a series of books by Orthodox author Sam Torode. Mr. Torode has set out to pen a series of books which explains John Paul II's Theology of the Body in very readable, everyday language. The first in the series Body and Gift (Philokalia Books) does just that. The second title in the series, Purity of Heart, should be available later this spring.

Also from a more theological/ philosophical perspective is Love: Sexuality and the Sacrament of Marriage by Orthodox theologian John Chryssavgis. This book consists of two essays focusing on the Eastern Christian understanding of love, sexuality, and the sacrament of marriage. There is also a section with selected quotes from the early Church Fathers and Orthodox theologians on this subject.

Reader Marya Tipton from St. Ann Parish in Harrisburg informed me of an upcoming weekend forum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on the Theology of the Body at which she will be speaking. The forum will be held on April 23^rd and 24^th 2004. It is sponsored by the Theology of the Body International Alliance and brings together Roman Catholic, Byzantine Catholic and Orthodox speakers. In addition to Ms. Tipton, Father Tom Loya of the Eparchy of Parma will be presenting. For more information on this forum, visit www.theologyofthebody.net or call 1-866-333-6392.

There is good news out there about sexuality. The resources I have listed here are but a few of what is available. As I discover new resources on this subject I will list them on www.byzcathfamilymatters.com.