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Letters for Your Programs

For 5th and 6th Grade Parents

Parish/School Letter

Date

Dear 5 th and 6 th Grader Parents/Guardians,

The Archdiocese of Washington has developed an approved curriculum for Catechesis on Human Sexuality which is designed to provide parishes with a means of assisting parents in their role as the primary religious educators of their children. We plan to begin this program with families who have children in the 5 th and 6 th grade this year.

Sessions will be offered for both parents and parents with their children. Please note that students will not be allowed to attend the parent-child sessions without at least one parent or their designated proxy also present and participating.

The opening session is for parents. Our speaker, Mary Lee O'Connell , CRNP, is a certified registered nurse practitioner and a sexuality educator. She is approved by the Archdiocese of Washington to teach human sexuality. Mary Lee will discuss God's plan for the gift of sexuality and answer parents' questions on how to communicate with their children. She will let parents know when and what our kids are asking, their most frequently asked questions at different ages, suggestions for answering these questions and how to be an "askable" parent.

The second session follows the Project Genesis Series , "Fertility Appreciation: A Family Workshop." It will be offered separately for girls and boys with their parents. For girls and their mothers on Monday, ., 7:30 - 9:00 P.M. For boys and their fathers, Tuesday, . 7:30 - 9:00 P.M. (If the mother or father is not available to attend with the daughter or son, the other parent may attend in their place.) This workshop brings parents/guardians and children together to learn more about God's gift of sexuality and the mysterious changes of puberty. When, how and why their body changes; what happens first; and what is NORMAL anyway will be discussed. During the workshop children will see other families who respect God's gift of sexuality and support their decision to follow God's plan for their lives.

A copy of the Archdiocese of Washington Guidelines for Catechesis on Human Sexuality and the content of the parent-child workshop is available for your review in the school office. Please feel free to stop by and review this important information. If you can join us for these programs, please fill out the enclosed form and return it to the school by.

A sample of some of the questions that your children asked anonymously is attached to this letter. Please review them and join us at the workshop. I look forward to working with you and supporting you as you guide your children in their understanding of the church's teachings on sexuality.

With best wishes, I am yours in Christ,

Pastor