Theology of the Body for Teens Seventh Grade Curriculum 6.4 (Girls) To Use, or Not to Use? That is the Question

Bellwork Think about the women you know who are married. They have built a home and a life with their husband. Answer the following questions with your opinions and insights: 1. What does a woman desire from a romantic relationship? 2. In what ways does a woman give of herself in marriage? 3. What difficulties does a woman face in being true to God’s vision of a loving and life-giving wife? What do TV shows want to “teach” us about marriage?

Opening Prayer Mary, loving daughter of God the Father, I give my soul to your care. Protect the life of God in my soul. Do not let me lose it by sin. Protect my mind and my will so that all my thoughts and desires will be pleasing to God. Hail Mary… Mary, loving Mother of God the Son, I give my heart to your care. Let me love you with all my heart. Let me always try to love my neighbor. And help me avoid friends who might lead me away from Jesus and into a life of sin. Mary, loving spouse of the Holy Spirit, I give my body to your care. Let me always remember that my body is a home for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. Let me never sin against him by any impure actions alone or with others, against the virtue of purity. Hail Mary… Amen.

The Gift of Our Sexuality “Sexuality is an enrichment of the whole person – body, emotions and soul– and it manifests its inmost meaning in leading the person to the gift of self in love.” Saint Pope John Paul II What is “the gift of self in love?” Crystalina Evert’s “Letter to Women” http://www.womenmadenew.com/index.php/component/contushdvideoshare/player/faith/crystalina-s-letter-to-women?Itemid=

How can we give a “gift of self” in love? Welcome and nurture others (think of Mary) “Give life” to others through care and compassion through the vocation of motherhood Respect men by not leading them into temptation Follow Christ’s admonition to serve others rather than to seek to be served (Mk 10:43-45)

How do we help others recognize our self worth? Beauty is one of the attributes of God: Our beauty attracts attention. Maintain its allure. Recognize the beauty of our bodies. Reject the stereotypes of beauty our culture pushes. Practice Modesty “Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should be hidden” (CCC 2521) “Modesty is a bold statement of your worth because it invites men to consider something deeper about you” (Jason Evert). Dress and Dance like you respect yourself. Others will follow your lead. Use our gifts in our vocations. Remember we are God’s beloved daughters through Christ. Recognize that in marriage the gift of self is mutual.

What does it mean to be virtuous? Do’s: Stay pure and you will prepare your soul for love. Love and you will confirm your soul in purity. – Bl. John Cardinal Newman Return to purity through the forgiveness and healing offered in Sacrament of Reconciliation Respect yourself. Know your boundaries. Don’t be “groomed” or manipulated by others or peer pressure. Dress and dance like you respect yourself. Others will follow your lead. Don’ts: Send or request inappropriate images electronically Read “Chick Lit” books which arouse our interest in sex Dress so as to draw attention to your sex appeal Flirt/Date to find “self-worth” Look at porn

“Only the chaste man and the chaste woman are capable of true love.” – Saint Pope John Paul II