Love and Intimacy

One of the best paths to stronger marriages, happier families, and more joy is a collection of new teachings on love and sexuality called the Theology of the Body (TOB).  Catholic resources about sex have exploded in the last 5-10 years thanks to Pope John Paul II, who wrote nearly two thirds of what the Church has ever taught about sex and marriage.

Many married couples are experiencing a new level of sexual intimacy that is incredibly joyful, personal, affirming, healthy, meaningful, and beautiful!  Check out this quote from TOB author, Christopher West: Fun is not the right word for marital (sexual) union.  Sublime ecstatic bliss is more like it.  It’s not merely a cliché to say that true, honest sex is a little taste of heaven right on earth. – "Good News about Sex and Marriage," pg. 99

There are TOB classes at many local Churches, and many parents and youth ministers are using TOB resources to help their teens understand God’s amazing plan for love, life, and human sexuality.  Many teens and adults are seeing TOB as an invitation to deep love and union that is an incredible antidote to loneliness and lust.  God loves us soooooooo much and wants us to have a life of joy and unending love!  We have put several links to incredible CD's, books, and websites and click here for a list of local TOB classes.

Christopher West www.ChristopherWest.com - Christopher West provides books and talks on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, and numerous resources, podcasts, and articles on the Church’s teachings on love, sex, and marriage.

Jason and Chrystalina Evert www.Chastity.com - Jason and Crystalina Evert’s website offers numerous resources on sexual integrity, especially for parents, teens, and college students.  Their videos, CDs, and resources provide practical information on sexuality, authentic love, and Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

Crossing the Threshold of Love (book) by Mary Shivanandan provides a helpful guide to studying John Paul II's Theology of the Body. A New Language Study Guide is also available through Mary Shivanandan which is helpful for Theology of the Body study groups. www.imagodei-tob.org

The Good News about Sex and Marriage (book) Christopher West - This book had a deep impact on the level of love and intimacy in many marriage, and is aslo a great resource for couples who are engaged.

"Prove it God ... and He did!" (CD) - Patty Schneier

Sexual Common Sense (CD set) Dr. Janet Smith

Fr. Brian Schieber, one of the head priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, wrote this powerful homily about sexual integrity, Theology of the Body, and God's beautiful plan for sexuality:

Homily on Authentic Love and Sexuality
By Father Brian Schieber

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Not long ago at Christmas time, I remember asking a few 8th graders what they got for Christmas. One remarked that he got a new DVD player. I said, “Oh, your family got a DVD player.” He said, “No, this one is just for me. I have a TV in my bedroom, now I have my own DVD player.”

Growing up, my parents taught us to stay away from strangers, and yet today, through TV, DVD’s, and the Internet we are letting strangers into our children’s bedrooms. Our children are losing their innocence through the ready access to indecency piped right into our homes.

It is time that we reclaim our families and homes for Christ. That is why we are participating in this Archdiocesan program entitled, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”

As the video showed, we are in the midst of a battle. St. Paul tells us how to prepare for this battle. In the letter to the Ephesians, he tells us that the first piece of armor that we must put on for the spiritual battle is this: “gird your loins with the truth.”

Read more: Fr. Brian's Homily

The Gift Series is an exciting presentation on the Theology of the Body that is easy to understand. These groups combine video footage of Christopher West's exciting presentations with facilitator and student workbooks, which are quite easy for churches to use.  If your church or group is interested in starting The Gift Series please let Sam & Beth Meier or Kimberly Rode a call at 913-721-1570 , and they can help you.

The following parishes are using or have used "The Gift" series (please contact us if we do not have your parish or group on the list)

• Catholic Campus Center at Washburn University in Topeka
• Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa
• Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka
• Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie
• St. Matthew in Topeka
• Several volunteers in Olathe are interested in starting another group in Johnson County.

"A New Language" is a group study series on the Theology of the Body in which participants reflect upon Scripture, the writings of John Paul II, and their own human experience to come to an understanding of the true meaning of marriage and human sexuality.  Information about these groups is available at www.imagodei-tob.org.  If your parish is interested in organizing a study group, or you would like to find out about a class near you contact Kimberly Rode at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at 913-721-1570. 

Read more: Theology of the Body Groups

In 2001, 505 women who had taken classes on Natural Family Planning (NFP) within the last 10 years were surveyed. The results from the survey revealed that compared to other women in general and to a general group of Catholic women of similar age, NFP users:

-have a dramatically low (0.2%) divorce rate
-experience happier marriages
-are happier and more satisfied in their everyday lives;
-have considerably more marital relations;
-have a deeper intimacy with spouse than those who contracept

(Mercedez Arzu Wilson - www.PhysiciansForLife.org)

 
All-Pro NFL quarterback Philip Rivers (discuss) pointed out that self control “doesn’t end when you get married. Chastity is still part of your marriage.” He and his wife practice Natural Family Planning, and he admitted that “it can be hard as ever sometimes. But it makes us stronger and love each other more. It allows you to love in many different ways. . . . That part of our relationship has strengthened us.”  (www.Chastity.com)

 
For more information about Natural Family Planning, contact the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.  Click here for a list of NFP doctors, medical specialists, and instructors that was compiled for a brochure by the Family Life Office. 

 

The following Natural Family Planning organizations can be helpful as well:

http://creightonmodel.com/

http://www.ccli.org/

http://naprotechnology.com/

http://onemoresoul.com/

http://nfpoutreach.org/