Had to have the "gay" talk -- Catholics only, please.

[bostonlass]

Have you checked your parish yet? Perhaps the religious education director knows of some book or video. If asked why you could always say that since Father brought it up, your child has some burning questions that need to be answered with Catholic facts that would be according to her grade level and understanding.

You know that is an excellent idea. I will put the onus on them since they are in part to blame for the predicament I'm in in the first place. Now that I think of it, knowing that they would be broaching this subject at the children's mass I really think they should have prepared us parents ahead of time and handed out pamphlets on how to explain the sermon to your kids. I don't think they thought that one out very well at all.

 

[Angelus00]

My kids, have known physical anatomy since they were old enough to perceive the differences in male and female. Just had such a discussion with my 4 year old. He wanted to know if, when he got big, he'd have breasts (his words ) like mommy. Discussions about humanity and their disfunction aren't as bad as one might think. The gay/lesbian discussion happened with my older boys when they were 9 and 7 respectively. When they ask, you BETTER be ready. My boys can always tell when either parent trys to derail a question. Be prepared, as well, to have the SAME conversation over the course of a few years, cuz as their understanding grows they'll revisit the issue in an attempt to further explore it. Get ready.

Also, I tend to agree with Esran, that children should be aware of what's what. It's how mom and dad react that is critical, imo.

Thanks

 

[Sisof8]

my bros are 8, 10, and 14 and they pretty much know it means guys who act like girls and like to kiss other boys.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Glad to know I'm not the only one faced with this dilemma. Yes I am in Massachusetts.

Ok, I was wondering if the Priest was for or against..lol
Without the state, I had to ask. lol

Personally I wonder if that priest was thinking....being it was a children's Mass.

 

[bostonlass]

Ok, I was wondering if the Priest was for or against..lol
Without the state, I had to ask. lol

Personally I wonder if that priest was thinking....being it was a children's Mass.

Oh he's for overturning the marriage law, that was evident!!!

I think he was just trying to get to the parents. I think that could have been acheived with a letter in the mail just as effectively.

 

[bostonlass]

My kids, have known physical anatomy since they were old enough to perceive the differences in male and female. Just had such a discussion with my 4 year old. He wanted to know if, when he got big, he'd have breasts (his words ) like mommy. Discussions about humanity and their disfunction aren't as bad as one might think. The gay/lesbian discussion happened with my older boys when they were 9 and 7 respectively. When they ask, you BETTER be ready. My boys can always tell when either parent trys to derail a question. Be prepared, as well, to have the SAME conversation over the course of a few years, cuz as their understanding grows they'll revisit the issue in an attempt to further explore it. Get ready.

Also, I tend to agree with Esran, that children should be aware of what's what. It's how mom and dad react that is critical, imo.

Thanks

I have to wonder why I've been given this task. I'm so not equipped to handle this.

 

[geocajun]

Well unless I homechurched as well the subject would still have been brought up since it was brought up at our parish.

Caroline, having immoral sexual behavior discussed in context of the gospel, and being put into its proper moral perspective is a very different thing than having ones teacher (who contributes to ones moral formation) act in such as a way as to condone sinful behavior in front of your child which you now have to 'undo' if you can.

 

[princess_ballet]

Caroline, having immoral sexual behavior discussed in context of the gospel, and being put into its proper moral perspective is a very different thing than having ones teacher (who contributes to ones moral formation) act in such as a way as to condone sinful behavior in front of your child which you now have to 'undo' if you can.

I don't think thats what she was saying. She was simply saying that homeschooling her child wouldn't have prevented it from coming up, since it was mentioned at church.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I have to wonder why I've been given this task. I'm so not equipped to handle this.

I am also from the school of thought that if they're old enough to ask then they need to be told in a straightforward way what the truth is. Both of my children by the age of 5 had asked me where babies come from, and they got the whole low down including techinical terminology from me. And I had NO idea how I was going to handle it up until that point, but it worked out. Theyw were satisified with the answer and haven't brought it up since.

As to how to address the homosexuality thing, it sounds like they're ready to know what God says about homsexuality. And you should be able to contact your archdiocese for info. There is always help at the Church for these sorts of things, but I think everyone, myself included, just forgets the obvious, which is to ask the Church for advice on how to handle it. They will be able to provide you with plenty of resources.

Michelle

 

[D'Ann]

I actually went looking recently in our local Catholic bookshop and couldn't find anything. Whether our children are homeschooled or not, it would be good to know that there is something out there that can help. I know for "grown ups" The Theology of the Body has been recomended to me to help me understand this whole area, what we need is a simpler version for our children, I guess.
But you could look at some of the writings that are around this to try and help you explain things...

Good idea Cat. Theology of the Body is a place to start looking around to see if there are any other Catholic books on the subject.

Bridget, my heart goes out to you. We live in a time when children are exposed to so many elements and as parents, it is a challenge trying to protect them and /or explain to them about all of these different elements. You are doing a good job and that is the bottom line. My advice would be to follow Cat's advice in going to a Catholic bookstore... and check by the Theology of the Body area and see if there are some books that may have helpful information or go by the children's book area and see if there are some books there. I'de be careful and read through the books myself and then if they are okay and you are comfortable with the books... I would share them with your children. If all of the books lean towards an incorrect concept, you may be able to try Amazon books or google the subject like Catholic children gay books and see if anything pops up.

God be with you and yours,

Debbie

 

[geocajun]

I don't think thats what she was saying. She was simply saying that homeschooling her child wouldn't have prevented it from coming up, since it was mentioned at church.

yes, but the way it came up in the church was not scandelous to the childs faith, nor problematic to their moral formation is my point.
Either way it came up, sure, but in the case of the homeschooler, the parent does not have to contend with unlearning the sinful behavior the teacher is condoning.
Hence, another example of how homeschooling a child is a safer alternative than subjecting them to this irresponsible and sinful behavior from their teachers.

 

[D'Ann]

Bridget,

I just thought of another thing you can do. Call up a Catholic school near you and explain to them what is happening and see if they can recommend a book to you or where you can go to get correct information to share with your children.

 

[stray bullet]

Are you in Massachuttes?

Anyway, gay ppl are not born with a gene for this. I read the studies, and it is not an inborn trait.

There is no known gene associated with homosexuality. At the same time, there is no know gene or cause for normal sexual attraction either. Our understanding of the root causes of human sexuality is still very unknown.

 

[geocajun]

There is no known gene associated with homosexuality. At the same time, there is no know gene or cause for normal sexual attraction either. Our understanding of the root causes of human sexuality is still very unknown.

The cause of normal sexual attraction? God.

 

[ProCommunioneFacior]

The cause of normal sexual attraction? God.

 

[bostonlass]

yes, but the way it came up in the church was not scandelous to the childs faith, nor problematic to their moral formation is my point.
Either way it came up, sure, but in the case of the homeschooler, the parent does not have to contend with unlearning the sinful behavior the teacher is condoning.
Hence, another example of how homeschooling a child is a safer alternative than subjecting them to this irresponsible and sinful behavior from their teachers.

good point.

 

[stray bullet]

The cause of normal sexual attraction? God.

[bible]Exodus 4:11[/bible]

 

[bostonlass]

Exodus 4:11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

then wouldn't it stand to figure that he made them gay as well? And maybe just maybe he made them that way so that they could grow closer to Him in their suffering and as a byproduct of their despair save souls in purgatory?

 

[geocajun]

Stray, do you think God then is the author of sin? is that where I think your trying to go with this? How about my short temper, is that His fault too? What does the light have to do with darkness?
God makes us all, yes, but God does not become the cause of our sins. God does not make homosexuals be homosexuals - this would contradict divine revelation that homosexuality is a sin.

 

[bostonlass]

Stray, do you think God then is the author of sin? is that where I think your trying to go with this? How about my short temper, is that His fault too? What does the light have to do with darkness?
God makes us all, yes, but God does not become the cause of our sins. God does not make homosexuals be homosexuals - this would contradict divine revelation that homosexuality is a sin.

ya know....if adults can't agree on the cause how the heck am i gonna explain it to the kiddo's......



maybe this is more tricky than just buyin' a book.