DIRECTIONS FOR THE CVOL HOME STUDY MODEL
Dear Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Parents:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this CVOL material with your middle school student. If you are like most Catholic parents, you want your child to have a healthy understanding of sexuality as a very positive thing -- a powerful and sacred gift from God that (when used responsibly) builds loving families and offers a deeper understanding of Christ's love.
You probably also want to protect your child from unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (epidemic among teens!), infertility, uterine cancer, broken hearts, lost faith, depression, and low self-esteem.
Is Your Child Ready to Learn About This? While it may seem that some middle school students are too young and physically immature to worry about sexuality, the fact is that they are already bombarded with distorted messages about their sexuality – and they are quietly absorbing it all! Television programs, the Internet, CDs, video games, commercials, magazines, conversations with friends -- and even some public school health classes -- are packed with words and images that encourage sexual behaviors and/or attitudes that are contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
The "Catholic Vision of Love" (CVOL) program was designed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh to support parents by conveying God's beautiful plan for human love and sexuality in a convincing and developmentally appropriate manner. It is important to note that the topic of sexuality will not be covered in any other classes or events for middle school students.
This material is divided into four sections/classes. The lessons cover vocation, modesty, Reconciliation, and how Christ gives us the courage to be pure of heart. We have loaded the Catechist Notes for your review. It would be best to review these notes before beginning the student lessons with your child.
Throughout the Catechist Notes sections, you will see references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If you do not have a copy of the Catechism in your home, copies are available in the SJP Resource Center. You are welcome to check one out to use while you complete this curriculum. The Catechism is also available online for no charge (http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/ccc.html).
Students should complete all of the Student Lessons pages before taking the review test. We strongly encourage the parent/guardian to review these pages with their child so they get all that they can from the material. Most of these sections lend themselves to interesting discussions!
Before your child begins the Review Test they will be asked to confirm that they have successfully completed all of the Student Lessons. Your presence will be required for the LAST question on the Review Test for grade 7. This is a parent/child discussion point and we ask for the number of the question that you chose to discuss. No other details are required.
If you have any questions/concerns about the material, please contact Kathy Masters, at 724-935-2104 x36, kmasters@stsjohnandpaul.org.
We applaud you for spending this quality time with your child. Jesus is well pleased! We pray that it will be a very enriching experience for both of you.
Kathy Masters,
Faith Formation Staff
