Cost: free of charge

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Understanding God’s Plan for Human Sexuality When Your Child has Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities will be a virtual presentation Monday, Sept. 26 via zoom. To register, contact Allison Sturm at
[email protected] or 260-399-1452.

Parenting a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities brings many blessings and some unique challenges. Issues related to sexuality can seem to add more problems and raise important questions. Some include: How to handle puberty? What about inappropriate sexual behaviors? Are dating and romantic relationships possible? What are the ways to avoid exploitation or abuse?
This live, virtual presentation, developed exclusively for the parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, explores how the Catholic Church’s teaching on human sexuality can help families navigate these challenges and others, while also giving them deeper insight into God’s plan for their children. The special role that parents play in educating their children in this area will be discussed, and some practical strategies detailing what, when, and how to teach about human sexuality will be shared. Time during the presentation will also be dedicated to discussion among parents about personal experiences and concerns as well as for asking questions of the presenters. Presenters: Mary O’Callaghan, Ph.D. and Clare Kilbane, Ph.D.
Sponsored by Marriage & Family Ministry, Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, and the McGrath Institute for Church Life.