"It is an illusion to think we can build a true culture of human life if we do not... accept and experience sexuality and love and the whole of life according to their true meaning and their close inter-connection." John Paul II, The Gospel of Life (n.97).

The sexual embrace is the foundation stone of human life. The family and, in turn, human society itself, spring from this embrace. In short, as sex goes, so go marriage and the family. As marriage and the family go, so goes civilization. Such logic doesn't bode well for our culure. It's no exaggeration to say taht the task of the 20th century was to rid itself of the Christian sexual ethic. If we're to build a "culture of life," the task of the 21st century must be to reclaim it.

But the often repressive approach of previous generations of Christians (usually silence or, at most, "don't do it") is largely responsible for the cultural jettison of the Church's teaching on sex. We need a "new language" to break the silence and reverse the negativity. We need a fresh theology that explains how the Christian sexual ethic, far from the prudish list of prohibitions it's assumed to be, corresponds perfectly with the yearning of our hearts for love and union.

As many people are only now discovering, Pope John Paul II devoted the first major teaching project of his pontificate to developing just such a theology; he calls it a "theology of the body" that's changing lvies around the world. The "fire" is spreading and in due time we can expect global repercussions.

Papal biographer George Weigel said it best when he described the theology of the body as "a kind of theological time bomb set to go off with dramatic consequences... perhaps in the 21st century" (Witness to Hope, 343). Taken from "What is the Theology of the Body, and Why Is It Changing So Many Lives" by Christopher West.

In other words, this is a seminar for anyone who has embraced our cultural definition of love and sex, only to find themselves longing for something more satisfying.

All are invited to this conference; by no means must you be married or Catholic to attend. We onl ask for an open mind and a respectful attitude.

The conference is free, though pre-registration is required. Click here to register online or to download a pdf registration form. An accompanying workbook will be sold onsite.

Childcare will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Spaces are limited; please contact Maureen Brown-Muir at 850-222-9630 to sign up your child.

If you have any other questions related to the seminar, contact Mario Sacasa at 850-201-0254 or mariosacasa@gmail.com