All programs are aimed at deepening adult understanding of human sexuality as well as facilitating personal integration. In addition, there are elements aimed at equipping adults with the skills to communicate effectively with others whether as a parent or as one serving in ministry.
H.E.A.R.T.S. for Parents
CORAZONES
H.E.A.R.T.S. for Ministers
Love, Sex and Media
H.E.A.R.T.S. for Parents, a program of the Archdiocese of Omaha, provides a supportive
environment for parents to grow in their understanding and appreciation of the mystery of human sexuality and to develop effective strategies for communicating with their children about sexuality. As a parent-to-parent ministry, it is led by trained Parent Leaders with expert presenters on individual topics. This program is valuable for parents of all ages.
Parents have the advantage of two program options:
INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP
This workshop presents an understanding of sexuality in the context of spirituality and faith as well as how children are currently being influenced by their culture. Particular emphasis is given to helping parents effectively communicate with their children about sexuality.
COMPLETE PROGRAM
Participants attend the Introductory Workshop as well as 5 additional sessions offered in a weekly format or a monthly format that will help to deepen their understanding and comfort level as well as provide information about sexually transmitted diseases, healthy development, boundary setting, effective communication skills, moral development, and other related topics. The small group environment in the 5 sessions allows time for prayer, speakers, discussion, and skill building. Participants benefit from the expertise of the leaders and presenters plus the rich sharing with other parents.
CORAZONES is the Spanish version of the HEARTS for Parents program and is led by trained Parent Leaders.
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H.E.A.R.T.S. for Ministers provides an opportunity for those in ministry to deepen their appreciation of human sexuality as a positive gift of God that is relational, embodied, and creative. The connections with spirituality are continually highlighted. Each session consists of topical content, prayer, and discussions which allow participants time for engaging concerns and questions in community with others in ministry.
This program is open to all who serve in ministry in the Archdiocese of Omaha, including but not limited to pastoral associates, DREs, youth ministers, principals, school counselors, teachers, family ministers.
Topics include:
- Spirituality of sexuality
- Media and culture
- Physical, psychological, and moral dimensions of human development
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Homosexuality
- Catholic Theology and Sexual Ethics
- Psycho-Sexual Trauma
- Power in the Pastoral Relationship
Studies show that children gain most of their information regarding sexuality from their peers and the media. They also voice their desire to be in more open conversation with parents about these issues. Yet there seems to be much silence about sex between parents and children. How can parents help young people to develop enduring values in this very important dimension of human life?
Love, Sex and Media is a single two hour program aimed at:
- engaging parents in active reflection about the meaning of human sexuality,
- raising parental awareness about the values communicated to children by media sources,
- and improving parental communication skills with regard to sexuality.
