Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

St. Michael Parish in Lincoln, Nebraska, is organizing a special panel presentation titled "Embracing the Truth" that aims to address the importance of protecting the integrity of children, couples, and families. The event, open to the public, will take place on Sunday, February 4th, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the school gymnasium.

The panel presentation is a response to the alarming fact that most children are first exposed to pornography around the age of 10. Father Kenneth Borowiak, the pastor of St. Michael Parish, expressed his concern about this issue, stating, "It is a tragedy and a terrible injustice to young people to be preyed upon by pornographers." He emphasized the importance of teaching the gift of sexuality to young people within the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church.

The panel presentation builds upon the teachings of the Theology of the Body, a comprehensive body of teaching on human sexuality and the human person. Mrs. Ashley Rockey, the principal of St. Michael School, emphasized the urgency of starting this education at an early age: "If we wait until junior high to begin this program, we have waited too long." She pointed out that by that time, most children have already been exposed to inappropriate understandings of sexuality through media, leading to potential inappropriate behavior and choices.

Father Borowiak highlighted the role of cell phones in exposing children to pornography and distorted views of sexuality. He expressed his belief that grade school students should not have cell phones, and high school students should have limited use of them.

Dr. Joy Martin, the director of discipleship formation for St. Michael Parish, emphasized the importance of supporting parents in their desire to protect their children. "We are working to grow united as a parish that values holiness, virtue, and respect for the dignity of all," she said.

The panel presentation on February 4th will feature a diverse group of professionals, including Dr. Joshua Miller, an emergency medicine physician at Bryan Health; Chance and Lora Unger, co-founders of the apostolate Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in the Family; and Scotty Sullivan, a campus minister at Pius X High School. The panelists, along with school administrators and priests from the parish, will provide insights and practical tips on how to approach the Theology of the Body in an age-appropriate manner.

The presentation will last for one hour, followed by a thirty-minute Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with the panelists and address their concerns.

By organizing this panel presentation, St. Michael Parish and St. Michael School are taking proactive steps to educate parents, teachers, and the community about the importance of teaching the true meaning of life, love, sex, and gender to young people. Through the teachings of the Theology of the Body, they aim to empower individuals to protect the integrity of children, couples, and families in today's challenging digital landscape.