Chastity

Chastity

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Celibate chastity: an affair of the heart

By Brother Sean D. Sammon F.M.S.

Does it surprise you to learn that some of the most sexual people I know also live lives of celibate chastity? Spend time with any one of them, and you will be left with this lasting impression: here is a person who is deeply spiritual and profoundly human. So, all the bad press about celibate chastity these last few years troubles me. Read more...

A life of communal celibacy

By Rea McDonnell S.S.N.D.

A life of vowed celibacy has everything to do with acting justly, loving tenderly and walking humbly with our God. Read more...

Celibate chastity: a sacrifice because of the kingdom of heaven

By Father Douglas-Adam Greer O.P.

The vow of celibacy has never been easy. But a healthy understanding of human sexuality and a willingness to sacrifice are valuable helps. Read more...

Taking a sexual history

Taking a sexual history is an essential step in the entrance process. Here’s how to do it gracefully and competently. Read more...

The gift of sexuality: its challenge and blessing within a life of vowed celibacy

By Kevin P. McClone

Just what is a healthy celibate sexuality? How do vowed celibates foster such a sexuality? And how can vocation ministers encourage a healthy approach to this vow? Read more...

Boundaries for celibates

By Dee Bernhardt

Those who live celibate chastity in a healthy, joyful way agree that developing a sense of boundaries is important. There are some concrete steps that can help create appropriate boundaries Read more...

Sexuality and spirituality

Sexuality is our longing for communion with one another, our desire for completeness, our drive for love, friendship, creativity, self-perpetuation, joy. Read more...

Celibacy at the movies

By Jim Kent, O.F.M., Conv.

Although the word "celibacy" may not be in the script, some contemporary film heroes have made a celibate choice for the greater good. Read more...

Exploring motives for celibacy

Exploring motives for celibacy

By Brother John Mark Falkenhain O.S.B.

Many religious accept the discipline of celibacy because it is part of religious life. But the healthiest approach is a conscious decision to embrace the gifts, and sacrifices, of the vow. Nonetheless, our motives can evolve. Read more...

Sexual diversity: an evolving understanding

Sexual diversity: an evolving understanding

By Sister Lynn M. Levo C.S.J.

The public conversation about gender and sexual identity has only just begun. What do religious communities need to understand? From gender non-conforming to genderqueer and much more, what are these new ways of understanding of sexuality? Read more...

Celibate chastity: sacrifice because of the kingdom

Celibate chastity: sacrifice because of the kingdom

By Father Douglas-Adam Greer O.P.

An overpowering call to give one’s full self to God undergirds this vow. Steps both practical and spiritual sustain it. Read more...

The vow of celibacy in real life

The vow of celibacy in real life

By Sister Julia Walsh F.S.P.A., Father Kevin Zubel C.Ss.R., and Sister Romina Sapinoso S.C.

Three religious tell how they experience a vow that is both deeply personal and very public. Read more...

Taking a sexual history

Taking a sexual history

By Sister Lynn M. Levo C.S.J.

Uncovering a person’s sacred sexual story is a process that occurs over time and by working intentionally with a qualified psychologist. Read more...

To know and be known: a brief theology of the vows

To know and be known: a brief theology of the vows

By Sister Juliet Mousseau R.S.C.J.

The vows grow out of a particular way of seeing ourselves and our relationship with God and each other. Ultimately they are meant to bring us closer to God. Read more...

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Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J.

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