As For Me and My House Initiative
About Us
An initiative aimed at fostering the virtue of chastity by building awareness of the effects of pornography in society, offering support and healing for those harmed by it, and educating Catholics on what they can do to protect their families from its influence.
Help Hope Healing
Everyday we are bombarded with images and stories that glamorize the abuse of God’s sacred gift of our human sexuality. In generations past, we nurtured the generations that followed us by telling them our stories. That is how our children were formed.
Today a different lesson is being taught and the “teacher” is Hollywood, magazines, MTV and the most powerful of all, the Internet. Graphic images once easily avoidable, and deviant behaviors once isolated, are just a few clicks away from being the uninvited storyteller for our children and families.
Bishop Sheridan takes a stand against this evil invasion of our Catholic homes by offering a parish-based program, “As For Me and My House”. The initiative not only identifies the problem but also offers opportunity for help, hope and healing. Help – through information and resources; Hope – through prayer and widespread effort; and Healing – through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and counseling services.
We are always looking for volunteers. You will find that in volunteering, you will find happiness and strength. Please call Michelle Maher, Program Implementation Manager, at 719-866-6449.
Today a different lesson is being taught and the “teacher” is Hollywood, magazines, MTV and the most powerful of all, the Internet. Graphic images once easily avoidable, and deviant behaviors once isolated, are just a few clicks away from being the uninvited storyteller for our children and families.
Bishop Sheridan takes a stand against this evil invasion of our Catholic homes by offering a parish-based program, “As For Me and My House”. The initiative not only identifies the problem but also offers opportunity for help, hope and healing. Help – through information and resources; Hope – through prayer and widespread effort; and Healing – through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and counseling services.
We are always looking for volunteers. You will find that in volunteering, you will find happiness and strength. Please call Michelle Maher, Program Implementation Manager, at 719-866-6449.
Statistical Data
Pornography Industry Statistics
• Size of the Industry $57 billion world-wide = $12 billion U.S.
Adult Videos $20 billion
Escort Services $11 billion
Magazines $7.5 billion
Sex Clubs $5 billion
Phone Sex $4.5 billion
Cable & Pay Per View $2.5 billion
Internet $2.5 billion
CD-Rom $1.5 billion
Novelties $1 billion
Other $1.5 billion
• Porn revenue is larger than all combined revenues of all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises.
• U.S. porn revenue exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, CBS, and NBC ($6.2 billion)
• Child pornography generates $3 billion annually
Internet Porn Statistics
• Pornographic Web sites 4.2 million (12% of total websites)
• Pornographic pages 372 million
• Daily pornographic search engine requests 68 million (25% of total search engine requests)
• Daily pornographic e-mails 2.5 billion (8% of total e-mails)
• Average daily pornographic e-mails/users 4.5 per Internet user
• Monthly pornographic downloads (peer-to-peer) 1.5 billion (35% of all downloads)
• Web sites offering illegal child pornography 100,000
• Sexual solicitations of youth made in chat rooms 89%
• Youths who receive sexual solicitation 20%
• Worldwide visitors to pornographic Web sites 72 million annually
Children’s Exposure to Pornography
• Average age of first Internet exposure to pornography 8 years old
• Nearly one-third (31%) have a computer in their bedroom,
and one in five (20%) have an
Internet connection there
(Kaiser Study 2005) 8-18 age group
• Largest consumer of Internet pornography 12-17 age group
• 15-17 years olds having multiple hard-core exposures 80%
• 8-16 year olds having viewed porn online 90% (most while doing homework)
• 7-17 year olds who would freelygive out home address 29%
• 7-17 year olds who would freely give out email address 14%
• Children’s characters linked to thousands of porn links 26 (including Pokeman and Action Man)
Adult Internet Porn Statistics
• Men admitting to accessing pornography at work 20%
• US adults who regularly visit Internet pornography Web sites 40 million
• Promise Keeper men who viewed pornography in the last week 53%
• Christians who said pornographyis a major problem in the home 47%
• Adults admitting to Internet sexualaddiction 10%
• Male/female visitors to pornography sites72% male/28% female
• 13% of women admit to accessing pornography at work
• 70% of women keep their cyber activities secret
Internet Pornography statistics become outdated very quickly, especially in the Internet environment where numbers change daily. These statistics have been derived from a number of reputable sources, including Google, Word Tracker, PBS, MSNBC, NRC, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Study and Alexa research.
Content used by permission and provided by Internet Filter Review.
• Size of the Industry $57 billion world-wide = $12 billion U.S.
Adult Videos $20 billion
Escort Services $11 billion
Magazines $7.5 billion
Sex Clubs $5 billion
Phone Sex $4.5 billion
Cable & Pay Per View $2.5 billion
Internet $2.5 billion
CD-Rom $1.5 billion
Novelties $1 billion
Other $1.5 billion
• Porn revenue is larger than all combined revenues of all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises.
• U.S. porn revenue exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, CBS, and NBC ($6.2 billion)
• Child pornography generates $3 billion annually
Internet Porn Statistics
• Pornographic Web sites 4.2 million (12% of total websites)
• Pornographic pages 372 million
• Daily pornographic search engine requests 68 million (25% of total search engine requests)
• Daily pornographic e-mails 2.5 billion (8% of total e-mails)
• Average daily pornographic e-mails/users 4.5 per Internet user
• Monthly pornographic downloads (peer-to-peer) 1.5 billion (35% of all downloads)
• Web sites offering illegal child pornography 100,000
• Sexual solicitations of youth made in chat rooms 89%
• Youths who receive sexual solicitation 20%
• Worldwide visitors to pornographic Web sites 72 million annually
Children’s Exposure to Pornography
• Average age of first Internet exposure to pornography 8 years old
• Nearly one-third (31%) have a computer in their bedroom,
and one in five (20%) have an
Internet connection there
(Kaiser Study 2005) 8-18 age group
• Largest consumer of Internet pornography 12-17 age group
• 15-17 years olds having multiple hard-core exposures 80%
• 8-16 year olds having viewed porn online 90% (most while doing homework)
• 7-17 year olds who would freelygive out home address 29%
• 7-17 year olds who would freely give out email address 14%
• Children’s characters linked to thousands of porn links 26 (including Pokeman and Action Man)
Adult Internet Porn Statistics
• Men admitting to accessing pornography at work 20%
• US adults who regularly visit Internet pornography Web sites 40 million
• Promise Keeper men who viewed pornography in the last week 53%
• Christians who said pornographyis a major problem in the home 47%
• Adults admitting to Internet sexualaddiction 10%
• Male/female visitors to pornography sites72% male/28% female
• 13% of women admit to accessing pornography at work
• 70% of women keep their cyber activities secret
Internet Pornography statistics become outdated very quickly, especially in the Internet environment where numbers change daily. These statistics have been derived from a number of reputable sources, including Google, Word Tracker, PBS, MSNBC, NRC, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Study and Alexa research.
Content used by permission and provided by Internet Filter Review.
RESOURCES
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Theology of the Body for Beginners
“Theology of the Body” for Beginners” explores the profound interconnections between sex and the deepest questions of human existence, including: What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us male and female? How do we attain true happiness on earth? What kind of joys await us in heaven? Why is there evil in the world and how do we overcome it? How can we experience the love we longfor in the depth of our hearts?
Christopher West — Ascension Press — http://www.ascensionpress.com/
Breaking Free
12 Steps to Sexual Purity for Men
The venom of Internet pornography is slowly killing the spiritual life of millions of Christian fathers. Pornography, like alcoholism, isn’t a problem that goes away if left untreated. This booklet is designed to educate Christians regarding this crisis that is facing men in the Church today. Not only does it help one overcome an addiction to pornography, but it also helps prevent an addiction.
Stephen Wood — Family Life Center Publications — http://www.familylifecenter.net/
Protecting Your Child in an X-Rated World
What you need to know to make a difference
Pornography is no longer simply a problem affecting men. Whether it’s cable TV, 900 numbers, the Internet or music, your kids are facing a flood of pornography. “Protecting Your Child in an X-Rated World” offers a practical plan for shielding your son or daughter from the dangers of pornography.
Frank York & Jan LaRue —Tyndale House Publishers — http://www.family.org/
Love and Responsibility
Drawing from his own pastoral experience as a priest and bishop before he became Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla has produced a remarkably eloquent and resourceful defense of Catholic tradition in the sphere of family life and sexual morality. He writes in the conviction that science — biology, psychology, sociology — can provide valuable information on particular aspects of relations betweenthe sexes, but that a full understanding can be obtained only by study of the human person as a whole.
Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) – Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatiuspress.com/
Real Love
Answering your questions on Dating, Marriage, and the Real Meaning of Sex
Mary Beth answers questions — about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about struggles to live love. Now, for the first time, Mary Beth has published these questions — and her answers — in a comprehensive, readable guide that addresses the details of the very real struggle that people face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad. She tackles the toughest issues — premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others — demonstrating that living respect for God’s gift of sexuality is the only way to find real, honest love.
Mary Beth Bonacci – Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatiuspress.com/
If You Really Loved Me
100 Questions on Dating, Relationships and Sexual Purity
In a question and answer format Jason Evert, discusses every aspect of chastity. He emphasizes that saying no to premarital sex is saying yes to authentic love. Using anecdotes drawn from stories he has heard in his speaking to youth and his own experience, Evert writes clearly and persuasively on the questions about dating, relationships, sexuality, and chastity that young people have asked him wherever he speaks.
Jason Evert — St. Anthony Messenger Press, http://catalog.americancatholic.org/
The Virtue Driven Life
Father Benedict Groeschel reintroduces the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. He makes them meaningful for modern men and women, demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life.
Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR — Our Sunday Visitor Press, http://www.osv.com/
Good News About Sex and Marriage:
Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching
Christopher West’s book taps into the desire we all have for deep spirituality and an integrated life. He draws upon his own remarkable life experience and his theological training to shape answers to the most sublime and some of the most gritty questions spouses are likely to have. Foreward by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.
Christopher West — Servant Publications, http://www.christopherwest.com/
The Heart of Virtue
This book takes lessons from the lives of real individuals to illustrate the beauty and value of moral character. It brings to life in an inspirational way what is at the core of every true moral virtue, namely, love. It presents twenty-eight different virtues and reveals, through stories that personify these virtues, how love is expressed.
Donald Demarco — Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatius.com/.
Beyond Gay
Homosexuality: few moral issues are as divisive and controversial in American culture, politics, and morality. David Morrison, a former gay rights activist, writes from the front lines of this battle. Introduction by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
David Morrison — Our Sunday Visitor Press, http://www.osv.com/.
Arise from Darkness
What To Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Father Benedict Groeschel draws on his own years of personal experiences to offer practical suggestions on how to keep going and even grow with the help of God’s grace, even when this help seems remote.
Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR — Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatius.com/
The Anonymous Disciple
A story built around the lives of two Jesuit priests and their recovery from severe alcoholism. A powerful and heartwarming story of how God’s grace can work through the 12 Steps to bring people to sanity. Recommended for those who want or need to be inspired by a real life account of recovery from the despair of alcoholism.
Gerard Goggins — Ambassador Books, http://www.ambassadorbooks.com/
Living With Your Husband’s Secret Wars
Marsha Means, MA, is a counselor, author, and speaker, who specializes in workingwith partners of men who struggle with sexual integrity. She is also the author ofPartner’s Healing Journey workbook, which provides a structured healing process for partners of sex addicts. Marsha’s work is rooted in both her clinical background, and her personal experience as the former partner of a sex addict.
Marsha Means — Revell, http://www.awomanshealingjourney.com/
The Four Loves
A candid, wise, and warmly personal book in which C.S. Lewis explores the possibilities and problems of the four basic kinds of human love — affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God.
C.S. Lewis — Harvest Books, http://www.aquinasandmore.com/
VIDEOS & DVDs
Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity –
Straight talk with Men about Love and Life
In this straight talk with men, Christopher West addresses the struggles in the area of sexual purity and lust that many, if not most, men face on a regular basis. He offers a practical battle plan for not only avoiding lust, but actually experiencing a victory in viewing others purely. He shows how we can transform the view of woman as an object for selfish gratification to a deep and lasting view of woman as a glorious creation of God.
Christopher West – http://www.luminousmedia.org/ — 800-376-0520
Sex & Young America
The Real Deal
Understand the sexualized youth culture. Examine media’s impact on norms for sexual behavior. Develop skills and strategies to provide practical help to our youth.
National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families — 513-521-6227
Sex, Love and Relationships
A practical help for some of the most important choices every teenager must face. A four-part Series with Leader and User Guides. Today’s youth have not been told the whole truth about the consequences of sexual activity, experimentation and permissiveness. Pam shares from her heart in this riveting presentation in a way that helps teens think through their sexual choices and potential consequences.
Pam Stenzel – Vision Video, P.O. Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490
Real Love – The Video Series
Nine 25 minute videos
Helping teens date smart and to live real love in a world full of confusion and mixed messages. In this series, Mary Beth Bonacci has created the ultimate comprehensive resource to help teens deal with decisions they face. Shot in a relaxed, “MTV Unplugged” style setting, these nine 25 - minute videos give us Mary Beth at her best — sharing, laughing and interacting with teens. That same trademark combination of
humor, spiritual insights and practical wisdom she has shared with audiences around the world is captured to help teens — your teens — to date smart, stay chaste and to live real love in a world full of confusion and mixed messages.
1. Love Is not a Warm Fuzzy
2. The Four Loves
3. Sex Speaks a Language
4. Babies Are More Than Drool
5. One Disease Can Ruin Your Whole Day
6. Freedom To Dump Losers
7. Love Means Never Having to Say “I’m Sorry I Messed Up Your Life”
8. Walking the Walk
9. Getting Past the Past
Mary Beth Bonacci — www.catecheticalresources.com/Video_Series.htm
Purity in an Impure Age
Pope John Paul II even describes the body as a “theology.” Why? Because the body and sexuality are meant to proclaim God’s eternal plan of love to the world. True Christian purity is the ability to see this! Christian purity is the ability to see the mystery of God revealed through the body and sexuality.
Christopher West — Ascension Press, 800-376-0520, http://www.ascensionpress.com/
Created and Redeemed
An eight-part adult faith formation program based on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. This is Christopher West’s most comprehensive, updated introduction to the TOB. Availablie in DVD, VHS, CD or cassette.
Christopher West — Ascension Press, 800-376-0520, http://www.ascensionpress.com/
The Theology of the Body and Art: The Naked Truth
This presentation puts an end to the controversy over whether or not it is truly possible for men and women to see each other as God intended from the beginning. Father Thomas Loya clearly demonstrates, with the help of works of art and volunteers from the audience, what it means to be a man or a woman living according to God’s design. Father Loya calls us to take seriously the power of Christ’s death and resurrection and be transformed in mind, heart and body. Available in DVD or audio-only CD.
Father Thomas Loya — Our Father’s Will Communications,
http://www.ourfatherswillcommunications.com/
CDs
Breaking Free Audio Series
1. Twelve Steps to Sexual Purity — Steve Wood
2. An Affair of the Mind — Laurie Hall
3. The Healing Power of Confession — Scott Hahn
This three-CD series offers practical assistance to help overcome — and prevent — an addiction to pornography. On CD one, Steve Wood outlines 12 steps to sexual purity for men. On CD two, Steve interviews Laurie Hall (author of “An Affair of the Mind”) as she shares the devastating effects that pornography has on a family and how to save a marriage after a pornography addiction. CD three is a riveting interview with Scott Hahn on the healing power of confession.
Family Life Center Publications — http://www.familylifecenter.net/
The Pornography Plague
In this powerful presentation, Catholic theologian and media host Jeff Cavins notes that many men struggle with pornography. Given our fallen human nature and the profound effects of permissive society, it is not surprising that even Christian men fall prey to its snares. With great insight and charity, Cavins shows how we can fight pornography’s devastating influence and helps us chart a course to true Christian Purity.
Jeff Cavins — http://www.luminousmedia.org/, 800-376-0502
God, Sex and the Meaning of Life
Drawing on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, West shares God’s original plan for marriage and sexuality and how an understanding of this plan gives profound meaning to all our lives – married, single and consecrated celibates.
Christopher West – Ascension Press, 800-376-0520
Pure of Heart
In five crucial CDs, Jason Evert reveals: Why men are so tempted by pornography and can so easily get addicted to it; The immense psychological and spiritual damage pornography does to those who view it, to the women they love, and to the women they’re looking at; How any man can beat his addiction to pornography regardless of how many times he has tried and failed in the past; How to undo the damage that pornography has done to your relationships, your psyche, and your soul. Pure of Heart provides the tools, the guidance and the motivation needed to break free of an addiction to pornography for good.
Jason Evert — Catholic Answers, http://www.pureloveclub.com/
STATEMENTS, BOOKLETS, PAMPHLETS, ETC.
Renewing the Mind of the Media
A Statement on Overcoming the Exploitation of Sex and Violence in Communications
The bishops address the gratuitous violence and misuse of sexuality in the media. Includes suggestions for action.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — www.usccb.org
Bought With A Price
Pornography and the Attack on the Living Temple of God
This inspiring pastoral letter by Arlington (Va.) Bishop Paul S. Loverde can purchased as a book or can be downloaded for free at www.arlingtondiocese.org/offices/communications/boughtprice.html
Family Guide for Using Media
This eight-page flyer looks at media influence on our lives and helps us to reflect on how it relates to our Christian faith and moral beliefs.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — www.usccb.org
Pure Mind Scripture Memory Kits
These are invaluable resources for men struggling to find freedom from pornography. Each card has a different Bible verse you can memorize for a pure mind. They fit in your pocket so they are always at your fingertips. Ten cards in each kit. Volume I & Volume II. Family Life Center Publications – www.familylifecenter.net
Pure Mind Scripture Program for the Computer (FREE)
This is an invaluable resource for anyone desiring sexual purity. It is available for free download from www.dads.org. A different scripture verse will appear each time thecomputer starts up.
What the Church Teaches: Pornography
Family counselors are reporting that pornography is epidemic in our families. Because of the Internet, a 24-hour porn store is available to every family member: Not just dad, but mom and the kids as well. The results can be seen in any community: Divorce, sexual abuse, promiscuity, despair. Despite this threat, however, many families are woefully unequipped to deal with it. The extreme effects of pornography on the family are frightening enough, but the real danger is the subtle impact pornography can have on relationships, communication, and overall values. Pornography is a real issue in every family. This pamphlet helps you break down the barriers and open the door for healing, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, www.osv.com ($14.95 for packet of 50)
Pamphlet Series: 12-Step Review
Contains: Detaching With Love, Friendship in Christ Passions, Sexual Sobriety (also have pamphlets for steps 1-12).
Father Emmerich Vogt, OP — The 12-Step Review, 375 NE Clackamas St.,Portland Oregon, 97232. $1 each pamphlet.
Theology of the Body for Beginners
“Theology of the Body” for Beginners” explores the profound interconnections between sex and the deepest questions of human existence, including: What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us male and female? How do we attain true happiness on earth? What kind of joys await us in heaven? Why is there evil in the world and how do we overcome it? How can we experience the love we longfor in the depth of our hearts?
Christopher West — Ascension Press — http://www.ascensionpress.com/
Breaking Free
12 Steps to Sexual Purity for Men
The venom of Internet pornography is slowly killing the spiritual life of millions of Christian fathers. Pornography, like alcoholism, isn’t a problem that goes away if left untreated. This booklet is designed to educate Christians regarding this crisis that is facing men in the Church today. Not only does it help one overcome an addiction to pornography, but it also helps prevent an addiction.
Stephen Wood — Family Life Center Publications — http://www.familylifecenter.net/
Protecting Your Child in an X-Rated World
What you need to know to make a difference
Pornography is no longer simply a problem affecting men. Whether it’s cable TV, 900 numbers, the Internet or music, your kids are facing a flood of pornography. “Protecting Your Child in an X-Rated World” offers a practical plan for shielding your son or daughter from the dangers of pornography.
Frank York & Jan LaRue —Tyndale House Publishers — http://www.family.org/
Love and Responsibility
Drawing from his own pastoral experience as a priest and bishop before he became Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla has produced a remarkably eloquent and resourceful defense of Catholic tradition in the sphere of family life and sexual morality. He writes in the conviction that science — biology, psychology, sociology — can provide valuable information on particular aspects of relations betweenthe sexes, but that a full understanding can be obtained only by study of the human person as a whole.
Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) – Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatiuspress.com/
Real Love
Answering your questions on Dating, Marriage, and the Real Meaning of Sex
Mary Beth answers questions — about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about struggles to live love. Now, for the first time, Mary Beth has published these questions — and her answers — in a comprehensive, readable guide that addresses the details of the very real struggle that people face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad. She tackles the toughest issues — premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others — demonstrating that living respect for God’s gift of sexuality is the only way to find real, honest love.
Mary Beth Bonacci – Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatiuspress.com/
If You Really Loved Me
100 Questions on Dating, Relationships and Sexual Purity
In a question and answer format Jason Evert, discusses every aspect of chastity. He emphasizes that saying no to premarital sex is saying yes to authentic love. Using anecdotes drawn from stories he has heard in his speaking to youth and his own experience, Evert writes clearly and persuasively on the questions about dating, relationships, sexuality, and chastity that young people have asked him wherever he speaks.
Jason Evert — St. Anthony Messenger Press, http://catalog.americancatholic.org/
The Virtue Driven Life
Father Benedict Groeschel reintroduces the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. He makes them meaningful for modern men and women, demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life.
Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR — Our Sunday Visitor Press, http://www.osv.com/
Good News About Sex and Marriage:
Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching
Christopher West’s book taps into the desire we all have for deep spirituality and an integrated life. He draws upon his own remarkable life experience and his theological training to shape answers to the most sublime and some of the most gritty questions spouses are likely to have. Foreward by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.
Christopher West — Servant Publications, http://www.christopherwest.com/
The Heart of Virtue
This book takes lessons from the lives of real individuals to illustrate the beauty and value of moral character. It brings to life in an inspirational way what is at the core of every true moral virtue, namely, love. It presents twenty-eight different virtues and reveals, through stories that personify these virtues, how love is expressed.
Donald Demarco — Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatius.com/.
Beyond Gay
Homosexuality: few moral issues are as divisive and controversial in American culture, politics, and morality. David Morrison, a former gay rights activist, writes from the front lines of this battle. Introduction by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
David Morrison — Our Sunday Visitor Press, http://www.osv.com/.
Arise from Darkness
What To Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Father Benedict Groeschel draws on his own years of personal experiences to offer practical suggestions on how to keep going and even grow with the help of God’s grace, even when this help seems remote.
Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR — Ignatius Press, http://www.ignatius.com/
The Anonymous Disciple
A story built around the lives of two Jesuit priests and their recovery from severe alcoholism. A powerful and heartwarming story of how God’s grace can work through the 12 Steps to bring people to sanity. Recommended for those who want or need to be inspired by a real life account of recovery from the despair of alcoholism.
Gerard Goggins — Ambassador Books, http://www.ambassadorbooks.com/
Living With Your Husband’s Secret Wars
Marsha Means, MA, is a counselor, author, and speaker, who specializes in workingwith partners of men who struggle with sexual integrity. She is also the author ofPartner’s Healing Journey workbook, which provides a structured healing process for partners of sex addicts. Marsha’s work is rooted in both her clinical background, and her personal experience as the former partner of a sex addict.
Marsha Means — Revell, http://www.awomanshealingjourney.com/
The Four Loves
A candid, wise, and warmly personal book in which C.S. Lewis explores the possibilities and problems of the four basic kinds of human love — affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God.
C.S. Lewis — Harvest Books, http://www.aquinasandmore.com/
VIDEOS & DVDs
Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity –
Straight talk with Men about Love and Life
In this straight talk with men, Christopher West addresses the struggles in the area of sexual purity and lust that many, if not most, men face on a regular basis. He offers a practical battle plan for not only avoiding lust, but actually experiencing a victory in viewing others purely. He shows how we can transform the view of woman as an object for selfish gratification to a deep and lasting view of woman as a glorious creation of God.
Christopher West – http://www.luminousmedia.org/ — 800-376-0520
Sex & Young America
The Real Deal
Understand the sexualized youth culture. Examine media’s impact on norms for sexual behavior. Develop skills and strategies to provide practical help to our youth.
National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families — 513-521-6227
Sex, Love and Relationships
A practical help for some of the most important choices every teenager must face. A four-part Series with Leader and User Guides. Today’s youth have not been told the whole truth about the consequences of sexual activity, experimentation and permissiveness. Pam shares from her heart in this riveting presentation in a way that helps teens think through their sexual choices and potential consequences.
Pam Stenzel – Vision Video, P.O. Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490
Real Love – The Video Series
Nine 25 minute videos
Helping teens date smart and to live real love in a world full of confusion and mixed messages. In this series, Mary Beth Bonacci has created the ultimate comprehensive resource to help teens deal with decisions they face. Shot in a relaxed, “MTV Unplugged” style setting, these nine 25 - minute videos give us Mary Beth at her best — sharing, laughing and interacting with teens. That same trademark combination of
humor, spiritual insights and practical wisdom she has shared with audiences around the world is captured to help teens — your teens — to date smart, stay chaste and to live real love in a world full of confusion and mixed messages.
1. Love Is not a Warm Fuzzy
2. The Four Loves
3. Sex Speaks a Language
4. Babies Are More Than Drool
5. One Disease Can Ruin Your Whole Day
6. Freedom To Dump Losers
7. Love Means Never Having to Say “I’m Sorry I Messed Up Your Life”
8. Walking the Walk
9. Getting Past the Past
Mary Beth Bonacci — www.catecheticalresources.com/Video_Series.htm
Purity in an Impure Age
Pope John Paul II even describes the body as a “theology.” Why? Because the body and sexuality are meant to proclaim God’s eternal plan of love to the world. True Christian purity is the ability to see this! Christian purity is the ability to see the mystery of God revealed through the body and sexuality.
Christopher West — Ascension Press, 800-376-0520, http://www.ascensionpress.com/
Created and Redeemed
An eight-part adult faith formation program based on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. This is Christopher West’s most comprehensive, updated introduction to the TOB. Availablie in DVD, VHS, CD or cassette.
Christopher West — Ascension Press, 800-376-0520, http://www.ascensionpress.com/
The Theology of the Body and Art: The Naked Truth
This presentation puts an end to the controversy over whether or not it is truly possible for men and women to see each other as God intended from the beginning. Father Thomas Loya clearly demonstrates, with the help of works of art and volunteers from the audience, what it means to be a man or a woman living according to God’s design. Father Loya calls us to take seriously the power of Christ’s death and resurrection and be transformed in mind, heart and body. Available in DVD or audio-only CD.
Father Thomas Loya — Our Father’s Will Communications,
http://www.ourfatherswillcommunications.com/
CDs
Breaking Free Audio Series
1. Twelve Steps to Sexual Purity — Steve Wood
2. An Affair of the Mind — Laurie Hall
3. The Healing Power of Confession — Scott Hahn
This three-CD series offers practical assistance to help overcome — and prevent — an addiction to pornography. On CD one, Steve Wood outlines 12 steps to sexual purity for men. On CD two, Steve interviews Laurie Hall (author of “An Affair of the Mind”) as she shares the devastating effects that pornography has on a family and how to save a marriage after a pornography addiction. CD three is a riveting interview with Scott Hahn on the healing power of confession.
Family Life Center Publications — http://www.familylifecenter.net/
The Pornography Plague
In this powerful presentation, Catholic theologian and media host Jeff Cavins notes that many men struggle with pornography. Given our fallen human nature and the profound effects of permissive society, it is not surprising that even Christian men fall prey to its snares. With great insight and charity, Cavins shows how we can fight pornography’s devastating influence and helps us chart a course to true Christian Purity.
Jeff Cavins — http://www.luminousmedia.org/, 800-376-0502
God, Sex and the Meaning of Life
Drawing on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, West shares God’s original plan for marriage and sexuality and how an understanding of this plan gives profound meaning to all our lives – married, single and consecrated celibates.
Christopher West – Ascension Press, 800-376-0520
Pure of Heart
In five crucial CDs, Jason Evert reveals: Why men are so tempted by pornography and can so easily get addicted to it; The immense psychological and spiritual damage pornography does to those who view it, to the women they love, and to the women they’re looking at; How any man can beat his addiction to pornography regardless of how many times he has tried and failed in the past; How to undo the damage that pornography has done to your relationships, your psyche, and your soul. Pure of Heart provides the tools, the guidance and the motivation needed to break free of an addiction to pornography for good.
Jason Evert — Catholic Answers, http://www.pureloveclub.com/
STATEMENTS, BOOKLETS, PAMPHLETS, ETC.
Renewing the Mind of the Media
A Statement on Overcoming the Exploitation of Sex and Violence in Communications
The bishops address the gratuitous violence and misuse of sexuality in the media. Includes suggestions for action.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — www.usccb.org
Bought With A Price
Pornography and the Attack on the Living Temple of God
This inspiring pastoral letter by Arlington (Va.) Bishop Paul S. Loverde can purchased as a book or can be downloaded for free at www.arlingtondiocese.org/offices/communications/boughtprice.html
Family Guide for Using Media
This eight-page flyer looks at media influence on our lives and helps us to reflect on how it relates to our Christian faith and moral beliefs.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — www.usccb.org
Pure Mind Scripture Memory Kits
These are invaluable resources for men struggling to find freedom from pornography. Each card has a different Bible verse you can memorize for a pure mind. They fit in your pocket so they are always at your fingertips. Ten cards in each kit. Volume I & Volume II. Family Life Center Publications – www.familylifecenter.net
Pure Mind Scripture Program for the Computer (FREE)
This is an invaluable resource for anyone desiring sexual purity. It is available for free download from www.dads.org. A different scripture verse will appear each time thecomputer starts up.
What the Church Teaches: Pornography
Family counselors are reporting that pornography is epidemic in our families. Because of the Internet, a 24-hour porn store is available to every family member: Not just dad, but mom and the kids as well. The results can be seen in any community: Divorce, sexual abuse, promiscuity, despair. Despite this threat, however, many families are woefully unequipped to deal with it. The extreme effects of pornography on the family are frightening enough, but the real danger is the subtle impact pornography can have on relationships, communication, and overall values. Pornography is a real issue in every family. This pamphlet helps you break down the barriers and open the door for healing, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, www.osv.com ($14.95 for packet of 50)
Pamphlet Series: 12-Step Review
Contains: Detaching With Love, Friendship in Christ Passions, Sexual Sobriety (also have pamphlets for steps 1-12).
Father Emmerich Vogt, OP — The 12-Step Review, 375 NE Clackamas St.,Portland Oregon, 97232. $1 each pamphlet.