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Fully Alive: Engaging Adults in the Theology of the Body

Burning Hearts Disciples

Divorce. Broken families. Sexual abuse. Pornography. Gender issues. Everywhere we look, we find more confusion about the fundamental truths of human life. As we lose our basic understanding of the meanings of man, woman, marriage, and sex, the question becomes ever more urgent:

What does it mean to be a human being?

St. John Paul II spent five years answering that question. These sessions make his teaching understandable and usable: what Scripture says about who God is and who we are, what God's plan for sexuality actually is, and how any of it applies on an ordinary Tuesday.

Participants come away with a deeper sense of their role in their family and in society, practical ways to love and be loved by a spouse or future spouse, and language for responding to contested questions about sexuality with both clarity and compassion.

More Than a Talk About Sex

Most Theology of the Body presentations start with the hot-button issues. Ours start with the foundation, then work outward, because a person who understands the vision can recognize the reasoning behind the Church's teaching even when they still disagree with it.

That approach also shows what this teaching really is: a unifying vision that draws together social justice, prayer and the sacraments, discipleship, Christology, and more.

Questions We Explore

  • What does Scripture reveal about who God is? About who we are?
  • How is God's divine design revealed in sacred art and architecture?
  • What exactly is God's plan for sexuality?
  • What does the Church really teach about sex?

Formats

These sessions are developed for adults: parishioners, parents, catechists, teachers, ministry teams, and diocesan staff. We shape them to fit your setting.

  • A single evening or morning presentation for a parish, open to the whole community
  • A multi-session series, where there is time to build the foundation before working through specific questions
  • A faculty or staff in-service for a Catholic school
  • A day of reflection for catechetical leaders or a ministry team
  • A keynote for a diocesan ministry day, conference, or catechetical gathering

Tell us who will be in the room and how much time you have, and we will suggest what fits.

See a Session

A Theology of the Body presentation given by Kristin Bird at St. Peter the Fisherman in Two Rivers, May 2, 2023.

Read What Others Have Said

  • Everyone shared from their hearts...

    I talked to most of our staff about how they felt about the workshop. Overall, our staff thought it was great. The best comment I received was that they were not expecting to be vulnerable going into it. However, once everyone shared from their hearts, it allowed this individual to feel safely vulnerable.

    Personally, I thought I was doing a good job of being my true self. However, the feedback I received was that folks were surprised by my answers. Hopefully, I can use this as a reminder to be more open on a daily basis. Thanks again for your time and sharing your talents with our parish staff!

    Office Manager • Green Bay, WI

  • Changed my thinking on what's next

    Thanks for a very real perspective from a lay person.  

    [Kristin's] witness was very inspiring, she was easy to understand and brought up helpful ideas for what a relationhsip with Jesus could be and how to worship.  

    Her message and mission was insightful and changed my thinking on what's next.

    Parish Leaders • Diocese of Winona Rochester

  • I love how it was customized to my life.

    Instead of the group leader deciding what he wanted to discuss, I was able to get personal growth in areas I expressed wanting additional knowledge in.  I loved how it was customized to my life.  Our sessions together really touched on all areas of our faith, and shined a light on areas that I personally wasn't as tune in with.

    Felicia G., Parishioner

  • "I wasn't planning to stay, but I couldn't leave!"

    I have been to many conferences and talks in the past 18 years as a DRE.  This was the BEST!  I have heard all the great speakers including Dr. Sri, Scott Hahn, and Jeff Cavins; Kristin is very much as good or better.  I wasn't planning to stay for the entire day.  I was going to help out with hospitality and then go do other work - but I couldn't leave!   Thank you!

    Director of Religious Education
    Diocese of LaCrosse

  • "You encouraged me to pursue my own healing"

    I’ve been thinking about the witness on your family you shared at the Discipleship Formation Seminar I and I am so thankful that you did. It struck me so profoundly and beautifully, that I am still thinking about it. Your courage and the way you were able to simply be honest really resonated with me and my own family, so thank you. Thank you for being willing to share it because it encouraged me to pursue my own healing. It still has a long way to go, but it’s on its way.

    Diocesan Director

Bring This to Your Parish or School

Tell us about your community and what you are hoping for, and we will help you shape a session that fits.

Let's Plan Your Event →

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