By John Shaffer| Special Contributor

The way folks at Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, see it, the Joseph A. Mazzella Memorial Respect Life Educational Grant has been helpful in filling gaps and bringing students greater awareness of respect for life issues.

“When we received notice that we were getting the Mazzella grant this year, we decided to make the best spiritual investment in our students,” said Michele Neves, director, Trenton Catholic Academy Upper School, Hamilton.  “Our goal was to identify a way to benefit every student throughout the entire year, instead of a one-time event.”

Father Douglas Freer, diocesan vicar of Catholic education, suggested using the grant to further teachings on “Theology of the Body.”  Working with all the high schools, he sees how lack of awareness and misinformation on this topic tends to put more pressure on students to conform to what’s popular and to leave God out of the equation.  Battling the distorted view of sexuality presented by media and accepted by society is a formidable challenge.

Blessed Pope John Paul II devoted the first major teaching project of his pontificate – 129 short talks between September of 1979 and November of 1984 – to providing a profoundly beautiful vision of human embodiment and love. He gave this project the working title “Theology of the Body.”  The way the body and the sexual relationship is understood concerns the whole Bible, especially the mission of Jesus Christ.

“Unfortunately, too few parents are willing to buck the trend and talk to their children about sex and sexuality from a religious standpoint,” said Brittanie Kruegel, chair of TCA’s religion department.  “Many of our high school students came from public elementary schools, where the focus is teaching about so-called safe sex.  The faith-filled education In Catholic School teaches them how God meant for them to be sexual beings, but in the right context.”

Since it was too late in this school year to implement the curriculum, TCA has used the grant to purchase Theology of the Body textbooks for all four grades in the Upper School in September.  To gain some immediate impact, TCA arranged for Bill Donaghy, director of the Theology of the Body Institute, to speak with this year’s seniors in late April.  He will also work with some of the teachers on how to implement the concepts in their curriculum next year.  In the fall, Donaghy will return to speak with students from all grades. 

“Society and peer pressure send the wrong messages,” said Kruegel.  “When it comes to their sexuality, we want our students to see how they can show more respect for themselves, their partners, and for God.  While society says ‘yes,’ it’s okay to stand resolute and say ‘no, I’m not ready’.”

The first time TCA was the recipient of the Joseph A. Mazzella Memorial Respect Life Educational Grant was two years ago. The school used the proceeds to transport a contingent of students to Seton Hall University, South Orange, where they attended the Ninth Annual New Jersey Pro-Life Youth Rally. 

“Without the grants, we would be unable to do some things that help our youth understand the real-life implications of their faith,” said Neves.  “It’s a wonderful gift that can make a difference in lives.”

John Shaffer serves as director of public affairs in Trenton Catholic Academy.