Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Catholic high school teacher
Mar 1, 1998
I am a Catholic high school teacher and want to help inform my students about AIDS. I know that some of them are sexually active and I am told that I can't talk about condoms. What do I do? Sue, Chicago
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Father DeMartini
Dear Sue,
Thanks for your question -- I was a teacher and principal of a Catholic co-ed high school in the mid-eighties when I experienced the same difficult question. I always believed that I should answer a student's questions honestly and directly -- if you or I as a teacher don't raise the issue of condoms, they inevitably will. Therefore, I would suggest not raising the issue of condoms yourself since that might be unacceptable in your school --- however, I would answer questions about condoms honestly if students bring them up. Moreover, I think that the prevention issue is more than condoms and clean needles -- it is about self worth and creating an atmosphere in the classroom and home where young people can bring their questions and needs and have them responded to with respect and care. Also, I think that most parents want their children to be informed and safe as well as encouraged and supported in delaying sexual relations and living the discipline of the Church. I found that it was good to communicate with parents about the challenges and risks around HIV/AIDS and encourage them to be informed and talk with their children -- and us as teachers about how to respect the gift of their lives and make healthy choices. I hope that you would speak with the administration of your school about parent education on raising children in challenging times.
Thanks for your ministry and concern.
Blessings, Fr. Rod
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
