SALISBURY — For 16 parents in the Salisbury area, talking with their young children about “the birds and the bees” just got a lot easier.
That’s because these parents attended the recent “Leading & Loving” program held last month at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.
In “Leading & Loving,” presenters from Family Honor, an organization that provides a family-centered Catholic approach to chastity education, led group discussions for parents on topics designed to help them raise their children in a challenging culture.
According to Vincent Weaver, Family Honor’s director of programs and training, “Leading & Loving” was created for parents who have children ranging in age from infancy through age 10 or 11, although no child comes to the program. He said some of the program topics include: Sex, What It Really Means; The Language of Love – How Do I Speak It; The Birds and The Bees – Answering My Child’s Questions; Dealing with Tough Issues; and more.
Regarding the program at Sacred Heart Church specifically, Weaver noted, “There were very lively and insightful discussions where parents got the chance to talk through what they would do in addressing the ‘birds and the bees’ in various situations in a way that helps their kids appreciate God’s plan for how they are uniquely and wonderfully made. Lots of good sharing of ideas between parents throughout the program!”
Comments from parents after the program indicated that they felt their time was well spent. One parent remarked that it was “tough subject matter with strangers, but so helpful.”
Another enjoyed the fellowship with other parents that the program provided, saying: “I liked getting others’ opinion and figuring out the parenting thing together.” A very frank admission came from someone else, who said the program “… really helps address where I have failed as a parent and where to improve.”
During the “Leading & Loving” program, parents view short videos, listen to input from Family Honor presenters, and then typically break out into small groups for discussion. Workbooks, along with additional resources, are provided for parent participants to work out a plan for their child or children and how they will approach various topics with them.
David Foppe, one of the Family Honor North Carolina presenters, said that more “Leading & Loving” programs are planned throughout the Diocese of Charlotte.
“We are in discussion with parishes in Greensboro and there is a possibility of having it at a parish in Charlotte. One mom who was at ‘Leading & Loving’ in Salisbury was on fire about the program, and wants to bring it to her parish. Family Honor would also like to see families in the Asheville area served through our programs. Parents consistently tell us that our programs make a difference for their family.”
For anyone interested in booking a Family Honor program, contact either David Foppe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Vincent Weaver, with the national office in South Carolina, at 864-275-2871.
— Brenda Cerkez, Special to the Catholic News Herald. Brenda Cerkez is the executive director of Family Honor Inc.
FOREST CITY — Approximately 150 people from Immaculate Conception Church took part in the fifth annual Cross A Thon Aug. 12, a fundraiser and public witness by parishioners through the streets of Forest City.
Carrying wooden crosses of various sizes, parishioners walked the one-mile route on West Main Street from Immaculate Conception Church to Grace of God Rescue Mission in Forest City.
Father Herbert Burke led the Eucharistic Procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament, along with Deacon Sigfrido Della Valle and altar servers. Afterward, Deacon Della Valle conducted a 30-minute service in the church with Benediction and a bilingual sermon on unity in the Church through the Eucharist. Parishioners enjoyed food and entertainment afterwards on the church grounds.
Musicians included the group “Sweet Harmony” (composed of Grace, Emily and Charles Rybak), guitarist Eligio Hernandez, and the parish’s Spanish choir. Michael Daigle organized the first Cross A Thon five years ago as a public display of parishioners’ willingness to follow Jesus, and as a fundraiser for various charitable organizations.
Proceeds from the Cross A Thon will benefit the Hands of Hope for Life, (Help Offered in a Pregnancy Experience), the Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund, and the Knights of Columbus L.A.M.B. (Least Among Our Brethren) program.
— Photos by Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald
