THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE FAMILY

THE TRUTH AND MEANING
OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Guidelines for Education within the Family

INTRODUCTION
The Situation and the Problem

I
CALLED TO TRUE LOVE
Human Love as Self-Giving
Love and Human Sexuality
Married Love

II
TRUE LOVE AND CHASTITY
Chastity as Self-Giving
Self-Mastery
Chastity in Marriage
Education for Chastity

III
IN THE LIGHT OF VOCATION
1. The Vocation to Marriage
Called to Married Love
Parents Face a Current Concern
2. The Vocation to Virginity and Celibacy
Parents and Priestly or Religious Vocations

IV
FATHER AND MOTHER AS EDUCATORS
The Rights and Duties of Parents
The Meaning of the Parents' Duty

V
PATHS OF FORMATION WITHIN THE FAMILY
The Essential Value of the Home
Formation in the Community of Life and Love
Decency and Modesty
Legitimate Privacy
Self-Control
Parents as Models for Their Children
A Sanctuary of Life and Faith

VI
LEARNING STAGES
Four Principles Regarding Information about Sexuality
Children's Principal Stages of Development
1. The Years of Innocence
2. Puberty
3. Adolescence in One's Plan in Life
4. Towards Adulthood

VII
PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
Recommendations for Parents and Educators
1. Recommendations for Parents
2. Recommendations for All Educators
Four Working Principles and Their Particular Norms
Particular Methods
Recommended Methods
Methods and Ideologies to Avoid
Inculturation and Education for Love

VIII
CONCLUSION
Assistance for Parents
Valid Sources for Education for Love
Solidarity with Parents
Hope and Trust