As I Have Loved You: A Programme for Christian Education in Human Sexuality: Years of Innocence and Puberty

As I Have Loved You is a much needed resource for parents. Using easy to understand language and graphics, it offers parents advice and materials for training their own children in a well integrated sexuality according to the mind of the Church. The inspiration for this book comes from Pope John Paul IIÔÇÖs Theology of the Body, and the specific teaching of the Pontifical Council for the FamilyÔÇÖs document, ÔÇ£Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality.ÔÇØ The materials have been trialled for the past eight years, and have been used in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and Britain.


As I Have Loved You provides the answer: clear guidelines for parents (eg honouring the unique needs of children) and activities which progressively build the foundations for sexual integrity. It is the most practical resource I have discovered in years of searching and I have been delighted to share it with other parents around New Zealand.
Maria Schmetzer, Developmental Psychologist, John Paul II Centre for Life, Christchurch, New Zealand.

The best thing about this course is that it respects the right of parents to educate their children about human sexuality and relationships and supports them without undermining their confidence or dismissing their competence...
Edmund P Adamus, Director, Department for Pastoral Affairs, Archdiocese of Westminster.

This book is a fine resource on which parents can readily draw in their efforts to talk to their children about sexual development and the responsibilities that come with this great gift from God. It is based on a sound understanding of the human person, the need to respect each individual childÔÇÖs stage of development and how human sexuality needs to be properly integrated to enable our children to flourish as they mature.
Chris Meney, Director Life, Marriage and Family Centre, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney."

Dr OÔÇÖSheaÔÇÖs book As I Have Loved You is a much needed resource for parents. I attended a session where Dr OÔÇÖShea led parents through this book and saw the changes occur before me. Those who came in with trepidation, left with confidence..."
Christine Bellert, Acting Principal, St Patrick's Catholic P.S. Mentone.


Gerard OÔÇÖShea is Senior Lecturer in Religious Education and Family Ministry at the John Paul II Institute of Marriage and Family, Melbourne. Prior to this, he was a Catholic school principal for fifteen years. Gerard and his wife Anne have five children and two grandchildren. They have served as president couple of the National Association of Catholic Families.