About Us
Learning about L.I.F.E. is
- a book
- a program
- a ministry
- a website
A. The book was written by Kathie Amidei and Sister Kieran Sawyer in response to the mandate of the United States Bishops’ Conference that all children and youth receive education regarding ways to avoid being abused sexually. For the authors, however, writing the book became a classic case of the saying "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
B. The "lemonade" is the family-based program, outlined in the book, that helps parents to engage in loving conversations with their children about the important topic of relationships. The program focuses on teaching children about positive loving relationships, and talks about sexual abuse in that context. It uses age-appropriate language and engaging activities to guide parents in discussing with their own children the sensitive issues around sexual touch and sexual expression, both positive and negative. Participation in the parish/school program then becomes a springboard for ongoing family conversations about healthy and unhealthy relationships.
C. Facilitating these family sessions is a very special and uniquely satisfying ministry. Initial training for this ministry is provided by authors Sister Kieran Sawyer and Kathie Amidei. They recommend that those who have been trained as facilitators in a given diocese form a team for mutual support and encouragement. They also encourage them to help in the process of training other facilitators and to offer sessions in parishes with no trained facilitator on staff.
CLICK HERE for information on becoming a trained facilitator and a listing of upcoming training sessions.
D. Besides providing information about the program, the Learning about L.I.F.E website offers help and resources for those who have been abused sexually in the past, those who might now be caught up in an abusive relationship, those who need to report an incidence of abuse, and those who might themselves be abusers. It also provides links to other programs involved with sexual abuse and its antidotes. (Many of the listings represent agencies that serve people in Wisconsin. Facitators in other states are encouraged to develop similar lists that might be needed by those who attend their sessions.)
This important ministry is supported by organizations and individuals who value this unique approach of providing parents the intimate setting, the tools, and the language to speak with their children on the important topic of relationships and abuse prevention.
Please consider donating to the ministry.
