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Bishop Robert W. Finn
Diocese = of Kansas=20 City ~ St. Joseph

Blessed Are The=20 Pure In Heart
A Pastoral Letter on the Dignity of the = Human Person=20 and the Dangers of Pornography
Kansas City,=20 Missouri ~ February 21, 2007

___

      =20 INTRODUCTION =  =20

To the clergy, religious, lay = faithful=20 of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and to all people of good = will:  

Blessed are the pure in = heart, for they=20 shall see God. =20 (Matthew 5:8):  A way of = discipleship   =

           =20 In the Beatitudes Christ offers us a perfect model for true = Christian living. Even more than the Ten Commandments themselves, = they are=20 a charter for the high moral calling Christ sets for His = disciples.    =

           =20 Blessed are the = pure in=20 heart, for they shall see God. =20 This one line from the Beatitudes offers a most sublime = beginning point to our reflection.   It tells us about = God,=20 ourselves and our ultimate goal. =20 A pure heart is =93blessed=94 or =93happy.=94 Seeing God = and being with Him=20 forever in heaven is God=92s plan for our eternal well-being. The = Old=20 Testament teaches that this purity is required if we are to = approach God.=20 =93Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord? And who shall stand = in His=20 holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not = lift up=20 his soul to what is false=94 (Psalm 24, 3-4).   =

           =20 To be pure in heart implies that our love is wholly = directed toward=20 the good of the other person. We are =93single-hearted,=94 and not = divided in=20 our love. Israel =92s first and = most=20 important commandment is to love God with our whole heart, soul, = mind and=20 strength (Deut 6: 4-5). Jesus added definitively that we must also = love=20 our neighbor as our self (Mk 12:=20 29 -31).  This pure=20 love =96 as demanding as it may be =96 is the high destiny to = which we are=20 called as children of the Father. Is it possible to fulfill such a = love?=20 Yes. It is possible because God has first loved us (1 Jn 4:10 ).  As disciples of Jesus = Christ, we=20 are called to the happiness that comes from a clean and undivided=20 heart.   =

Pornography: Epidemic = Attacking Human=20 Dignity

           =20 Daily there are challenges to this pure Christian love. For = some=20 months, representatives of our Catholic Diocese have been working = with=20 leaders of other faith traditions to address the serious dangers=20 represented by the steady increase of pornography in our culture.=20 Pornography is not new, but it has become a kind of plague in our = society,=20 reaching epidemic proportions. It is being propagated more widely = than=20 ever. Well beyond magazines, it is widespread on the internet, = television,=20 movies and videos, and now on cell phones and other handheld = devices, many=20 of which are marketed to children and youth. Pornography has = become the=20 secret entertainment of many people of all ages, walks of life, = and=20 economic backgrounds. Use of internet pornography is perhaps the = fastest=20 growing addiction in the world.  

           =20 Pornography perverts the beauty of intimate love proper to=20 marriage, presenting images of the body and sexual acts for base = pleasure=20 =96 regarding other persons as objects to be used, manipulated, = and sold. It=20 is a multi-billion dollar industry, eclipsing the amount of money=20 generated by professional sports (cf. Chapter II, below).  In this way pornography = distorts=20 the proper meaning and purpose of our sexuality and does grave = injury to=20 the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, consumers).[1]=20  

           =20 Use of pornography is a serious sin against chastity and = the=20 dignity of the human person. It robs us of sanctifying grace, = separates us=20 from the vision of God and from the goodness of others, and leaves = us=20 spiritually empty. Attraction to pornography and its = gratifications is a=20 false =93love=94 that leads to increasing emotional isolation = loneliness and=20 subsequent sexual acting-out with self and others. It depends on = the=20 exploitation of other persons: frequently the desperate or poor, = or the=20 innocent young. Use of pornography has cost persons their jobs, = their=20 marriages and families. Traffickers in Child Pornography may end = up in=20 prison. It has often been associated with and has contributed to, = acts of=20 sexual violence and abuse.  

           =20 In this pastoral letter, I wish to appeal to you all as = members of=20 the Body of Christ redeemed by His love, to reflect on the dangers = of=20 pornography in our society. We will see how pornography is a = serious=20 affront to our human dignity. I will share some strategies in = response to=20 this problem.  I ask = you to=20 join with me in the Diocesan effort to combat this plague by = recommitting=20 ourselves and our families to purity and chastity. In this way we = will=20 live more completely as Christ=92s disciples, growing each day in = the=20 freedom of the children of God. Blessed are the pure in = heart, for=20 they shall see God. =20  

CHAPTER=20 I           &nbs= p;            = ;       =20
 THE=20 DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON   =

Let us make man in our image, = after our=20 likeness. =20 (Genesis 1:26=20 ):  The respect due the human = person is=20 rooted in God.=20  

           =20 As human beings we are created in the image and likeness of = God.  The dignity = and respect=20 due to every human person is not assigned by any group of people, = nor=20 granted by a government. Our dignity is not contingent on what we = own, or=20 even on what we do. We cannot buy it or sell it. This dignity and = worth=20 comes from God as a complete and inestimable gift. =  =20

           =20 How are we like God? We have an immortal soul, and we are = meant to=20 live forever with God in heaven. We are called to be holy as God = is holy,=20 and through Jesus Christ and His Church we may receive the means = to attain=20 holiness. Like God, we have a rational nature, the ability to = reason.  However, it is not just = in reason=20 that we find the divine image within us.  We are like God because = we are=20 able to love.  We = can make a=20 gift of our self to another person.    =20

For you have been purchased = at a price.=20 Therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Cor 6: 20 ) New Life in = Christ.   =

           =20 Even when through sin, man had fallen and seriously injured = this=20 gift of our dignity; God continued to love us and sent us a = Redeemer. We=20 were purchased =96 and at a great price!   =

           =20 Human life was embraced and elevated in the Incarnation. In = the=20 coming of Christ, =93in the flesh,=94 God united Himself in some = way with=20 every human person.[2]  In the Easter or Paschal = Mystery,=20 Jesus=92 passage through death into Resurrection and new life, He = won a=20 definitive victory on our behalf and established for us the hope = of=20 eternal life on high. Through Baptism we share in God=92s life by = means of a=20 divine adoption. In this first sacrament, our purification is = accomplished=20 in the efficacious sign of flowing and life-giving water.  God has reestablished = our eternal=20 value. Each of us is challenged: =93Child of God, become fully who = you=20 are!=94  

           =20 Are we worth dying for? =20 Are we worth being crucified for?  God=92s answer is = yes.  Our question to = ourselves must be,=20 =93Is God worth living for?=94   =

But from the beginning of = creation,=20 =91God made them male and female.=92 =20 (Mark 10:6): =20 The dignity of human = sexuality=20  =20

           =20 This dignity of the human person includes our = sexuality.  Our sexuality is more = than our=20 gender. It is part of our person. It gives us the ability to = connect and=20 give ourselves in love to another person.  Our human sexuality is = an=20 important means by which we can share in the love and creativity = of=20 God.  In marriage, a = man and a=20 woman are invited to establish a complete, exclusive and life-long = union=20 of two individuals as one. This union is the proper relationship = by which=20 it is possible for them to become co-creators with God and to let = their=20 love for one another become fruitful in bringing another human = life into=20 the world.           =20

           =20 In the misuse of our sexuality human weakness and = selfishness can=20 manifest themselves, sometimes in terrible ways. Human sexuality = is a gift=20 but not a toy.  It = is a gift=20 to be respected and directed toward its proper end: loving and = personal=20 communion with others. =20   =

My offenses truly I know = them; my sin=20 is always before me. =20 (Psalm 51:5):  = The reality of = sin.   =

           =20 This vision of who we are in God is a beautiful one.  But we know that it is = marked by=20 the bitter, painful reality of sin. =20 The ability to choose to love means that we can choose, = likewise,=20 to hurt or ignore one another. Sin is real and it is = destructive.=20  

           =20 The original unity of Adam and Eve was fractured by = Original=20 Sin.  As important = and=20 fundamental as our human sexuality is, it also provides the means = whereby=20 our fallen human nature expresses itself in deep and sometimes = horrific=20 ways.  Adultery, = fornication,=20 prostitution, rape, sexual abuse and exploitation, much of modern = day=20 slavery, crimes of passion and pornography all illustrate this = fallen=20 aspect of our human nature. =20 The dignity of the human person has been wounded and = scarred by=20 sin.  When we sin we = become=20 less the person we are called to be in Christ.  Sin dehumanizes us.  The fact that Jesus was = sinless=20 does not make him less human but more human.  Sin makes us less = human.  The grace of Christ = restores=20 us.  =  =20

           =20 Having understood the dignity of the human person, we can = better=20 examine what compromises this dignity.  Jesus said, =93You shall = love your=20 neighbor as yourself=94 (Mark 12:31 ).

Everyone should look upon his = neighbor=20 as another self, bearing in mind above all his life and the means=20 necessary for living it in a dignified way lest he follow the = example of=20 the rich man who ignored Lazarus, the poor man.  Today there is an = inescapable duty=20 to make ourselves the neighbor of every man, no matter who he = is.[3]   =

           =20 Simply put, sin separates us from one another and from = God.  Sin impairs the = relationship=20 between the creatures, and between the human person and God.  Ultimately sin is to be = understood=20 in terms of freedom and love. =20 Sin is an abuse of freedom and a failure to love. 

Only in the knowledge of = God=92s plan for=20 man can we grasp that sin is an abuse of the freedom that God = gives to=20 created persons so that they are capable of loving him and loving = one=20 another.[4]   =

Every athlete exercises = discipline in=20 every way =85 to win an imperishable crown (I Cor 9:25 ) The Life of = Virtue.   =

           =20 Sin separates us from God while virtue seeks to unite us to = God.  When we have = discovered=20 God=92s love for us and the high destiny which is ours, we strive = again and=20 again to attain all that God has in store for us. For this purpose = the=20 virtues are a vitally important part of the Christian life.  By a virtue we mean =93. = . .  a habitual and firm = disposition to=20 do the good.=94[5]  As we grow in virtue, we = seek to=20 become more like God, more holy. =20 Sin can produce a kind of atrophy that weakens and can even = paralyze our moral muscle.  = Virtue is a conditioning of our moral muscle that = strengthens us=20 and helps us to maximize our potential.  In the moral life there = is an=20 entire constellation of virtues regarding different situations in=20 life.  There is a = virtue that=20 calls us to respect and care for our human sexuality.  We call it = chastity.   =

Create a clean heart in me O=20 God. =20 (Psalm 51:12): =20 The virtue of chastity.   =

           =20 For some, chastity can have an almost negative connotation. = As part=20 of the cardinal virtue of temperance, chastity calls on us to = moderate our=20 sense pleasures, keeping the use of our sexuality within the = limits of=20 what is appropriate, using this life-giving power for only a = worthy=20 goal.[6]=20  

           =20 But chastity is a virtue in its own right; it is a = strength.  It is not just the = absence of=20 something bad.  It = is the=20 presence of something good. That something is respect.  The virtue of chastity = repeats=20 acts of respect for others and for ourselves. =

Chastity means the successful = integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner = unity of man=20 in his bodily and spiritual being. =20 Sexuality, in which man=92s belonging to the bodily and = biological=20 world is expressed, becomes personal and truly human when it is = integrated=20 into the relationship of one person to another, in the complete = and=20 lifelong mutual gift of a man and woman.  The virtue of chastity = therefore=20 involves the integrity of the person and the integrality of the = gift.[7]    =

           =20 Those who treat others as objects might experience some = passing=20 pleasure but they are not going to be happy.  Chastity exists not to = prevent=20 happiness but to allow happiness to mature and blossom.  Chastity helps us to see = people as=20 they really are.  It = helps to=20 ground us in truth. =20  

           =20 Chastity does not stand in the way of love but rather = exists to=20 protect it.  = Chastity=20 expresses love.  = Before he=20 became Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla wrote a book entitled, = Love and=20 Responsibility.  = This=20 writing emerged through his pastoral work with university = students, which=20 included marriage preparation. =20 While some would say that the opposite of love is hate, he = taught=20 that the opposite of love is use. =20 The idea is that if you do not love someone, you will end = up using=20 that person.  This = is known as=20 the Personalistic = Norm.  Negatively stated, it = means that=20 one may never use another person as an object for one=92s own = pleasure.  Positively stated, it = holds that=20 the only proper response to a person is love.    =

           =20 Love and Responsibility insists that the structure = of love=20 is that of an interpersonal communion.  In this we find a = reflection of=20 the Blessed Trinity as a communion of love.  The future Pope insisted = that=20 chastity is always about persons. =20 He argued =93. . . love is an affirmation of the person or = else it is=20 not love at all.=94[8]=20  The moral virtue of = chastity=20 can only be thought of in association with the theological virtue = of=20 love.  Only the = chaste are=20 capable of loving.  = To the=20 degree we are chaste we can love others; while to the degree we = are=20 unchaste we will use others. =20 Thus, chastity is both a prerequisite and expression of = love.  Chastity is not a no but a yes, a yes to another = person as a=20 person and not as an object to be used.  Chastity may involve = saying no,=20 but that no is always in service of a greater positive goal.=20  

           =20 Chastity is necessary for all Christians, regardless of = their state=20 in life, whether they are single, married, or celibate.  All are called to = respect human=20 dignity.  All are = called to=20 love.  =  =20

           =20 Those who are single=20 are called to a chastity that respects others and refrains from = sexually=20 acting out in ways proper and exclusive to the married.    =

           =20 Chastity is also important for those who are married.  For them chastity does = not usually=20 mean sexual abstinence but fidelity, and within their marriage, a = deep=20 respect and love, never treating one=92s spouse as an object.  In this deep love they = are to=20 reveal the love between Christ and his Church and give an insight = into the=20 very mystery of God. =20  

           =20 Those who are called to celibacy are also = called to=20 chastity.  In = perfect=20 continence they are to love God and neighbor for the sake of the = Kingdom=20 and as a sign of the life to come.  

           =20 Chastity is important for all Christians and all people of = good=20 will.  Chastity = calls us to=20 love as God loves.  = It is=20 ordering our sexuality according to the plan of God.  Chastity is how we love = others in=20 sincerity and truth. 
 

CHAPTER II
THE PROBLEM OF=20 PORNOGRAPHY  

Lust indulged starves the=20 soul. (Proverbs 13:19 ):  A real problem.  

           =20 Our human sexuality is created as something good by God. It = is a=20 gift.  It also = suffers from=20 the effects of original sin and so can manifest not only good but=20 evil.  Pornography = is one such=20 evil.  It assaults = human=20 dignity and commodifies people and human sexuality.  It starves the human = soul which=20 has a spiritual dimension which must be nurtured by giving and = receiving a=20 personal love.  

           =20 While pornography is not a new problem, the development of = the mass=20 media and recent technological advances have made it much easier = to access=20 this deceptive evil. =20  

           =20 Pornography violates modesty, chastity and truth. Human = sexuality=20 involves modesty = which=20 protects the privacy of individuals regarding what is most = personal and=20 intimate.  To invade = this=20 privacy, and unveil what should remain hidden,[9]=20  is an assault on = human=20 dignity.  =  =20

           =20 While chastity exists=20 to serve love, pornography treats another human being (or an = explicit=20 sexual description or action) as an object to be used.  It can oftentimes flow = from=20 narcissism and selfishness. It replaces love with use.  Remember the Personalistic Norm:  People are never to be = used as=20 objects for one=92s own pleasure. =20 People are to be loved. =20 People are not to be treated as raw material to be used by = the=20 emotions, compulsions or addictions of others.  To paraphrase John Paul = II, the=20 problem with pornography, in a sense, is not that it reveals too = much of=20 the person (exposed in the image), but that it reveals too little = of the=20 person.  = Pornographic images=20 are designed to reveal nothing but the person=92s sexual organs = and sexual=20 faculties; nowhere does the unique personality, the depth of the = person,=20 appear.  The = pornographically=20 exposed person is, quite literally, de-personalized:  in becoming an = =91object=92 for=20 another=92s use, he or she ceases to be seen for what he or she = is:  a =91subject=92 who = deserves love and=20 respect. =  =20

           =20 Pornography violates truth. It leads people = into a=20 world of unreality, a world of fantasy that isolates them from = other=20 people and the commitments and respect which should govern our=20 relationships. Some persons seek pornography out of loneliness and = a low=20 self esteem. It is a painful irony that their use of pornography = serves=20 only to isolate them more and more from other people.  The more invested people = are in=20 this fantasy world, the more detached they become from real = people, real=20 issues and real life around them. Lust isolates.  Love unites.  Pornography leads people = away from=20 the truth.  Chastity = helps=20 people to grow in truth. =20  

     = Pornography=20 inevitably leads to other grave sins.  For example, the use of=20 pornography is frequently coupled with masturbation, another = disordered=20 sexual activity that further turns a person in on himself, = isolating him=20 from others.  = Pornography use=20 often leads one to seek other disordered forms of sexual = gratification,=20 which involve the exploitation of others for one=92s own selfish = ends.  Pornography does not = remain a=20 =93private=94 vice; by allowing one to view other persons as means = rather than=20 ends, it eventually damages all of one=92s familial and social=20 relationships.  

Tears stream from my eyes = because your=20 law is disobeyed. =20 (Psalm 119:136):  The numbers.   =

           =20 Pornography is a real problem and the statistics concerning = it are=20 frightening.  The = following=20 facts are numbers compiled within the last several years (sources = noted)=20 by the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and = Families.=20  =20

The scope = and costs=20 of Pornography

=A7        =20 According to 2004 IFR research, U.S.=20 porn revenue exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, = CBS, and=20 NBC (6.2 billion). Porn revenue is larger than all combined = revenues of=20 all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises. The = pornography industry, according to conservative estimates, brings = in $57=20 billion per year, of which the United States is = responsible=20 for $12 billion.  Internet Pornography and = Loneliness:=20 An Association? Vincent Cyrus Yoder, Thomas B. Virden = III , and Kiran Amin. Sexual Addiction &=20 Compulsivity, Volume 12.1, 2005.

=20

  • The Internet=20 accounted for US $2.5 billion of the adult industry=92s = revenues.  Dirty Downloads Ready to = Go on=20 iPods, Ron Harris, http://www.macnewsworld.com/,=20  2005
  • According=20 to a March, 2004 figure, there=20 were 800 million rentals each year of adult videos and DVDs Overdosing on Porn, = Rebecca=20 Hagelin.  http://www.worldandi.com/. =
  • Current = estimates=20 are that $20 billion is spent annually on adult videos (sales = and=20 rentals).
  • Half of all = hotel=20 guests order pornographic movies. These films comprise 80% of = in-room=20 entertainment revenue and 70% of total in-room revenue. = Sex-Film=20 Industry Threatened With Condom Requirement, Nick = Madigan. =20 The New York Times, 24 August, 2004 . 
  • Cable = pay per view=20 amounted to $2.5 billion.
  • Magazines=20 accounted for $7.5 billion.

Scope of Internet = Pornography=20

  • In=20 2004, there were 4.2 million pornographic websites; 372 million=20 pornographic pages.
  • Daily=20 there were 68 million pornographic search engine requests (25% = of=20 requests). 2003.
  • Sex=20 is the number 1 topic searched on the Internet. Overdosing on = Porn,=20 Rebecca Hagelin. http://www.worlandi.com/, = March,=20 2004.
  • Daily=20 there are 2.5 billion pornographic emails (8% of total emails). = 2004.=20
  • The most = common ways=20 people have accidentally reached pornographic content on the Web = are=20 pop-up windows (55%), misrepresented links (52%), misspelled = URLs (48%)=20 and auto links within emails (23%) Fifty Percent of Workers = Spend=20 Nine days a Year on Personal Surfing at Work.  = Cerberian Inc.=20 and SonicWALL, 20=20 July 2004 .
  • There=20 are 100 thousand websites offering illegal child pornography = (U.S. Customs
    Service=20 estimate).

Adult Internet Pornography=20 Statistics

=A7        =20 70% of 18 to 24 year old men visit pornographic = sites in a=20 typical month. 66% of men in their 20s and 30s also report being = regular=20 users of pornography.  = First-person: the culture of = pornography, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Baptist Press, 28 December 2005 = .=20  

=A7        =20 20% of men and 13% of women surveyed admitted to = accessing=20 pornography at work. Internet=20 Pornography Statistics. Internet Filter Review, 2004.=20  

=A7        =20 There are 40 million US=20 adults who regularly visit internet pornography = websites=20  

=A7        =20 One out of three visitors to all adult web sites are = women.  

=A7        =20 Women favor chat rooms two times more than men. =  

Effects of Pornography =

=A7        =20 40% of adults surveyed believe that pornography = harms=20 relationships between men and women.   Consensus Among = American=20 Public on the Effects of Pornography on Adults or Children or What = Government Should Do About It, Harris Poll, 7 October 2005 .=20 www.harrisinteractive.com.  

=A7        =20 30 = percent of=20 surveyed adults said their partner=92s use of pornography made = them feel=20 more like a sexual object Marriage=20 Related Research, Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D.  Christian Counseling = Today,=20 2004 Vol. 12 No. 1.  = August,=20 2004.  

=A7        =20 One out of every six women grapples with addiction = to=20 pornography.  Internet Pornography and = Loneliness:=20 An Association? Vincent Cyrus Yoder, Thomas B. Virden = III , and Kiran Amin. Sexual Addiction &=20 Compulsivity, Volume 12.1, 2005.  

=A7        =20 47% of Christians surveyed said pornography is a = major=20 problem in the home.  

=A7        =20 As little as six hours exposure to soft core porn = (anything=20 designed to arouse one sexually) is enough to destroy the = viewer=92s=20 satisfaction with his or her spouse; decrease the value of = faithfulness;=20 decrease the ability to be with one person and cherish that = person; and=20 increase the thought that women enjoy rape. Survey 2004 =  =20

Children and the Internet=20

=A7        =20 Children use the Internet. 96 percent of kids have = gone=20 online; 74% having access at home and 61% use the Internet on a = typical=20 day. Kids stay connected, USA Today snapshots. 5 January, 2004 = .=20  

=A7        =20 In a survey reported in 2000, 21 percent of teens say they = have=20 looked at something on the Internet that they wouldn=92t want = their parents=20 to know. A World of Their = Own.  = Newsweek, 8=20 May 2000.  

Children Internet = Pornography=20 Statistics

=A7        =20 90% of 8-16 year olds using the Internet have viewed = pornography on line (most while doing homework). 2004 =  =20

=A7        =20 Eleven years old is the average age of first = Internet=20 exposure to pornography. 2004.  

=A7        =20 Among underage viewers of pornography, children 12 = years old=20 to 17 years old are the largest consumers of Internet pornography. = 2004.  

=A7        =20 A survey = of 600=20 households conducted by the National Center for Missing & = Exploited=20 Children found that 20% of parents do not know any of their = children=92s=20 Internet passwords, instant messaging nicknames or email = addresses.   Only 5% of = parents=20 recognized the acronym POS=20 (parent over shoulder) and only 1% could identify WTGP (want to go = private?), both of which are used frequently by teens when instant = messaging Ads target = online=20 victimization of children. =20 USA = Today, 20 May=20 2004.  

=A7        =20 Incidents = of child=20 sexual exploitation have risen from 4,573 in 1998 to 112,083 in = 2004,=20 according to the National Center for Missing & = Exploited=20 Children Reports of child = exploitation up. =20 USA Today=20 Snapshots, 17=20 February, 2005 . =  =20

=A7        =20 Child = Pornography=20 generates $3 billion annually. Internet Filter Review. = 2004. =  =20

The path of sinners is smooth = stones=20 that end in the depths of the nether world. =20 (Sirach 21:10=20 ):  The bitter fruit of=20 pornography. =  

           =20 The statistics are staggering. But behind all this there = are not=20 just numbers, there are people whose lives are harmed, and whose = eternal=20 salvation is jeopardized. =20 There are those exploited by pornography, those who use it = and then=20 the family and associates of both groups.  Pornography affects = lives, moral=20 strength, relationships, marriages, the lives of children, = community life,=20 and even such things as property value and community safety.    =

           =20 Sometimes those who use pornography claim, =93I=92m not = hurting=20 anyone.=94  = Pornography, like=20 all sinful behavior, offends the one sinned against, the one who = sins and=20 God, the source of all truth. The destructive work of the devil, = who=20 Sacred Scripture calls =93the father of lies,=94 is to distort in = us our sense=20 of what is good. He tells us that others are for our use and = enjoyment;=20 that satisfying our cravings will make us happy. But the = =93happiness=94 is=20 fleeting. We are spiritual beings sharing God=92s own life, and = this=20 enticing adventure has no spiritual substance. It leaves us = deceived,=20 ashamed, unfulfilled and confused.  

           =20 Within the person, pornography wreaks harm physically, = emotionally=20 and spiritually.  = Pornography=20 can become as physically and chemically addictive as alcohol, = drugs or=20 gambling.  The = graphic images=20 of pornography burn themselves into our sense imagination.  The more deeply and = frequently=20 this happens, the harder the road to freedom will be.  Like other addictions, = pornography=20 is a progressive affliction. =20 It takes more and more graphic presentations to achieve the = desired=20 effect.  As this = continues it=20 can lead to acting out and to crime.  

           =20 Pornography stunts a person emotionally.  Those addicted may = withdraw from=20 friends, family and even their own spouses.  Pornography leads them = into a=20 world of unreality with idealized, unrealistic figures who do not = engage=20 one in a truly human manner. =20 As people withdraw, their interpersonal skills and = relationships=20 weaken.  They look = at others=20 as objects rather than as people with the capacity for friendship = and=20 love. They become preoccupied with every situation and person they = encounter: will it provide for me the gratification I seek?   If one is seriously = mired in=20 this vice, the addictive behavior often persists even after it = leads to=20 obviously damaging consequences, e.g., destruction of a marital=20 relationship or loss of a job from viewing pornography at = work.  In a real sense, one can = become=20 enslaved to pornography in a manner analogous to drug = addiction.  As with other = addictions, the=20 viewer requires more and more explicit, disordered material to = achieve the=20 same effect; this produces a downward spiral that becomes = progressively=20 more difficult to correct.  

           =20 The spiritual life is about growing more in the image of = God.  Pornography makes us = less like God=20 as it leads people to treat others as objects and not as = unrepeatable=20 gifts of God.  = Pornography=20 leads one not to make a greater gift of oneself in love, not to = serve but=20 rather to be served. In the end one becomes caught and enslaved in = hurtful=20 habits rather than virtue.  

           =20 Viewing pornography for this distorted venereal pleasure = is,=20 objectively, a mortal sin. It is seriously contrary to the life = God=20 intends for others and ourselves. It kills the life of sanctifying = grace.=20 If we are in serious sin we must not approach Holy Communion until = we have=20 received sacramental confession. Often we are too ashamed to come = to the=20 Sacrament of Reconciliation and we wander further away from the = life of=20 God. Our ability to function as a living member of the Body of = Christ is=20 impaired. Because this scenario is so widespread today, we must be = concerned about the state of our parishes and families. Still, = because=20 God=92s initiative of grace remains at work, we must not despair. = At any=20 time, He stands ready to assist us. We must entrust ourselves to = His mercy=20 and return to the Sacrament for forgiveness and a new beginning.=20  

           =20 Pornography harms others. It exploits other people, usually = women=20 but also men and children.  = To=20 engage in pornography is to support this terrible and scarring=20 exploitation.  To = participate=20 financially in this contributes to an industry that perpetuates a = grave=20 moral evil.  = Slavery,=20 including sexual slavery, is a real and growing problem = today.  One reason it grows is = because=20 there is a demand for it. =20 Furthermore, after engaging in pornography, the user is = more likely=20 to look upon other people as objects.  As pornography use = progresses=20 marriages can falter and collapse. =20 This results in shame, heartbreak and misery for the = spouses and=20 for children who can carry emotional scars into adulthood and = their own=20 marriages.  Children = and young=20 people who are exposed to pornography experience assaults on their = human=20 dignity and roadblocks to authentic human development.  As pornography = increases, so does=20 crime.  Sex offenses = are 506%=20 greater in Phoenix ,=20 Arizona areas where = Sexually=20 Oriented Businesses are located.[10]=20 Pornography is not harmless; it is a grave, dehumanizing = evil.    =

           =20 In all this, pornography offends God.  It misuses His gifts of = freedom,=20 the human body and love.  = We=20 are the artwork of God (cf. Eph 2:10 ) and pornography defaces His=20 masterpiece. =20  

Go not after your lusts, but = keep your=20 desires in check. =20 (Sirach 18:30=20 ):  The Internet and modern=20 technology.   =

           = ;=20 The volume = of Internet=20 pornography is growing exponentially.  It seems to be anonymous = and=20 accessible.  It can = easily=20 ensnare the unsuspecting, including children and young = people.  Moreover, it can be = particularly=20 addictive. The sense images and sexual gratifications they trigger = leave=20 an impression in the memory. The fantasies can be recalled and=20 perpetuated. They tempt us to take another look. With repeated = use, the=20 viewer of pornography builds up tolerance to its effects: there is = a=20 progressive need for more stimulating images. Pornography use = causes=20 intense physical changes in the body and brain, which reinforce = the=20 disordered thoughts and behaviors. =20 With repeated use, the obsessive thoughts and compulsive = behaviors=20 associated with pornography become increasingly difficult to = interrupt or=20 resist. =  =20

           =20 Internet pornography does not require the public purchase = of new=20 material.  Instead, = pictures=20 can be changed and many more can be accessed.   One need not go = into public=20 to obtain pornography anymore. =20 Also disturbing now is the ready availability of these = images=20 through iPods and cell phones. =20 Children whose parents correctly restrict computer access = in=20 private rooms of the house, now may obtain images through handheld = devices, away from supervision.  

           =20 The culture around us that so readily provides an = environment and=20 market for these kinds of evils is a significant contributing = factor to=20 the problem of pornography and other sins. The technology itself = is not=20 evil. The problem lies in the abuse of technology and its use in = evil=20 ways.  Like = dynamite, it is=20 something powerful that demands proper handling. It can be used to = either=20 serve or assault humanity.  =  

           =20 We live in a culture that is increasingly dark and = death-dealing.=20 We can easily begin to absorb these negative influences =96 taking = them in=20 like a plant absorbs, through its roots, what is in the soil or = =93culture=94=20 in which it is planted. We become numb and we don=92t even realize = that we=20 are slowly being poisoned. This problem is serious and it demands = our=20 response.  

CHAPTER III  
RESPONDING TO = THE=20 PROBLEM           &nbs= p;            = ;           =20

What is your = name? =20 (Mark5:9): =20 Facing and naming the=20 problem.      

           =20 This real and serious problem demands of us a real and = serious=20 response.  It is = easier to=20 turn away and pretend it does not exist, but it does exist, and we = must do=20 what we can.   = We should=20 not wait for the abduction, rape or murder of a young girl or boy = in our=20 family, another ruined marriage, a job lost, or another child=92s = life being=20 devastated to get us concerned about this issue.  The stakes are just too = high.=20  

           =20 The first step in solving any problem is to point it out, = to name=20 it.  While = exorcizing the=20 Gerasene demoniac, Jesus asked, =93What is your name?=92  (Mark 5:9).  In Semitic thought to = know the=20 name is to begin to have some power over it.  We find a modern = equivalent of=20 this in the Twelve Step Spirituality of such groups as Alcoholics=20 Anonymous.  The = first step in=20 this transforming spirituality is to admit that in the face of = one=92s=20 addiction one is powerless.  =20 People do not address problems that they refuse to = admit.  

          &n= bsp;=20 A major character weakness in heterosexual pornography use = can be=20 selfishness or narcissism. Same sex pornography can be strongly = influenced=20 by a weak male confidence, loneliness and a poor body image. = Realizing=20 these contributing factors can help a person begin to look for the = ways to=20 redirect his or her =93relationships=94 in a more generous and = healthy=20 manner.  

           =20 The evils with which we struggle often keep us bound up in=20 silence.  = Particularly with=20 something like pornography, the fear, embarrassment and shame can = be=20 intense.   = Someone with a=20 deep spiritual insight into all this was St.  Ignatius Loyola.   He noted:=20

When the enemy of human = nature tempts a=20 just soul with his wiles and seductions, he earnestly desires that = they be=20 received secretly and kept secret. =20 But if one manifests them to a confessor, or to some other=20 spiritual person who understands his deceits and malicious = designs, the=20 evil one is very much vexed. =20 For he knows that he cannot succeed in his evil = undertaking, once=20 his evident deceits have been revealed.[11]    =

A prerequisite for use of = pornography=20 is some sort of silence.  = To=20 break this silence by speaking to another person can be = frightening, but=20 also liberating. =   =

I said: =91I will confess my = offense to=20 the Lord.=92  And = you, Lord,=20 have forgiven the guilt of my sin. =20 (Psalm 32:5): =20 The Sacrament of=20 Penance.=20  

           =20 Acknowledging the problem for ourselves is an important = first step.=20 As St. Ignatius noted, this can be done in the Sacrament of = Penance.  This sacrament is a rich = source of=20 God=92s strength and spiritual health. =20 It is the normal means for us =96 instituted by Christ and = provided=20 by the Church =96 to be reconciled and receive spiritual healing. = Stately=20 simply, pornography is sinful and the Sacrament of Penance removes = sin.  This sacrament = puts us=20 in touch with the depth of God=92s merciful love.   It removes what is = bad. It=20 strengthens us with what is good, with God=92s grace.    =

           =20 The fruits of this sacrament are many.  The Catechism notes that = it=20 restores us to God=92s grace and joins us in friendship with = God.  It brings a spiritual = resurrection=20 drawing us into the Paschal Mystery as we die to our sinfulness = and rise=20 to new life in Christ.  =20 The Sacrament of Penance reconciles us to the Church and=20 revitalizes the life of the repentant sinner.[12]    =20

           =20 For anyone struggling with pornography, the Sacrament of=20 Reconciliation offers an infallible source of healing grace.  Jesus spoke of the joy = in heaven=20 over one repentant sinner (Luke 15:10 ); when worthily celebrated, this = sacrament=20 causes the angels to rejoice.  =20 In this sacrament, we encounter Christ the Divine = physician. When=20 we open our wound to Him, He can begin to heal us with His = grace.=20  

Which of you wishing to = construct a=20 tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if = there is=20 enough for its completion? (Luke 14: 28 ): =20  What can we do?   =

     This = pastoral=20 letter is offered as part of a comprehensive effort within the = Diocese of=20 Kansas City-St. Joseph to make progress in the battle against = pornography=20 and its destructive effects in individuals, our families, and our=20 society.  The tactic = we are=20 taking is only secondarily one of legislative advocacy against the = purveyors of pornography. The injustice against the actors or = participants=20 in pornographic media deserves to be addressed and corrected. I = encourage=20 and support those who =96 in accord with their office and = competence --=20 succeed in turning back this plague. We know this demon is = =93legion,=94 and=20 still we persevere in hope.  

           =20 Our effort and my purpose in writing is primarily to help = us all=20 grow spiritually stronger in our fight against pornography. We = must help=20 each other in a way of discipleship that is grounded in chastity = and that=20 purity of heart which helps us see God.   =

We are contending not = against flesh=20 and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the = rulers=20 of the darkness of this world. = (Eph=20 6:12.):  = Develop a plan to stay = strong.   =

           =20 We have spoken about the first and necessary step in our = spiritual=20 battle against the lies and entanglements of pornography. Sincere=20 repentance turns our sight again toward God and the Sacrament of=20 Reconciliation renews within us the grace and life of Christ. =  

           =20 In order to persevere we must develop a plan to =93stay = sober=94 and=20 avoid the intoxication of pornography. We will not succeed if we = think we=20 can easily put aside the temptations to use pornography. We must = avoid the=20 occasions of sin, that is, anything that leads us toward it. What = are our=20 particular weaknesses in regard to these attractions? In honesty = and=20 humility we must often run from them like we would run from a wild = animal=20 against which we had no sufficient defense.   =

           = ;=20 We are more = vulnerable=20 to secret sins: 1) when we are alone or with certain people; 2) = when the=20 materials are available; and 3) when we have time on our=20 hands. =  =20

           =20 Avoiding a = secretive or=20 enticing environment. We must be careful and plan out what we = do when=20 we are in private. Away from others we must be on our guard, = mindful of=20 our weakness.  Can = we invite=20 someone to monitor our computer? Random monitoring is a practice = in many=20 business offices. Sometimes the danger of this keeps people from = some=20 instances of viewing pornography. The engagement of an = accountability=20 partner who receives a report of websites we have visited may help = us stay=20 honest in this regard (cf Appendix II). At home, a computer should = be=20 located in the open rather in the private room.  =20

           =20 Similarly, we must avoid situations where the company of = certain=20 people might unduly pressure us to partake in the use of = materials, such=20 as pornographic videos or magazines. We must try to cultivate = healthy and=20 supportive friendships. As we get stronger, we can try to lead our = associates into activities that are not so degrading to human=20 dignity.  

           =20 Eliminating = pornographic=20 materials. We must remove any pornography that is readily=20 available.  = Eliminate your=20 access as quickly as possible. =20 Destroy the videos, throw out the photos and magazines, = cancel the=20 problematic cable or satellite channels.   =

           =20 Because we have grown to depend on computers, this is = harder when=20 dealing with Internet pornography. We can first remove computer = bookmarks=20 that provide easy access. Use a filter (see Appendix II). If you = knew that=20 eating certain foods or taking certain drugs to which you are = allergic=20 would kill you, you would scrupulously avoid these things. If = getting rid=20 of the computer is the only way to assure your chastity =96 your = sexual=20 sobriety =96 such measures may be necessary for the life of your = soul.=20  

           =20 If the television in your hotel room is a danger, don=92t = even turn=20 it on. Bring reading or work to do. Go to the exercise room. Talk = to a=20 friend, or your spouse or children on the phone. Persons who are = =93problem=20 drinkers=94 and have been through treatment programs know that = they must=20 never take a drink again, and they stay away from the bar.=20  

           =20 At home, more and more families are using blocking devices = on their=20 television sets, or using the TV only occasionally to watch a=20 family-friendly movie or a sports event together. =  =20

           =20 Being good = stewards of our=20 time. Idle time may be the occasion for our use of = pornography. We=20 learned the truism, =93The idle mind is the devil=92s = playground.=94 We don=92t=20 want to become frenetic in our activity. There is value in taking = time for=20 rest and relaxation, but we must be good stewards of our time. = Nearly a=20 generation ago I heard someone describe television as =93company = without=20 commitment.=94 We should use our time to constructively do things = that are=20 part of the direction we want for our life, that express and = strengthen=20 our commitments to others.  

           =20 Knowing our = weaknesses.=20 We may begin to awaken our desire for explicit pornography even by = the use=20 of (increasingly revealing and suggestive) television shows, = reality TV,=20 or immodest advertisements, magazines not generally regarded as = erotic=20 (e.g., in the case of fetish), novels with explicit scenes that we = know=20 play to our attractions. Being honest about our individual = weaknesses in=20 these areas will help us avoid the =93occasions of sin,=94 =96 = remote or near=20 occasions =96 that may cause our downfall. To succeed in this = battle we have=20 to calculate our strengths and weaknesses and realize how we can = account=20 for both. Don=92t try to fight the battle =93inside the = fortress;=94 engage the=20 enemy before he breaches your defenses. Learn to see the danger = coming=20 before it gets too close or too strong.   =

You must, therefore, be = perfect, as=20 your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5: 48 ):  Develop a plan to grow = holy as a=20 disciple.   =

           = ;=20 The = Beatitudes and the=20 rest of Christ=92s Sermon = on the=20 Mount express a model for conscientious and faithful = discipleship.=20  It is not enough to = remove=20 the bad.  We must = bring in the=20 good.  If we do not = replace=20 the bad with something good it can more easily return (Cf. Luke = 11:24 -26).  Through repentance and = Sacramental=20 Reconciliation we move out of darkness into the light but we need = a=20 program for staying in the light. =20 The particulars of this program will include some essential = elements.  =  

           =20 Commitment to = daily=20 prayer. The real core of this prayer must be a growing = expression of=20 our relationship to God our Father, to Jesus Christ who redeems = us, and to=20 the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us and helps us to be more like = Christ in=20 the world. We need to hear God=92s affirmation of us =96 our = innate goodness=20 and dignity =96 so we can begin to love others in a similar way. = This is=20 more than just saying prayers, as important as that is.  It is grounding our self = in=20 God.  It is opening = our hearts=20 and letting Him speak His word of love, mercy, comfort and = challenge to=20 us.  Our Catholic = tradition is=20 tremendously rich with many types of prayer.  Just a few are = Eucharistic=20 Adoration, Lectio Divina=20 (prayerfully reading the Sacred Scriptures), meditation, = contemplation, and=20 devotional prayers including the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet = and the=20 Stations of the Cross.  = Our=20 rich and varied tradition exists to help us grow more deeply in = the life=20 of God.   =

           =20 Meditation, vivid reflection on the mysteries, life and = activity of=20 Christ, and the use of religious pictures, statues, etc., provide = positive=20 images in the sense imagination and memory. These can begin to = supplant=20 images and visual fantasies that are occasions of sin for us.[13]=20  

           =20 Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.=20 For us as = Catholics the Mass=20 and the worthy reception of the Eucharist are the font from which = we draw=20 our spiritual strength and the highest expression of our worship = and=20 thanks to God. Here Jesus literally makes a gift of Himself to = us.  Here we enter into the = hour of His=20 sacrifice. To share in the Eucharist every Sunday and holy day of=20 obligation strengthens us, and keeps us in the communion of the = Church.=20 Participating in Mass more often and receiving communion, provided = we have=20 not alienated our self from God by serious sin, can be of = inestimable help=20 to us to stay in the light.   =

           =20 Daily Examination of Conscience and Frequent=20 Confession. = No one can=20 hope to seriously grow in the spiritual life without the constant=20 repentance to which Christ calls us. Particularly when we are = trying to=20 break the habits of destructive sins, a brief recollection of our = day in=20 which we renew our sorrow for our sins and track our progress = prepares us=20 for a worthy celebration of Confession. The saints tell us to keep = our=20 daily examination of conscience cursory so as not to rekindle the = passion=20 of our sins. Satan=92s new temptations and occasional = discouragement will=20 come. But we must persevere in hope despite our setbacks. An = honest,=20 integral, and humble Confession monthly or more often, to the same = confessor if possible, will do us tremendous good if we persevere = and do=20 not lose heart.  

           =20 Like going to the doctor, receiving Reconciliation is both = curative=20 and preventive.  It = is=20 curative because it removes sin and it is preventive because it=20 strengthens us and allows us to stay healthy.  Even if we are not = guilty of any=20 mortal sin, this sacrament strengthens us and helps us to keep = running=20 smoothly.  I can = testify to=20 the great importance of frequent confession in my own spiritual=20 journey.  It is one = valuable=20 way I also try to stay close to Christ and keep the mystery of = divine=20 mercy and reconciliation alive in my own life.  =20

           =20 Utilize good Spiritual Reading. Another means of support is = through=20 study.  As God=92s = word to us=20 the Bible is life giving and irreplaceable.  Our tradition is rich in = spiritual=20 classics, especially the biographies of the saints or their own = writings.=20 Reading the encyclicals of the Popes and other magisterial = teachings will=20 help us in our understanding of revealed truth.  The catechetical talks by = Pope John=20 Paul II, sometimes collectively referred to as the Theology of = the=20 Body, provide a positive and substantive understanding of = human=20 sexuality.  =  =20

           =20 Awareness of the Presence of God. Making a faith-filled = dedication of=20 our self and our efforts to God each day =96 a morning offering = =96 and=20 renewing our awareness of His presence and love in the midst of = our daily=20 activities will help to sanctify all the everyday actions we = undertake.=20 Using devotional items or sacramentals, such as a = blessed=20 medal or scapular can be a source of grace and remind us of our=20 relationship with God and as members of His Body the Church. = Keeping a=20 religious medal, holy card or icon on or near the screen of your = computer,=20 or on top of the television, can help us be aware of our = commitment to=20 live a new life in Christ.  

 Behold, now is a very = acceptable time;=20 behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2):  Grow Strong in the Exercise = of the=20 Virtues. =  =20

           =20 Developing a plan for growing in holiness will be more = complete as=20 we begin to generously exercise an apostolic Christian love. We = must go=20 =93beyond our self,=94 reaching out to others out of love for = Christ. This=20 active charity expressed in an unselfish and generous love is the = antidote=20 to pornography and other sexually-expressed symptoms of = selfishness.=20  

           =20 Temperance in=20 the exercise of our sexual appetites, necessary for succeeding = against the=20 lures of pornography, can be strengthened when we exercise = temperance in=20 the use of food and drink. The more we learn to strengthen our = will by=20 occasionally denying ourselves licit enjoyments, the more we will = likely=20 succeed in the temperance which supports chastity. When we do this = out of=20 a motive of love of Christ, this =93discipline=94 becomes = =93discipleship.=94 It=20 is a kind of spiritual conditioning that strengthens us for other=20 challenges that will come.  

           =20 Modesty is=20 decency and discretion in the way we dress, act and speak. It = protects the=20 mystery of persons and their love.[14]=20 Living the habit of modesty in dress can help to foil the = voyeuristic=20 tendencies that are part of pornography. A renewed commitment to = modesty=20 helps us combat the injustice of pornography which undermines the = dignity=20 of the person. =93Custody of the eyes=94 means we turn away from = those gazes=20 that are intended for our gratification and curiosity. This = age-old=20 practice can help us avoid occasions of sin that otherwise lead us = to=20 exploit others.  

           =20 Purity is one=20 of the most wonderful characteristics of the love and light of = Jesus=20 Christ. Exposed to Christ=92s purity we are purified. Those who = are in love=20 seek to express their gift of self with an undivided heart and in = a way=20 that cares for the total well-being of the other. The exploitative = use of=20 others through pornography is a contradiction of this purity which = characterizes God=92s love and must be the model for our love. As = we reflect=20 on our natural exercise of purity in the relationships we have = with our=20 children, our parents and siblings, we will begin to increase our = capacity=20 to love other persons as well with a pure and undivided = heart.=20  

           =20 Chastity, as we=20 have described at length above, can be exercised in positive ways. = It=20 means treating others with the respect due them in accord with = their human=20 dignity and worth =96 something that comes from God Himself. = Chastity is the=20 responsible use of our affective life in the way that is most = appropriate=20 in light of our relationship. Allowing our self to be sexually = gratified=20 by someone we do not know in any way =96 which happens in = pornography =96 is=20 the epitome of unchastity. Determining to relate to each person in = the way=20 that best accords with their dignity and the nature of our = relationship is=20 a positive exercise of chastity. Exercising chastity =96 = consciously loving=20 people in this deeply respectful way - actually strengthens us = against=20 acts of unchastity.  

           =20 What are we saying? One way to successfully turn away the=20 temptation of pornography is to =93build up=94 the virtues of = Temperance,=20 Modesty, Purity and Chastity. The final cause =96 the ultimate = goal - of all=20 the virtues is charity which must express itself in the generous = gift of=20 self.  

A faithful friend is a sturdy = shelter;=20 he who finds one finds a treasure. (Sirach 6:14 ): =20 Developing a support system.   =

           =20 People who have overcome addictions will insist you will = not do so=20 by yourself.  = Admitting the=20 issue, examining oneself, daily prayer, and seeking forgiveness in = the=20 Sacrament of Penance are all good, important and holy steps.  A knowledgeable = Spiritual Director=20 can help us develop and keep the plan of life that we have = suggested=20 above.  

           =20 However, if you or someone you know has reached the point = of an=20 addiction or even just a compulsion, more help may be = necessary.  It is important to = develop a=20 support system.   = This=20 system may involve counseling with a competent professional.  It may involve a support = group.  Our diocese = already=20 offers one such support group for men and we hope to establish = another for=20 women.  The National = Coalition=20 for the Protection of Children and Families sponsors a phone line = for=20 those who struggle with pornography and for those who try to help = them=20 (cf. Appendix II).  = Another=20 practice becoming more popular today is that of an accountability=20 group.  A number of=20 individuals will gather on a regular basis to share struggles and=20 successes.  They = give each=20 other permission to probe, ask questions and to challenge fellow = members.=20  

           =20 There are some additional resources for those struggling = with=20 Internet pornography.  = One is=20 to purchase a computer filter and have a friend download and = secure it=20 with a password not to be shared with you.  Another is an = accountability=20 service that will send a report of every site you visit online to = two=20 accountability friends.  = This=20 can be used in conjunction with a filter.   =

           =20 The company we keep can hurt or help us in our = efforts.  The purpose of any = friendship is=20 for people to lift each other up, not to drag each other = down.  If friends lead us into = sin, they=20 are not true friends and it is necessary to find those who would = be true=20 friends.  =  =20

           =20 Our support system does not just stop with professionals = and=20 friends.  There is a = whole=20 other category of a different set of professionals and = friends.  We call them the = saints.  These holy men and women = inspire us by their = heroic lives,=20 give us an example to be=20 imitated and help us by their constant intercession.[15]  The Blessed Virgin Mary = shows us=20 what it means to be faithful to God in purity of heart.  She is our Mother Most = Pure,=20 Mother Most Chaste, Mother Inviolate, Mother Undefiled [16]=20 and with her prayers helps us to follow her Son in truth.    =

           =20 St. = Joseph=20 is similarly invoked as Chaste and Just.  As patrons of our = Diocese I=20 constantly ask for their assistance and guidance and now I ask for = their=20 help for all those struggling with pornography.    =

           =20 St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902), and St. Charles Lwanga (d. = 1886),=20 are but two examples of young people who were martyred rather than = give in=20 to sexual impurity. Other saints are known for their conversion = from a=20 sinful life. They are models for us of what is possible when we = give=20 ourselves over to Christ=92s transforming grace. May the = faithfulness and=20 chastity of these heavenly friends lead us to greater fidelity and = chastity according to our state in life.    =

Let us show ourselves = courageous for=20 the sake of our people.  (I Chron 19:13 ):  Take Action. =  =20

           =20 There is much at stake here. This is a problem that calls = for=20 action from all of us: individually and as the Church.    =

           =20 To those who = struggle with=20 pornography =96 Do not give up! =20 This may be an occasional problem, an outright addiction or = a=20 problem somewhere in between. =20 Wherever you may be, be honest with yourself. Seek the = Sacrament of=20 Penance. Find another trustworthy and dependable person to assist = and=20 support you.  

           =20 Examine your life and see what disposes you to this = behavior.  Get a computer filter = and an=20 accountability system. =20 Professional counseling is another important help. The = support=20 group sponsored by our Diocese functions as a landing pad to help = people=20 in the healing process. =20 Appendix II lists a number of resources. Persevere and = don=92t lose=20 heart!  

           =20 To parents =96 = Your role=20 in the lives of your children is irreplaceable.  Your task is twofold: to = protect=20 and to equip.  There = are many=20 things you can do to protect your children.  You have locks on the = doors of=20 your home to protect them from unwanted strangers.  Your computers are = unlocked doors=20 to your children unless you establish some securities. 

=A7        =20 Keep the = computer=20 in a public part of the house.

=A7        =20 Equip = your Internet=20 program with a password so your children cannot access the = Internet unless=20 you log on.

=A7        =20  Get a computer filter.=20

=A7        =20 Be = proactive.  Do not assume such = things only=20 happen in other families. =20

=A7        =20 Before = allowing=20 your child to spend the night at a friend=92s house, ask the = parents if they=20 have a filter on their computer. =20

           =20 This problem is much larger than the Internet.  In addition to published = pornography, there are chat rooms, iPods and camera cell = phones.  These can easily be = misused and=20 become a means of exposing children and young people to = pornography. 

           =20 Blogs pose another problem.  If your child has a blog, = visit it=20 often. See to it that no addresses, phone numbers or other types = of=20 personally identifying information are listed nor any lewd or = suggestive=20 materials.   = Some blog=20 sites can be set so that only chosen friends may access the = site.  Protection is the first = important=20 step.  =

           =20 The second step is also important: Equip your children to = deal with=20 a world where so much pornography is so easily available.  To keep filters and = other security=20 measures on your computer is necessary, but eventually your = children will=20 be around an unfiltered computer. =20 Will they at that point be sufficiently educated and = morally strong=20 to resist this evil? =20

           =20 At appropriate moments parents have the responsibility to = teach=20 their children about the beauties of our God-given sexuality and = the truth=20 of sexual morality. This calls for study of the Church=92s = teaching,[17]=20 and right living on the part of the parents. It must be admitted = that the=20 widespread use of artificial contraceptives has had a devastating = and=20 systemic effect on the family and the culture. Parents who have = not yet=20 come to grips with the responsible use of their own married = sexuality will=20 find it more difficult to communicate effectively to their = children about=20 the right ordering of these vital human powers =96 powers which = have their=20 most significant expression in life-long love directed toward the=20 procreation of life.

           =20 Pray together as a family. Go to Mass and to Confession = together.=20 Have meals together. Set rules and regulations about the use of = the phone,=20 TV, video games, and the Internet. Parents, teach your children = about the=20 blessedness of pure, chaste love, and help them find good reading. =

           =20 You cannot keep them from all of the dangers they will = eventually=20 face, but you can equip them to deal with such dangers. =  =20

           =20 To pastors, = priests and=20 deacons =96 You serve on the front line with the People of = God.  People need your moral = leadership=20 and guidance.  Do = not be=20 afraid to speak out on this topic. Use modesty and prudence, but = do not=20 fail to remind all of us of the dangers to our soul this evil = represents.=20 Teach the Church=92s truth about sexual morality and = responsibility with=20 clarity and encouragement. Speak about the beauty of chastity to = which we=20 are called. Do so for the good of your people; to support those = working to=20 live chastity as well as those who are in difficulty. 

           =20 Catholics can and should work with other Christians and = other=20 people of good will in raising awareness, providing education and = sharing=20 resources that both address this issue and offer a positive = proactive=20 approach. =20

           =20 As ministers of the Sacrament of Penance, priests are in a = unique=20 position to help people who struggle with this problem and to = offer them=20 hope and healing.  = Study and=20 reflect on this weighty pastoral challenge so you may better serve = those=20 who seek your help.  = Provide=20 many opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preach on = the=20 necessity of this Sacrament.

           =20 Unfortunately, this issue afflicts clergy of many Christian = traditions, including our own. =20 If you struggle with this, please get help not only for the = sake of=20 yourself but for those whom you serve in Jesus=92 name. =  =20

           =20 To teachers, = administrators=20 and parish staff =96 Each of you in a unique way are valued = members of=20 the Church=92s team and the Church needs your help in fighting = this=20 evil.  By your = chosen work you=20 have a role to play in building up the Body of Christ.  Teachers, please be = willing to=20 teach and share good moral values and do not be afraid to have = discussions=20 with parents, encouraging them in their responsibilities as = parents. 

           =20 School administrators, you are in a unique place to provide = guidance and education first to your faculty and then to your = school=20 community.  Consider = having an=20 in-service day dedicated to this topic.  Make sure school = computer labs are=20 adequately protected. =20

           =20 Youth ministers are specially positioned to help young = people who=20 may open up to you. =20 Familiarize yourself with the available resources for help, = and=20 assist young people in turning to their parents and family members = who=20 have a unique responsibility to form their children in these = matters.    =

           =20 To those in the=20 communications media =96You are stewards of powerful = developments of=20 communication and technology. =20 These developments can be used to build up humanity and = human=20 solidarity. They can also isolate people, drag them down and lead = them=20 into a way of living that is less human.  Please use these = developments of=20 technology for the common good. =20 For your own salvation completely disassociate yourself = from the=20 industry which prospers through this exploitation. Help provide us = with=20 good entertainment and communication technology that is useful for = the=20 necessary work of the modern day without descending to this lowest = tendency of our human nature.  

           =20 To those in public = office=96The right to free speech is a precious one that I = deeply value=20 and defend.  The = Supreme Court=20 has ruled that obscenity is not protected speech although the = definition=20 of obscenity is left to the local communities.  Pornography can bring = with it a=20 weakening of marriage and family, an increase of crime and a = decline of=20 property values.  = For the=20 economic as well as the moral good of those you are sworn to = serve, please=20 work against pornography and for the good of all.    =

           =20 To counselors, = doctors and=20 other health care professionals =96 You too are in a special = position to=20 help people within a confidential setting.  Internet addiction and = Internet=20 pornography have serious implications.  In particular, I ask = counselors,=20 psychologists and doctors to learn more about helping people with = these=20 problems.  I further = ask you=20 to then share that wisdom with parents, clergy and the general = public in a=20 way that respects the dignity of the human person and the = God-given=20 meaning and purpose of human sexuality. Realize and make = allowances for=20 the curative benefits of supernatural faith as part of the = motivation and=20 potential for renewal in those who suffer under pornography=92s = hurtful=20 effects.  

           =20 Finally, to all = people=96I=20 ask all of us, myself included, to daily strive to grow in purity = of heart=20 and chastity according to our state in life.  This is the road to true = happiness=20 and this is how we grow in love and thus become more like = God.   Purity of heart is = not=20 merely a nice virtue.  = It=20 opens up for us the vision of God. =20  

CONCLUSION   =

Let us cast off the deed of = darkness=20 and put on the armor of light. =20 (Romans 13:12=20 ):  The light of God=92s = mercy.             =20

           =20 Dear friends, this problem of pornography affects all of = us.  It involves not only our = spiritual=20 life and our moral health but the health of our nation and our = world.  It assaults our human = dignity=20 rooted in the image and likeness of God and further ennobled by = the=20 Incarnation.  = Pornography is a=20 struggle for many people. =20 Prevention can do tremendous good. Neglect can be = responsible for=20 horrendous and lifelong harm. =20 Children and young people must be protected and equipped to = deal=20 with these and other problems facing us today.    =

           =20 Moreover, people need the Church=92s positive message about = human=20 sexuality. Chastity calls all of us to love as God loves.  Purity of heart is a = blessed path=20 of discipleship.  At = times we=20 will stumble but with the mercy of God we continue to follow in = the way of=20 light, life and love. =20  

           =20 One wise instruction St. Benedict wrote in his Holy = Rule is the pithy but = profound=20 statement, =93Never despair of God=92s Mercy.=94[18]=20  The most serious = temptation=20 anyone can face is to doubt the reality of God=92s love and = mercy.  While we can never = presume on that=20 mercy, we must never let go of that most powerful and life-giving = hope.=20 St. John , the beloved disciple, = in his=20 words addressed to the early Christian Churches also reassures = us.=20

My little children, I am = writing this=20 to you so that you may not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have an = advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is = the=20 expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the = sins of the=20 whole world (I Jn 2: 1-2).  

           =20 If you remember just one sentence from this letter let it = be this:=20 Never despair of God=92s=20 mercy.

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;          =20 In Christ and Mary,

 

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;          =20 Most Reverend Robert W. Finn
           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;          =20 Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph =  =20

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;          =20 Ash Wednesday ~ February 21, 2007

 APPENDIX I ~=20 PRAYERS

A = PRAYER IN A TIME=20 OF TEMPTATION ~ Based on Hebrews 4:14-16  =20

           =20 Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, you were tempted = in every=20 way we are and yet never sinned. =20 Take me to the throne of Your grace to receive mercy, favor = and=20 help.  Make me aware = of Your=20 presence. Strengthen me in my weakness. 

           =20 Lead me through the temptations of this life to the love = you share=20 with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.  Amen.   =


PRAYER OVER A=20 NEW COMPUTER           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;           &nbs= p;            = ;          =20

           =20 Loving God and Father, source of all good and knowledge, we = praise=20 you for your loving kindness shown to us through your Son Jesus = Christ who=20 became flesh and dwelt among us and through your Holy Spirit = poured forth=20 into our hearts.  = Grant that=20 this new computer may be used in service to you and all = truth.  May it be an instrument = that=20 serves to lift up and not to tear down.  May pornography, hatred = or any=20 other such evil never appear on this screen.  May I and all who use = this=20 computer do so with purity of heart and free from all evil.  May my work on this = computer serve=20 to glorify your name and build up your kingdom.    Lead us = through this=20 life to share in the perfect love and joy you share with Jesus = Christ your=20 Son our Lord and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.  Amen.   =


ANIMA CHRISTI=20 (Soul of Christ)  

Soul of Christ, sanctify = me.
Body of=20 Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water = flowing from=20 the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen = me.=20  
O Good Jesus hear me, in your wounds hide me
and = never permit=20 me to be separated from you.
From the evil enemy, defend = me
In the=20 hour of my death call me, and grant me to come to you
that with = your=20 saints I may praise you for ever and ever. Amen. 

MEMORARE  

Remember O Most Gracious = Virgin=20 Mary,
That never was it known that anyone who fled to thy=20 protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession was = left=20 unaided.
Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee O Virgin = of=20 virgins, my mother.
To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful = and=20 sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my=20 petitions
But in thy mercy hear and answer me. = Amen.  =20


From the LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH =  =20

Joseph, chaste and just = =85
Joseph,=20 prudent and brave =85
Joseph, obedient and loyal =85
Terror = of evil=20 spirits =85
Protector of the Church, =85 Pray for us! =  =20

Almighty God, in your = infinite wisdom=20 and love 
you chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary, the = mother=20 of Your Son. 
As we enjoy his protection on earth, may we = have the=20 help of his prayers in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our = Lord.=20 Amen.  


PRAYER = TO SAINT=20 MICHAEL  

           =20 St. Michael the Archangel , defend=20 us in battle.  Be = our defense=20 against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him we = humbly pray,=20 and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by divine power thrust = into=20 hell Satan and all the other evil spirits that prowl about the = world=20 seeking the ruin of souls.  = Amen.  


PRAYER TO MY=20 GUARDIAN ANGEL  

           =20 Angel of God, my guardian dear; to whom God=92s love = commends me=20 here: Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and = guide.=20  Amen =

    =
APPENDIX II  ~  = A FEW=20 RESOURCES  

On-Line Resources=20  

www.pornnomore.com =20 is a Catholic site that includes information, prayers, = witness=20 talks and many other helpful resources.   =

http://www.porn-free.org/ = is a=20 similar Christian site with many resources.  It also has a version in = Italian.  

http://www.nationalcoalition.o= rg/  is the site for the = National=20 Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families.  In addition to fighting=20 pornography this organization does much to promote decency and = family=20 life.  

www.freedomeveryday.org = is=20 sponsored by L.I.F.E. Ministries (Living in Freedom Everyday).=20   =

http://www.settingcaptivesfr= ee.com/=20 is a Christian based ministry addressing a number of = addictions.  Its resources are = available in=20 several languages.=20   =

http://www.cyberwidows.com/ is a resource for women = whose husbands=20 have problems with pornography. =20 The information here would also be helpful for a husband = whose wife=20 is struggling with pornography. =20  

http://www.obscenity-crimes.org= /=20 not only has resources about pornography but includes information = about=20 fighting indecency.  

http://www.sa.org/ is the web site = for=20 Sexaholics Anonymous.  = It=20 shares information and Twelve Step Spirituality for those = struggling with=20 sexual addiction. =20  

http://www.isafe.org/  is a site for internet = safety and=20 education.  =   =

http://www.filterreview.com/=20 provides a description and customer rating of different internet=20 filters.  It is a = good single=20 source to learn about many different products.

http://www.covenanteyes.com/=20 is not a filter but an accountability service.  Users will designate two = other=20 individuals who will periodically receive reports of all the sites = the=20 user has visited.  = This can=20 work well in conjunction with a filter. 

www.archstl.org/prayer  is a prayer resource = sponsored by=20 the Archdiocese of St. Louis. =20 You may type in a request and eight communities of = cloistered nuns=20 will pray for your intentions.

Support and Counseling = Services=20  

The diocese sponsors a = support group=20 for men who struggle with pornography.  They meet periodically = for=20 support.  = Confidentiality is=20 respected.  For more = information call 816-756-1850 ext. 495, or toll-free to = 1-800-246-1850=20 ext. 495.  

Catholic Charities can put = you in touch=20 with a professional counselor. =20 For more information call 816-333-2040 . =  =20

The National Coalition has a = toll-free=20 service line at 1-800-583-2964. =20 It is a resource both for those who struggle with = pornography as=20 well as for pastors and counselors. =20 Phones are answered Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to = 5:00=20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.   =

Reading =  =20

The Truth and meaning of = Human=20 Sexuality. = Pontifical=20 Council for the Family, 1995.  

Married Love and the Gift of=20 Life. = Pro-Life=20 Secretariat ,=20 United States = Conference of Catholic Bishops, Nov. 14, = 2006 .=20  

Many of the above listed web = sites will=20 list books that can be helpful. =20 One short but helpful booklet is Breaking Free: 12 Steps = to=20 Sexual Purity for Men.  = It=20 is by Stephen Wood and published by Family Life Center = Publications.  http://www.familylifecenter.net= /    =20

For other reading material = regarding a=20 Catholic understanding of human sexuality  see Love and = Responsibility=20 by Karol Wojtyla and Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul = II.  The former is a = more=20 philosophical work while the latter is much more theological.  Some popular secondary = sources for=20 these are: Theology of the Body for Beginners and = Theology of=20 the Body Explained both by Christopher West and Men and = Women are=20 From Eden by Mary Healy.  

In 2002 the Pontifical = Council for=20 Social Communications issued two documents entitled =93The Church = and=20 Internet=94 and =93Ethics in Internet.=94 =20 In 1989 the same council issued a document entitled, = =93Pornography=20 and Violence in the Communications Media: A Pastoral = Response.=94   These documents = may be=20 accessed at http://www.vatican.va/    =

In 1998 the United States = Conference of=20 Catholic Bishops issued a document entitled, =93Renewing the Mind = of the=20 Media=94 and in 2000 another document entitled, =93Your Family and = Cyberspace.=94  = Copies may be=20 ordered by calling 1-800-235-8722.           &nbs= p;            = ;            =       =20

ENDNOTES=20  

 =20

           =20 [1]=20 Catechism of = the Catholic=20 Church, # 2354  (hereafter Catechism)=20

           &nbs= p;=20 [2]=20 Gaudium et = Spes, no. 22.=20 Documents of the Second Vatican = Council 

           =20 [3]Gaudium et Spes, = 27.

           =20 [4]Catechism,=20 # 387.

           =20 [5]Catechism=20 # 1803

           &nbs= p;=20 [6]=20 Catechism  # 1809

           =20 [7]Ibid.,=20 # 2337.

           =20 [8]Karol=20 Wojtyla, Love and Responsibility, trans. H.T. Willets = (San=20 Francisco: Ignatius, 1993), 123. 

           &nbs= p;=20 [9]=20 Catechism #=20 2522

[10]=20 National Coalition = for the=20 Protection of Children & Families.  = Warning: What you risk by = using=20 pornography.=20

           =20 [11]Ignatius=20 Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, trans. = Louis=20 J.  Puhl, S.J. = (Westminster:=20 The Newman Press, 1957), 145.

           &nbs= p; =20 [12] Catechism=20 #1468-1470.       

           &nbs= p;=20 [13]  = =93The=20 memory and imagination will prove most helpful if they are = employed to=20 nourish piety, by searching in the Scriptures, in the Liturgy, and = in=20 spiritual writers the choicest texts, the most beautiful similes, = the=20 richest imagery, and if the imagination is used to enter into = God=92s=20 presence, to picture in their details the mysteries of Our Lord = and the=20 Blessed Virgin. Thus, far from stunting this faculty, we shall = fill it=20 with devout representations which will displace dangerous = fancies=85=94=20 Tanquerey, Adolphe. The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical = and=20 Mystical Theology. 2nd and revised edition. Book I; = Chapter=20 III ; Art = III ; 783C.  

           &nbs= p;   =20 [14]=20 Catechism  # 2522  =

           &nbs= p;   =20 [15]  Cf. Sacramentary, = Prefaces P69,=20 P70 Holy Men and Women I and II.=20  

           &nbs= p;   =20 [16]=20 Litany of Loretto =  =20

           &nbs= p;   =20 [17]  = Two=20 excellent documents are: The Truth=20 and Meaning of Human Sexuality. Pontifical Council for the = Family,=20 1995. And the new Bishops' publication, Married Love and the Gift of = Life,=20 USCCB November 14, 2006 . =

           =20 [18]Benedict=20 of Nursia, The Rule of St. Benedict, trans. Anthony C. = Meisel and=20 M.L. del Mastro (New York: Image Books, 1975), 54. 

           = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;        
___


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