An intimate Communion

 Part of our being that is physically and sexually attracted to another person; (Eros)  Part of ourselves that responds to our senses – touch taste, smell, sight and sound.  Has both sexual and spiritual aspects

 Not just physical sexual intercourse or how we relate to/experience our genitals.  Central to our sense of Self (whole person)  Central to our way of being in the world as male and female persons  Sacred gift from God

 As sacred gift, should be experienced in life- affirming, life-building, procreative ways (Trinitarian and Incarnational)  Deeply influences our behaviors and attitudes towards self and others, our bodies and bodies of others  Is therefore spiritual in nature

 As embodied-selves and spirits, our sexuality is.. -central to how we experience intimacy and communion on a creaturely and divine level -therefore emotional, physical, spiritual -powerfully influences how we interrelate and respond to others

 Is fundamentally sexual in nature (cannot be separated from it)  Shapes who we are as human beings in this world;  Is relational (Trinitarian) and deeply influences how we relate to others and the ongoing Creation all around us

 Influences and is influenced by our prayer life  Influences and is influenced by our community of faith (friends and family)  Influences and is influenced by the quality of our relationships we create and the life that flows through them

 Are not separate and apart  Our spirituality is sexual (Incarnational)  Our sexuality is spiritual (Trinitarian)  Both shape our way of being in this world;  Both shape quality of relationships we have with others and God  Both can be viewed as providing insight and understanding to how we communicate and commune with self, God, and others.

 Sexual identity – Our personal understanding of what it means to be masculine or feminine;  Sexual orientation – who we are attracted to;

 Sexual behavior – how we express our sexuality in relationships with members of both genders;  Sexual values – what we believe is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable, permitted or not permitted regarding sex and sexuality.

 Love relationships, friends, family members 3 stages: 1) Romance: infatuation stage – a person can do no wrong, we put them on the pedestal, can’t see their faults;

2) Disillusionment: reality check stage: - we get to see for who she or he really is; - the very things we were infatuated with become we do not particularly like;

3) Joy stage: if we hang in there, we reach it – we start to love and appreciate a person for who he or she is with both faults and strengths: - Feeling comfortable - Meaningful conversations - Respect - Give each other room to grow

 Intellectual – common values, interests, ability of respect, trust, communicate, …  Emotional – communicating/ expressing feelings  Spiritual – self-awareness, awareness of God’s presence, common beliefs  Physical – sexual intercourse

 Sacramental encounter with Christ in each other;  Commitment: through sickness and health;  Deepening of love and intimacy on all levels;  Practical benefit: harder to raise children in single family home.