Family groups and Catholic observers warn that a new booklet recently sent out to educators promotes an unhealthy view of homosexuality.

In his 1929 encyclical Christian Education of Youth, Pope Pius XI taught that, particularly in young people, evil practices are the effect not so much of ignorance of intellect as of weakness of a will exposed to dangerous occasions . . . (ibid., no. 66). His Holiness is reminding us of the dangers of providing children with information on human sexuality at a time when they do not have the maturity to use this information properly.

Dr. Robert Spitzer, the" instrumental figure in the American Psychiatric Association's 1973 decision to remove homosexuality from its diagnostic manual of mental disorders, has announced a new study, which has altered his beliefs on the issue. "Like most psychiatrists," says Spitzer, "I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but sexual orientation could not be changed. I now believe that's untrue some people can and do change."

Mans sexual energies are of extraordinary power and complexity. Is this energy something we can use however we wish, or is there some objective standard to which this energy should be conformed? The Western tradition, like many other traditions, has consistently held that there is such an objective standard, and it is the reality called marriage. Today, however, many think that marriage can be whatever they want it to be.

The pill hasnt exactly delivered the paradise it promised. Our brave new world of fertility control is full of sad ironies.

Many of the problems we hear about today - sexual harassment, date rape, young women who suffer from eating disorders and report feeling a lack of control over their bodies - are all connected, I believe, to our cultures attack on modesty.

Achieving internal chastity is not an easy task. For many, it is a lifelong struggle, fought day in and day out.

Homosexuality and Hope is the result of a two-year study by a special task force of The Catholic Medical Association (CMA). Based on current scientific facts and the practical experience of task force members, Homosexuality and Hope outlines a positive program of providing help, support and hope for those homosexual persons who wish to live in union with the Catholic Church.

Recently, I received a call from a psychologist who had heard that I specialized in the treatment of homosexuality. He was treating a 13-year-old boy who thought he might be gay, and he wanted some advice. I answered his questions, giving him some direction about his understanding of the case.

Courage is the Catholic Church's only pontifically approved ministry which is specifically committed to providing spiritual support for persons with same-sex attraction who are striving to live chastely, offering help to grow in understanding with others toward living more fully the Church's teachings.