drive their expensive equipment?” The Sheas also are very open about teaching the children about human sexuality through Catholic doctrine. “We use ‘Theology of the Body’ and the Catechism, to teach respect for the body and the dignity of the person,” Debbie Shea said. She said it is important that young people understand the proper parameters with the opposite sex. Rules such as not allowing the opposite sex in the bedroom and entertaining only in the common areas of the house should be among healthy house rules to be maintained. Another important rule is to have guests of the opposite sex leave no later than midnight. “It is important that kids learn these things as one mistake with alcohol, drugs or sex can have a negative effect www.SouthTexasCatholic.com
on a person’s entire life,” Debbie Shea said. Faith formation continues for the Shea offspring as they go off to college. The parents sign them up at St. Mary’s Church in College Station and donate to the parish. This way the children can then go to the church and begin as members of the parish. It gives them a sense of belonging as they go away from home. It is also very important that they learn that they need to give something back to God, Dan Shea said. “We socialize with other Catholic families, people who share our values. We learn a lot from watching good Catholic families, people who are living their faith. We are doing our best and hope to be an example for others,” Dan Shea said. JUNE 2012 | SOUTH TEX AS CATHOLIC
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