The September 2nd workshop was offered solely for priests, with the September 3rd session being offered for lay ministers and deacons.

In the digital age we live in, pornography is one of the largest epidemics, leaving effects that reach beyond the individual viewer. Studies show that pornography destroys current marriages, sabotages future marriages, harms mental health and relationships, and physically alters brain chemistry. Those exposed to pornography tend to enter a vicious cycle of shame, loneliness, and using the content to cope, leading to its frequent reference as “the new drug.”

"Pornography affects the brain in the same way as any addictive substance,” said Deacon Rick Wells, Chancellor for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and Deacon at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. “But there is hope, healing, and wholeness in Christ. Our job as members of Christ's Body, the Church, is not to shame the person struggling with this addiction, but to simply point the way to healing and accompany him or her on their journey."

Often misunderstood or dismissed, pornography remains a serious issue that Catholics must confront.

"In the creation story, we read, 'God made mankind [men and women] in his image' (Genesis 1:27). Pornography distorts a person's understanding of humanity, reducing people to objects to be used, rather than a human to be loved and respected,” continued Deacon Wells. “The workshops, were offered to clergy and lay ministers in our parishes, to equip them to share the message of God's beauty and goodness in humanity, leading to stronger and holier marriages, families, and individuals of all ages and ethnicities."

The average age of first exposure to pornographic content is between 8 and 9 years old. By age 18, nine out of ten boys and six out of ten girls have been exposed to it. Pornographic material constitutes 25% of all search engine requests. This content robs children of their innocence, distorts their view of sexuality, and children often imitate the harmful behavior with peers.

“Pornography is a serious issue,” shared Michael Craig, director of Safe Environment for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. “All human beings have dignity, and pornography seeks to diminish it. It is important that those in our parish communities have the tools to help our young people avoid this content and to support and accompany those who have seen it, regardless of age.”

Approximately 35 priests and 45 lay ministers and deacons attended the anti-pornography workshops, so that they can better assist those struggling in this area. Priests and deacons are often approached by parishioners who reveal that they struggle with pornography addictions, and the workshop provided information and tools for these encounters and conversations. Lay ministers, especially those working with youth and young adults, learned strategies to help educate young people on the dangers of pornography, and serve as trusted adults for guidance and support if they have been exposed to pornography.

This issue affects people of all different backgrounds, and workshops like these empower diocesan leaders to accompany those who struggle while promoting prevention and awareness among our young people

For more information about the Office of Safe Environment, click here.
For more information about anti-pornography in our diocese, click here.
For resources for those who struggle with pornography addiction, click here.