Institute For Sexuality Studies

Comments From Former Participants

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The program in Sexuality and its Integration into Spirituality was a great and intimate experience of God in all involved in the course. Kevin, Grace Chen-McClone and Dr. Zullo  led five of us through a very gentle process of sharing our experiences dealing with sensitive issues in ministry but also in our own personal lives. The sharing was open, powerful in honesty, so helpful in personal growth and for our work in formation. China, England, Philippines, USA and Australia in participants shared our cultures and facing the in growth in Intimacy and how priest, brother, sisters and all in ministry grow through the pain in ones personal journey.  The presentations each day, the case studies shared once a week and the personal interviews with Kevin were excellent. I can only encourage the reader to take a leap of faith and make the course an important part of your formation for ministry.

I found this program quite helpful and reassuring in what I was doing as a formator.  It came with useful information on the holistic view of sex and sexuality and how it fit with spirituality. These are not divorced from one another. Our group had 5 participants and we all came from a different country.  This allowed to pursue a deeper discussion around the various topics we were presented.  I also enjoyed very much the mentoring time.  It gave me a security and opportunity to ask more personal questions around my life and sexuality as well as other areas that I carry alone at times.  Kevin gave me some encouraging advice as to how to handle or approach certain difficulties I may encounter with others.  His comments were very caring and informative.  I also enjoyed the format of the schedule: meeting in the morning, afternoon free to do reading and watch videos pertinent to the topic.  And there was a lot of material we could use to attain more knowledge of questions we might have or the topic of sexuality and how it runs through all areas of our life, many times we are unaware.  I sensed also a deeper caring and compassion among the group for each other and to some of the problems and difficulties facing us all.  It was a very comfortable and safe environment.  It was a hopeful sign for me to live with more purpose the gift of my religious life, my celibacy and priesthood with more energy and joy.

I decided to take part in the month programme at ISS as a resource for my ministries of vocations accompaniment and spiritual direction, I hoped to have time to read around some of the issues affecting young people from different cultures. The structure of the month with seminars, reading and reflection, along with one to one sessions and case studies has been very helpful in this.  I feel I am returning home well-resourced and with a greater confidence in addressing challenging issues with candidates.

The library at our disposal was excellent and gave such a breadth of topics that each person in the group was able to follow areas of particular interest to them. The group dynamic was also useful – we were a small group and so there were always opportunities to hear different perspectives and to share deeply.

The one to one sessions and the time available for personal reading and reflection has meant that this has also been a time for personal growth and reflection; like a mini-sabbatical!

The program is a “refueling stop” for helpers in the ministry of interiority and accompaniment. One comes tired and weary and yet with a wealth of experience, many are unnamed and unarticulated. This time is a good time “be still” and experience the Lord; to tag life’s luggage, take stock at where one is going and learn new insights from the inputs as well as from the experiences of companions in the same mission. It is an excellent opportunity to gather, to reflect, to process in order to gain awareness, understanding, and acceptance so that once again, be much prepared to resume the strides in one’s mission as a helper and companion.

I was looking forward studying at the Institute for Sexuality Studies July 2017 summer course for several reasons and I was keen to learn more about sexuality in general and my own sexuality in particular. In China I taught a sexuality course to seminarians, priests and religious. However, I felt it was good for me to experience a course that would enrich my own understanding of sexuality with its many facets while updating and getting new insightful knowledge. I came to the course with enthusiasm and openness of mind. I enjoyed the course. In my ministry in China I came across religious and non-religious who struggled with issues around homosexuality, sexual relations, abuse, difficulties in living out celibate commitment and other difficulties. The course I feel helped me to understand the difficulties people experience and gave me some necessary skills in ministering to them in the future.

Generally I found the course and its content insightful and it helped in expanding my knowledge of above mentioned issues. Personally the interactions and engagements between teachers and students, and students ourselves were most beneficial and insightful. This was a significant learning experience. The dialogue and class discussion brought the subject alive for me and from this I feel that I learned the most.

Attending the ISS June program has been an amazing experience. I've made new friends, seen Chicago but mot importantly I leave with greater insight about how to better relate with others, especially in ministry settings. I leave with tools that will help me in my life-long journey of growth and maturation as a person and in intimacy with God, others and myself. Thank you ISS! Thank you Kevin, Grace & James you're a great team and support.

I really appreciated the opportunity to take this course. God's grace was always with me through presentations, one-om-one tutoring twice weekly, class discussions and role plays. From being taboo in my country to talking about it openly, I experienced the effects of the traditional culture and unhealthy family education. In an intense month, I got to know more about who I am-my identity-the whole being such as the sexual being and spiritual being and openly accept it, including my whole history, my feelings and my vulnerabilities. The reality is that God is really an on-going Creator for me. I could learn from any experiences because everything is from God who cares about me. God empowers us all with energy which can lead to a whole and integrated life. The learning experiences from this course is helpful for me to embrace the holistic spirituality in my life-long journey. When I offer openness and acceptance to God, myself and to others in reality, it is possible to have healthy intimate relationships with God.

My background is traditional Chinese culture, in which sexuality is always a taboo and shameful to talk publicly. Even in my seminary, I seldom touched this topic positively. Therefore in my life, sexuality and spirituality are two conflictual and opposing energies. I used to be very uncomfortable and embarrassed to confront these thorny issues. After our one month seminar and sharing with Kevin & Grace, now I become more aware of my deep life. Now I see sexuality and Eros as a precious gift and grace from our loving God. I have learned to understand sexuality with its spiritual, social, biological, ethical, emotional and cognitive dimensions. More importantly, I have realized that in my life I my harm or use others sexually or ven spiritually. at the same time, I may be hurt by others because of my own vulnerabilities or vulnerabilities in the various systems. In sum, this seminar taught me how to love: how to love myself, how to love others and how to love God! Thanks be to God!

I am privileged to take the ISS program with my wonderful companions, Director Dr. Kevin McClone and Grace Chen-McClone. Through this course my knowledge of sexuality has been enlarged. When learning about the six dimensions of psychosexual development, I realized that I had a very narrow understanding of sexuality. I feel that what I learned in this course will help me to become a more integrated person. In the ISS program, lectures, articles and books as well as individual tutoring sessions were all very helpful to me in better understanding, accepting myself and preparing for a new ministry. Through this better understanding and personal growth, I can better embrace myself and others as well.

-Diocesan Priest-Formator Ireland-July-2016

Attending the ISS program was one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences I have ever participated in.  It was an immensely comprehensive course on human sexuality, in depth as well as in breadth, using as the focal point, the proclamation, “And the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us.”  It was taught by the ISS Program Director, Dr. Kevin McClone, Grace Chen-McClone, and James Zullo.  They were each expert in their fields of study, complementing one another in their style of teaching, and excellent in delivering the program material to us.  The course program was comprised of classroom learning, application in created scenarios, personal study, private interviews with Dr. McClone, as well as personal sharing among my class companions. 

The ISS library was opened to us for free access throughout our month of study.  It contained a wealth of current and updated resources in the way of books, articles, video and audio tapes, covering every topic imaginable in the realm of psychology and sexuality, spirituality and sexuality, and beyond.

From this course, I received tools and practices in which to assimilate into my own personal growth as a contemplative religious.  I also learned skills for screening and journeying with young ladies who are discerning a vocation to religious life.  This course, however, is about much more than learning new things and new practices.  It is really about the human person – the whole human sexual person – beginning with one’s self.  What I value most about this course was being given the facility to strive toward attaining integration of all that is in the mix of my being.  The environment invited trust and openness, sharing our vulnerabilities through self-disclosure.  By doing this, I felt that each of us in my class was able to tap into our deepest reservoirs of goodness that is from God.  We received support, affirmation and encouragement to acknowledge and value, nurture and celebrate that goodness, and to allow it to radiate outward to others in a life-giving way.

The ISS Course Program offers a rich experience that I think would serve as an excellent means of on-going human formation for any religious woman or man, whether or not in the specific work of the formation of others.  I believe that it would contribute toward a more fulfilling and life-giving vocation.   I know that it has done that for me.

-Contemplative Religious Sister and community Vocation                                              Director, U.S., July, 2016

- Religious sister in Congregational Leadership, Zambia-June 2015

A one month period to look into the significant connection of sexuality, psychology, spirituality and culture. The intensive course is a wonderful opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time in prayer, reflection, seminars with class discussion and individual tutoring with the Director.  At the end of the month you come to realize more and more how one's past affects their present situation and then gives the insight and awareness of areas needing addressing so as to move forward into the future.  Don't hesitate taking up this opportunity if you have the opportunity to do so.

The greatest gift I received from this course is being able to better link sexuality and spirituality. Both are like “fire” and have existed within us. Through the course and my own personal reflections, I experienced that sexuality and spirituality together become a reciprocal, supporting mutuality, so that in me it is really one intertwined sacred fire. I can understand its congruency by grace. On the other hand, I discovered from my own personal experiences that there is another fire – it is so called “evil spirit”- around us. It can combine with sexuality easily when we don’t understand the goodness of sexuality and deny its power. Therefore I am convinced that sexuality should go with spirituality for its full blooming.

Thanks to Kevin’s great understanding of my process of learning, I finally can affirm my “gift” with gratitude. I recognize there has been strong sexual energy in me. Before I was often puzzled how I could tame this energy. Now, I can feel quite at home with it, I even expect its power with my spirituality, because it can help me to connect to others, to the world and to my God. I can better trust my body which always tells the truth, and allows me to embrace sensual feelings which give me energy and continuously deepen my friendship /intimacy and solitude.  Using the last words of St.Clare, my beloved patron, I finish this integration: I praise you, God who has created me amazingly! 

– Formator, Asian Religious Missionary Sister –June 2015    

I am blessed to attend this course and learn more deeply about the Path of Psychosexual Integration.  Sexuality is a Sacred Gift from God for human beings, but I think in many cultures and places  in the world today there is  a ”taboo” to talk openly, to discuss  and learn how to use this gift in an appropriate way.  I felt that what I learned here has been very helpful and I hope I can bring back to my mission all the professional guidance, resources and good learning experiences from this course to share with others…I also wish more people can participate in the ISS course,  appreciate their sexuality as a sacred gift as well as develop a healthy sexual relationship to honor themselves and others... May we all know how to build up the beautiful Path of  Psychosexual Integration that  will bear much fruit to glorify God’s Name.

– Vietnamese Religious sister-Missionary to Pakistan-June 2015

 As a formator of the seminary, I came to this course with one goal in mind was to develop a better understanding of the relationship between sexuality and spirituality. Honest to say that the subject of sexuality was taboo in my family. We did not talk about it at family’s dinner. I had different mixed messages about sexuality. I even had a misconception about human sexuality which said that spirit is good and body is bad dichotomy. However, after completing the four week course on human sexuality at the Institute for Sexuality Studies, I have learned to understand that human sexuality has a much broader meaning than “having sex”. It involves the whole being – body and soul. For me, one of the most helpful things that stayed with me during the course is that sexuality is referred to as the energy within me that drives me towards love, community, friendship, family, affection, wholeness, joy, and especially my union with God. The course has led me to come to value my sexuality not as an enemy or an obstacle to the spiritual life but rather as a friend and an avenue of God’s grace. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)  Thank you for making the course so interesting, nourishing, enriching and encouraging. I go back home not only richer in knowledge and wisdom but also with a greater appreciation of sexuality as a gift and something that needs to be celebrated.

– Diocesan Seminary Formator, Melbourne, June 2015

Many of us in Religious life or Priesthood think that we are safe and free from all temptation of worldly/physical temptations.  The fact is that as human beings we all struggle with our human sexuality. Every person is looking for some type of healthy integration between their sexuality and spirituality. Generally speaking, we all try to find ways to balance our lives in all aspects. To achieve this balance we must know ourselves and accept what and who we are. In this program I have come to realize that self-knowledge and acceptance is the first step of coming into terms to oneself. One of the biggest fears in Religious life and Priesthood is the fear of intimacy. For some reason many of us see sexuality and spirituality as separate things when in fact they are both one. If there is a lack of knowledge or unresolved issues in either of these areas we will have an unhealthy integration. For this, it is very important to retake our psychosexual story to come to a better understanding of who we are and what needs to be done in order to be men and women with integrity.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Kevin and His wife Grace. Thank you for providing a safe and comfortable environment were one could share and grow. Thank you Dr. Kevin and Grace for your ministry.

Many of us in Religious life or Priesthood think that we are safe and free from all temptation of worldly/physical temptations.  The fact is that as human beings we all struggle with our human sexuality. Every person is looking for some type of healthy integration between their sexuality and spirituality. Generally speaking, we all try to find ways to balance our lives in all aspects. To achieve this balance we must know ourselves and accept what and who we are. In this program I have come to realize that self-knowledge and acceptance is the first step of coming into terms to oneself. One of the biggest fears in Religious life and Priesthood is the fear of intimacy. For some reason many of us see sexuality and spirituality as separate things when in fact they are both one. If there is a lack of knowledge or unresolved issues in either of these areas we will have an unhealthy integration. For this, it is very important to retake our psychosexual story to come to a better understanding of who we are and what needs to be done in order to be men and women with integrity.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Kevin and His wife Grace. Thank you for providing a safe and comfortable environment were one could share and grow. Thank you Dr. Kevin and Grace for your ministry.

– Religious Brother California-July 2014

Thank you Kevin for your very presence and most of all for your patience with me. I am so blessed and privileged to attend the ISS intense seminar; I found the program very good introduction for my future ministry.  This program has broadened my horizon on my work and gave a new meaning to my priesthood through the sharing of experiences and case studies.  

I know It takes a lot courage to bare your soul to others but when we have the courage to share our pain and our suffering, our success, our hopes and our dreams then we open ourselves for the Lord's healing touch then we begin to grow and flourish. Over these past four weeks the Lord has shown me in many ways that he is with me in my insecurities, my vulnerabilities and my contradictions. 

The ISS intensive seminar has led me to a deeper awareness of JESUS in me and in others so I could follow him more faithfully.  It has been an experience of J-OY that comes from acknowledging my gift of embodied sexuality and my call to celibate love.   It facilitated an intimate E-NCOUNTER with my S-ELF in U-NION with others along the path of healing and wholeness.  It was a kairos moment of the renewing embrace of the S-PIRIT that animates and transforms my earthen humanity into a vessel of divine grace. I can once again claim that I am God’s beloved despite my woundedness, an identity that liberates me from fear, and animates zealous testimony to the Gospel of love and reconciliation. 

– Formation Director, Pastor, Leadership Team, Philippines, June 2014 

As I begin my new role as Formator at my local Seminary I feel so blessed and so fortunate to have enrolled for the ISS course. Not only has this programme helped me to grow in my understanding of the issues of Sexuality and Spirituality in Seminary formation but it has empowered me to confront life's challenges with a spirit of honesty and empathy rather than giving in to fear, self-doubt and anxiety. 

I am equally blessed to have journeyed with a group of like-minded, dedicated and passionate individuals from various parts of the world in this most beautiful and serene environment. Their willingness to share with the group their life experiences from the deepest recesses of their souls has inspired me to also persevere on my own personal quest for self-knowledge and acceptance. I understand better that this is the only path to a more secure self-identity that is conducive to healing, growth and integration. 

I am grateful to Kevin and Grace for their knowledge and expertise and generosity and for guiding us and encouraging us in our relentless struggle to be what it means to live life to the full. I go back home not only richer in knowledge and wisdom but also with the precious gift of new friendships. I can't wait to share my experiences with those people that The Lord has called me to serve.

The original idea to take this course was to learn some skills to later apply to my future studies. However, I found out that  the lectures, daily reflections and readings, along with the professional resources  available and two personal tutoring sessions a week, helped  me to integrate more  my sexuality and spirituality  in a holistic way.

The importance to know in depth ourselves is crucial for the integration of the psychological, sexual, and spiritual aspects of our life.  For this reason, I am strongly recommending that everybody should take this course at any stage of their life either lay or religious persons, to understand, clarify, and practice what a human person contains in the heart, soul and mind. 

I kindly appreciate Dr. Kevin and his wife Grace for sharing their knowledge and the effort they are making for the well-being of the participants   through this ministry as a real gift of God. I am so pleased with this course because it let me to understand more about myself, my relationship with the others and overall with God.

After going through this course in Human Sexuality, I am proud to say that all men and women, young and old, African and non-African, all struggle with some questions of Sexuality and Intimacy. The most important thing to remember, if the commitment to celibate living is to make sense, is that each person has a psycho-sexual story even if they have never told it to anyone.  It involves certain events, circumstances, other people and some key choices that have resulted in a certain degree of integration. By becoming   aware   of this reality, it helps me to avoid concentrating only on the hurts that may have marred my psycho-sexual story, leading into the trap of thinking very negatively about the whole area of sexuality.

I should not create the impression that everything is fine in the area of my celibacy. But I must be open to learn how to live a healthy sexual life. The real issue is not how much I should strive for perfection but how I grow as a human being, a Christian and a priest. Even those who experience a self–destructive addiction to sex should encounter their sexuality to restore harmony in their lives often with the help of someone else. Have a brother priest friend or a Big brother who you can open to. As the saying goes “No one is an island,” or to use Bantu Philosophy, “I Am because We Are”. 

This four week ISS course has been a very positive experience. Coming at the end of a sabbatical period it provided an opportunity to integrate much of what had surfaced for me during that time. The course process of input, group discussion/reflection, case studies and individual sessions, was very stimulating and enriching, while the trust which developed within the group was an experience and model of real intimacy.

In particular the experience highlighted for me the fact that growing in relationship and intimacy with myself, others and God is a life-long task. It is not something to be feared or avoided but rather embraced with confidence and joy. The focus on the interdependence between sexuality and spirituality over the four weeks was especially helpful, enabling me to come to a deeper appreciation of the necessity to seek to nurture both of these aspects of my life if I am live as an integrated and healthy celibate.

I have no doubt but that the experience of the course and the input received will be of  tremendous help to me in my ministry but its main impact has been, and will continue to be, on my own growth as a hopefully loving and caring person of faith. I ended the course feeling more energized and alive, for which I am most grateful; the journey continues.

As Anna Policino says, “Personality integration is a lifetime process.”  My ISS seminar has given me the tools and skills to connect my sexuality, celibacy, intimacy and spirituality as a whole body which is me. I’m aware that now it’s time for engagement. I’m also aware that challenges will be always be in my life. I want to really try to commit myself to our community life. The community becomes a mysterious place where God is waiting to transform us. 

About my sexuality, I’m very grateful for being called to the religious life. I understand that if I received the call by grace, I’m fully responsible for the response I give every day. Therefore I choose again to say YES to God with all the light I got through this month of formation. I want seriously to consider my vocation to the celibacy life because I believe now that it is a way to remind the world that there are delights beyond the body. And these delights are so profound that God wants me to make “sacrifices” to attain them. I feel blessed and loved by the choice given to me.  I know, I embraced celibacy the last twenty years. I know I’m a celibate and I fully assume my status!

It’s hard to believe that I’m in my 5th month as Novice Master!  All seems to be going well.  I have been blessed with 12 very fine novices.  There is definitely a “learning curve” working in formation.  I am so grateful I had that opportunity to attend your ISS program over the summer!

I came to the course to find information, additional knowledge and skill on human sexuality, but the program helped me to identify, name, acknowledge my yearnings and longings waiting to be appreciated, acknowledged and owned, and at the end of the search I found myself.  What a gift!

The one month ISS course on issues of sexuality has been enriching and healthy for me. The learning process built around input in seminar sessions, active involvement in case studies through role plays of situations from life, facilitated group discussion as well as one-to-one tutoring which helped the participants develop a respectful, warm and supportive listening atmosphere in which real adult learning could take place.

Issues of sexuality crucial to religious formators, parish ministers, and members of religious congregations were dealt with such that each participant had many opportunities to explore their questions and gain invaluable experience in the skill of articulating clearly, sensitive and delicate aspects of human sexuality. Further to this was the excellent highlighting of the connection between human sexuality and a lively spirituality for life.

A particularly rich part of the program was having people of many different cultural backgrounds participating. Unique insights and questions were shared and many different perspectives were profitably shared.

It seemed to me that each participant in the program had been able to harness new and helpful insights, move towards a deepened self awareness and was taking with them vital intuitions for continuing growth at a personal level as well as in pastoral or formation ministry. I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to undertake such a well-rounded program.

 – Religious Order Brother, Australia, June 2012

 I have found the four week ISS group program to be an ideal segment in a sabbatical time. There was a lot of opportunity in the structure for reading and reflection using the range of resources that were available. These tapped into many aspects and issues of sexuality relevant to our spirituality and also our personal and ministry lives and contexts. Two personal tutoring times each week were used how each participant preferred; to receive guidance for the choosing of resources of best interest and / or to chat through personal or ministry related issues and interest. The inputs / seminars each morning included a case study and role play approach that became a valued mode of learning for me and the international gathering of nine people who formed our group. Each of us indicated our keenness to apply such an approach in our respective ministries. Our group formed a community of trust and care over the weeks of our focus as well as having times individually or together to enjoy getting around the wonderful city of Chicago. It feels a bit like I’ve just finished a retreat.

 – Diocesan Priest, Australia, June 2012

The program consists of lectures, case studies, individual tutoring and class discussions which facilitated a focused and integrated learning based on human sexuality. These methodologies stimulated a lot of personal and group discussion and reflection. It has been an enriching experience for me to try and integrate the theories I have learned in relation with my lived experience of being a human sexual person. It has helped me to look realistically and honestly at how I live out my human sexuality in relationships and in integration with other human dimensions such as physical, social, spiritual, moral, intellectual and emotional.

 – Religious Order Priest, Fiji, June 2012

I found ISS program very helpful.  The program was designed in such a way that was very beneficial for me.  Besides daily seminars, there was private one-on-one tutoring sessions with Kevin McClone.  The materials presented by Kevin and Grace, the availability of many articles, books, tapes and videos on different aspects of sexuality and spirituality, together with group discussion, case studies, role plays, feedbacks made my learning experience most enjoyable and fruitful.  Insights gained from discussions and sharing with my co-participants were very valuable.   

My understanding of the beautiful gift of sexuality is deepened.  Now I feel confident and prepared to provide sexual education and help to those in formation to live out their sexuality in a healthy and holistic way.  Both Kevin and his wife Grace Chen are very wonderful people and knowledgeable in the area of human sexuality and spirituality.  Thank you Kevin and Grace for the wonderful works you do.

 – Religious Order Sister, United States, June 2012

This course helped me to have language to understand and communicate more authentically with myself, others, and God. I appreciate the sexuality and spirituality integration process through class presentations, discussions, case studies and individual tutoring sessions. I especially recommend this course to the missionaries who are preparing to live in another culture. Integration of sexuality and spirituality is our first language to learn in order to bring the Good news to the people we meet every day.

 – Religious Order Sister, Korea, June 2012

I must say that I felt privileged to take part in the sexuality course in June 2012. It was quite an experience that I wish everyone could take part in, as it was so enriching and enlightening.You may think you know all about sexuality but you don’t really know.There is a lot to learn and become aware of to make your life more fulfilled.The course itself is so good! The individual tutoring is geared toward individual areas and the case studies give the practice you need to become more comfortable with the whole area of healthy human sexuality.

I would recommend it to everybody, especially those who have the opportunity.  Please don’t miss it. It is just a one month course; use that as your sabbatical.

 – Religious Order Sister in Formation Ministry, Nigeria, June 2012

The ISS course is something like, ‘coming home to women’s and men’s sexuality and spirituality.’ You get the feeling of being accompanied through educating thee mind and animation of heart and soul.

 – Woman Lay formator, Philippines, June 2011

I really appreciate the course especially the input on intimacy and boundaries.  This course has helped my self-growth and deeper integration of sexuality and spirituality.

 – Diocesan priest, Columbia, June 2011

I have learned the beauty of Sexuality and all the sessions have been valuable.  I have experiences the freedom and growth that comes from facing and embracing the person I am. That through the experiences of intimacy with self, God, and others, I have experienced conversion of mind, body, and heart, released humility and feeling of being at home with and in myself.  My challenge is to make this work in my relationship and ministry.  Thank you Kevin and all who have been a part of this program.

 – Missionary sister, Gambia, June 2011

This course has helped greatly in opening up areas that I often felt in the heart and at the same time often ignored. The areas of sexuality, my struggle for intimacy and integrity are explained sympathetically with the benefit of tremendous experience. The sessions are based on the fundamental truth that I can only be at home with others when I am at home with myself. The readings, inputs, and private tutorials and groups discussions all go together to make this a unique learning experience where we can appreciate our own journey and also the steps that others take in their lives.

 – Irish missionary priest, Malawi, June 2011

The one-month course at the Institute for Sexuality Studies was one of the most revealing experiences of my life.  Through a grace-filled struggle, it helped me to identity, appreciate and bring together the many pieces of my sexual history. To me this course meant the honor and grace of having benefitted extraordinarily from the deep professional knowledge and experience of the Director and other facilitators I have encountered and interacted with during the month. Thank you, Kevin, Grace, Jim, and Dawn. I will not fail to share the inestimable value of the course with those I interact with in my professional world and to spread m and bring together the many pieces of my sexual history.  I will not fail to share the inestimable value of the course with those I interact with in my professional world and to spread my word to interested applicants.

 – Italian missionary priest, Malawi, June 2010

It has been a wonderful wholesome and gentle, yet assured journey through what I imagined to be the minefield of human sexuality. It has brought me a long way on the road to integration not by bombarding me with new information but allowing me the space to access my own experience and the experience of others with respect and dignity. It has made me alive to the contemplative dimension of my life and the importance of nurturing that. I came thinking that I was coming here to learn about my sexuality but with each passing day I became deeply aware of my relationship with God. Echoing the words of Paulo Coelho in ‘The Alchemist’, it brought me to the beautiful realization to:

Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears.
That’s where I am, and that’s where your treasure is.

My heart is full of gratitude to all who walked with me during this month-staff and participants-in this beautiful city of Chicago. I return with new understanding and appreciation of:

I came that you may have life
And have it to its fullness”

 –  Religious Brother and Formation Director, Ghana, West Africa, June 2009

It has been an amazing opportunity to be able to attend such a course early on in my formation. While I don’t as yet have the experience behind me as do some of the other participants, this course has allowed me to at least begin to ask the questions and dive deeper into the material in advance of my future ministerial commitments. This allows me a chance to be more aware of things with a certain amount of preparedness and ease in speaking about such a ‘taboo’ subject matter.

Personally, this course has offered me a ‘safe excuse’ to learn more about my emotions, feelings and vulnerabilities and to take more risks in revealing them to others close around me. It has been a slow process for me to open up about things I always or usually thought I should keep privately to myself. A key word for my learning is ‘intimacy’. This is not reached unless I choose to let myself be known and to take risks of opening my fragileness in trust to another’s care. Once reached it is a beautiful place to be-a place in which to celebrate our humanness and our relationship-our interconnectedness It can be awkward and clumsy, it doesn’t come without taking a risk and we may even be hurt. But opportunities for growth are endless.

‘Incarnation’ is another word for my learning. Sexuality and spirituality are no better integrated than in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God rejoiced fully in our humanness when he came in the person of Jesus.

 – Dominican Religious sister in initial formation process, June 2009

The greatest thing that happened to me in this period is that my ignorance was discovered because the notion I had about sexuality was transformed. I have begun to develop self-trust and self-appreciation. I can now accept my genitality as one of the most beautiful gifts from God and as a very part of me. If I had knowledge of ISS earlier than now, with all the richness in it, I would not have engaged myself in some unhealthy intimate relationships. As a leader or a guide I have learnt that I am always there to help and not to be helped; not to use my power to create tension, to those under my authority and to create a healthy atmosphere to those around me and to be a trustworthy leader.

 – Religious sister, Nigeria, June 2009

It’s one of the best decisions I have made to sign up for the ISS course. I came not knowing what to expect and I’ve not been let down. I take back with me a great confidence in speaking about sexuality with reverence and respect to others. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a formator, a superior, leader, educator to do this course for their personal and professional growth and learning to recognize that sexuality is a beautiful gift from God.

 – Jesuit priest, formator, Singapore, June 2008

This course is really wholesome. It has made me face some aspects of my life that I was reluctant to deal with. It is really a balanced course on the integration of sexuality and celibacy. It has helped me to be aware of myself and also to embrace myself. An integrated sexuality for me is light for the soul and energy for my celibate vocation—it is a life long journey. This course has given me the structure to work with other people on celibate sexuality. I feel every priest and religious should be given the opportunity to participate in this course.

  – Religious sister, Nigeria, June 2008

At the outset, I am profoundly thankful that I was able to attend this one-month program at the Institute for Sexuality Studies and equally grateful for my sponsor’s appreciation of the course as highly relevant in the formation of seminarians.

The course outline is quite comprehensive, exciting, highly motivational, and integrative. This training is very much in line with the thrust of the Church’s call for continuing formation especially those who will be engaged in FORMATION.

On my part, having been given a very sensitive assignment in the formation of seminarians, this course provided me the necessary skills and competence to respond to the challenging process of psych-spiritual integration. This sexuality-spirituality integration had not been full explored in my own training and seminary curriculum, but this course through excellent mentors like Kevin, Grace, Jim, and others with their professional expertise gave me an opportunity to grasp more deeply the emerging dynamics and theories of integration for personal and professional development in human sexuality for life and ministry. This continuing training is indeed a prerequisite in effectively performing my future assignment as Director of St. Augustine House of Spirituality.

But more that the fruits of ISS in my own ministry, I am personally helped by this program in my own journey toward integration and wholeness. I would certainly recommend this course to formators and for those taking up the challenge to become formators.

 Diocesan Priest  in formation and spiritual direction work, Philippines, October 2007

Because I am used to being around people who are ashamed and uncomfortable when talking about sexuality, my determination to be true to myself and to be at home with my sexuality has cost me a lot. Talking freely about my sexuality has been frowned at and looked upon as “unholy.” The one month course at ISS has validated and affirmed me, giving me the courage to love my life as it is meant to be. ISS has given me the capacity for free and responsive expression of myself, to embrace my sexuality and experience intimacy with myself and others. Sexuality as taught at ISS has helped to release the entire range of my feelings and behaviors and there is no need to return to secrecy and ignorance. Attending ISS has opened my eyes to my own beauty, eliminated insecurity and self-doubt. It is refreshing for me to learn that sexuality can be discussed in a fun way. ISS not only put a smile on my face, it also confirmed in me what I had struggled to convince myself of—I am free when I embrace my sexuality. I leave the institute feeling good!

 – Religious Sister & Clinical Psychologist, Nigeria, October 2007

I chose to participate in the 4 week program at the ISS as part of my sabbatical experience. Having served my community as both Vocation Director and Novice Director, I found the material presented in this program very affirming of the many challenges I had encountered in formation ministry. The material further enhanced my understanding of the integration of sexuality and spirituality. Being able to explore these topics in a safe environment with colleagues in formation work was a real blessing. Insights gained from the experience will serve me well in whatever future ministry I find myself doing. I would strongly encourage current and future formation ministers to participate in this program.

 – Religious Priest, USA, October 2007

Though I had certain personal convictions about Human Sexuality, I have to confess that I have been still struggling to get it right. In fact the different theories and messages about sexuality as presented by my religious belief and culture has been confusing and misleading. “Sex is dirty and leads to sin; sex and spiritual life are incompatible.” Others say that it is a given-gift from God but we should not talk of it. The interiorization of that dualistic message has been making my sexual expression far more complicated.

My attending the Institute for Sexuality Studies did not only affirm my personal convictions on sexuality but also offered me insight that will help me live more fully my human sexuality and share as well my learnings with those like me who yearn for a healthy and balanced sexuality, that is a beautiful integration of sexuality and spirituality.
I learned that my sexuality is a gift. God is in our sensuality. Loving God in the process of loving another human being is sheer gift. Both Sexuality and Spirituality refer to personal relationships. Sexuality is integral to spiritual growth and depends on it. So I cannot forget the spiritual significance of my sexual life and the sexual significance of my spiritual life.
As a religious priest-human being-, I have the right to yearn for intimacy and closer relationships, more fulfilling and life-giving connectedness with others, with the world, and with myself. I answer God’s call with all that makes me a human being, my sexuality included. My Sexuality connects me to the world, to others, to God and to myself. It is my drive to be present to others to God and to myself with love and tenderness.
The Institute for Sexuality Studies has broadened my perception of sexuality. With a spiritualized sexuality and a sexualized spirituality I may shape and live a more balanced and healthier celibate life and feel at home.

 – Religious Priest, Congo, October 2007

The Institute for Sexuality Studies has provided me a wonderful opportunity to explore this important dimension of human life in a very safe and supportive atmosphere. I have gained tremendously in learning to be comfortable with talking about sex and sexuality and acquiring skills to help others in this area. Above all the Institute offered me the chance, through well-planned seminars, interpersonal discussions, rich reading and video library to explore, address, and reflect on my own personal journey through psychosexual development. I highly recommend this study for every formator and everyone that accompanies others on their psycho-spiritual journey of healthy integration.

 – Religious Sister, Formator and Clinical Psychologist, Nigeria, April 2006

As a vowed celibate religious woman, I have valued the opportunity to speak open and frankly about the many issues that make up our sexuality. It has enabled me to clarify some confusion about sexual feelings and relationships and restore a more balanced perspective to my experiences. The necessity of knowing, understanding and accepting my own story has been confirmed. I have become more compassionate towards myself and I hope I will deepen in my relationships with others in ministry, community, and socially. I have realized the importance of close friendships, relaxation, deep prayer and solitude and feel able to let go of the need to let work overtake those crucial aspects of my celibate commitment. Formators who have attended deeply to their own inner sexual and relational journey will be far more able to facilitate this same journey in their candidates. This program has been a deeply enriching experience and I thank God for leading me to it!

 – Religious Sister, Australia, June 2006

‘Let’s talk about sex’. The aim of this program was for us to talk about sex and so we did. Four weeks of it in an open, caring, supportive and educative way. In my role as a formator of students for priesthood, the program has helped equip me to understand sexuality in my life and the lives of those with whom I journey. It was a holistic learning experience.

 – Religious Priest and Director of Religious Formation, Australia, June 2006

After four weeks at the Institute for Sexuality Studies, I am convinced this course is indispensable for anyone who will be engaged in Formation. The seminars where we received the benefit of the experience and learning of Kevin McClone and others were excellent. Private tutoring session, the availability of books, tapes, and videos on every aspect of sexuality and spirituality, together with small group discussions made it a most fruitful experience and a very significant step in my own journey towards wholeness.

 – Woman Religious, Formation Director, Great Britain, June 2005

I came to this course with a lot of questions surrounding the subject of sexuality and I am happy leaving the Institute with answers to most of my questions. I feel it was a great honor for me to spend time learning about this special gift of my sexuality in an accepting and loving environment where I felt free to speak my mind and share freely my feelings and experiences.

I would certainly recommend these seminars to those taking up the challenges of becoming formators. Spirituality and sexuality are very important aspects of our formation in priestly and religious life, often not adequately attended to. The ISS will open the minds and hearts of those trained or working in formation to deal with real issues in the area of sexuality and spirituality. I feel blessed that I spent one month here and wouldn't mind coming back to repeat the same course.

 – Religious Priest, Zambia, July 2005

Our professors, their seminars, the meeting on a one-on-one with our Director, Kevin McClone and the ample time at our disposal to read, reflect, and interiorize helped me immensely. For me, Kevin was an excellent resource person who for me was a source of deep inner healing. I was deeply touched by his ability to listen sensitively, respectfully and his remarkable expertise was evident in his tutoring and seminars.

Grace Chen-McClone is an excellent process person who earned my deep respect for her ability to get us to share our sexuality and spirituality. She complemented this with her own wisdom and scholarship. Tom and Paul also offered some relevant materials for ministry. I came here primarily to integrate better my spirituality and sexuality and I'm leaving a more healthy and happy person.

As a Province Leader, a significant aspect of my roles is listening to our personnel, supporting and challenging them to grow as healthy human beings. This is the first program that I have come across that deals so exclusively and professionally with the integration of sexuality and spirituality. It is a must for future formators and Vocation Directors whose responsibility is to shape integrated religious men and women into the future. I, personally have every intention of sending more of my men here for this course.

 – Religious Brother, Provincial Leadership, India, July 2005

Participating in the Institute for Sexuality Studies was an integral part of my recent sabbatical program. From a personal perspective, it assisted me to attend further the ongoing integration of my sexuality. Further to this, the program helped me to fine tune my professional skills to accompany the people with whom I journey in spiritual direction, supervision, and counseling. A very worthwhile program for anyone serious about personal and professional development.

 – Religious Priest, Counselor & Spiritual Director, Australia, July 2005

Sex and the City is a highly-rated American TV series. I couldn't help thinking of this program during the recently concluded seminar on sexuality at the Institute for Sexuality Studies, Chicago. Given that the Institute is located on the campus of Catholic Theological Union (CTU). I suggested to Dr, Kevin McClone who directs the program, what I thought would make a catchy caption for the course: Sex in the CTU! Sex is an absorbing and fascinating topic. Sure enough it captured the minds and hearts of 3 nuns and priests and one brother from countries as diverse as the Philippines, Australia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, England, Ireland, and Nigeria.

The Course offered participants an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and contemplate the rich and intricate dimensions of sexuality in its biological, psychological, and spiritual manifestations. I found the course extremely helpful in appreciating the fuller reality of my sexuality, talking about it without inhibitions and striving for holistic awareness of its centrality in my daily experience of religious life. I benefited greatly from the excellent library resources of books, articles and audio-visual materials on various aspects of human sexuality, not forgetting the wisdom of co-participants and program co-directors, Kevin & Grace. The most important gift that I received from this course was not the graduation certificate but the important lesson that befriending, nurturing, and celebrating my sexuality and responding to God's invitation to pray, love, and serve as a Jesuit.

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