Authentic love and intimacy at heart of course for young adults

Authentic love, attraction, marital intimacy, friendship and trust are the key topics of a course launching this May.

Love and Responsibility is an eight-week program based on Pope St John Paul II’s book of the same name.

Course speaker Clare Mittermayer said the course was a great opportunity for young adults to meet and discuss subjects such as love, intimacy and sexuality. 

“The course will answer three of life’s most basic questions,” she said. “Who is the human person (anthropology)? What is the human person made for (teleology)? How do we get there (ethics)?”

Ms Mittermayer said several diocese and universities around Australia and the USA had presented similar programs for young people.

““The courses have been very popular and the feedback highlights how needed discussion of the subject is. Even though the book was first published in 1960, the content is just as relevant for young people nowadays,” she said.

“Young people are bombarded with relationships that are based in using others rather than being a gift of self. This course helps them understand the truth about love and relationships and helps them believe the ideal they are attracted to, can be a reality in their lives.”

Ms Mittermayer said the course was designed for 18–35 year-olds, from varied backgrounds.

“They may be single or in a relationship,” she said.

“Either way, they are sure to make new friends and learn how to make the most of their relationships.”

Kim Hodgson, who is organising the course in conjunction with the Office of Youth Evangelisation, said she was excited to see Love and Responsibility run for the first time in Tasmania.

“Clare is such a dynamic and engaging speaker who has a wealth of life experience to draw from and a great ability to connect with participants wherever they are at in life. She will equip attendees with the practical tools to apply the teaching to their own lives and relationships,” she said.

“It’s shaping up to be an informative and fun eight weeks with plenty of opportunity to network over refreshments beforehand.”

Love and Responsibility is open to all young adults 18–35 year-olds at all stages in life. It will be held on Fridays from 21 May – 9 July, 2021, in Hobart at St Mary’s Cathedral Centre and in Launceston at the Church of the Apostles Parish Centre (via Zoom) from 6-8pm. Course cost is $10. To register, search ‘Love and Responsibility TAS’ on Eventbrite.