Educators engage in discussion, learning during Christian Anthropology workshop

More than 70 educators, including PCLs, catechists, teachers and school administrators from Catholic parishes and schools in the Diocese of Metuchen and neighboring dioceses, gathered at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway March 20 for an information-packed workshop sponsored by Sophia Teachers.  Entitled “Christian Anthropology: Responding to Modern Challenges,” the workshop focused upon a clear presentation of the Catholic understanding of the human person and then juxtaposed this understanding with what is known in modern vernacular as ‘gender ideology’.

The workshop was conducted in an engaging and enriching manner that is particular to Sophia Teachers. By combining theology and science with catechetical, practical, and spiritual formation, the attendees were given a thorough explanation of Christian Anthropology and transgender ideology from a variety of perspectives.  In addition, Sophia Teachers provided hands-on materials and accessibility to on-line resources that educators are immediately able to utilize in their catechetical settings.

Jose Gonzalez, senior director of development for the Sophia Institute for Teachers, began the workshop by discussing the current New Jersey Public Schools Policy regarding gender identity and how this policy stands in direct contrast to the Catholic understanding of the human person made in the image of God.  This discussion served as a launching point for a small group exercise that focused on an exploration of the Catholic understanding of the human person through the lens of sacred and religious art.  Gonzalez then concluded the exercise with a comparison of the Catholic understanding of the human person, typically referred to as ‘Christian Anthropology,’ with the understanding of the human person from the perspective of gender ideology.

The workshop continued with a presentation by Dr. Michel Therrian, president and CEO of the Preambula Group, a lay apostolate serving the New Evangelization in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Dr. Therrien explored scientific aspects of what determines whether a person is a male or a female.  He also discussed various cultural influences from different times in history, illustrating that styles of dress, participation in certain activities, and even hairstyles have influenced the perception of what it means to be male and female throughout the years. Dr. Therrian emphasized that these cultural influences do not, however, determine whether a person is a male or a female.  

Dr. Therrian’s presentation continued with current statistics regarding gender dysphoria and medical topics associated with the current trend of what is known as ‘gender affirming care’ including: the use of puberty blockers in children, the administration of cross-sex hormones, and various surgeries. In addition, Dr. Therrian presented the results of a longitudinal study published in the February 2025 issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine regarding the question of whether sex transition surgery helped those with gender dysphoria in terms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.  The results indicate that for both men and women, those who had undergone sex transition surgery were at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than those that did not undergo sex transition surgery. 

As the workshop progressed further, Gonzalez utilized a superhero video and a video of a pair of ice skaters to prompt small group discussions exploring the ‘super powers’ of men and women and the human body in general. He also provided an overview of the many resources available for educators on the topic of gender ideology available on the Sophia Teachers website. Jose closed with a discussion that emphasized the need for educators to embrace the idea of spiritual accompaniment for those wrestling with gender confusion and to be conscious of not ignoring the needs of the other students in the classroom when trying to care for a student experiencing gender confusion.

The daylong workshop concluded with enthusiastic applause and a myriad of comments of praise and appreciation.  Coleen D’Amato, PCL at Immaculate Conception Parish in Annandale remarked, “This was the best workshop I have ever attended.  Everyone that works with young people: PCLs, catechists, teachers, youth ministers, parents … everyone should attend this workshop.”

Jill Kerekes serves as director of the Office of Discipleship, which sponsored the workshop. Robert Christie, correspondent, contributed to the article.