Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are notifying parents/guardians that St. Mary of the Lake Respect Life Ministry will be watching a film with an “R” rating. This event is open to all parishioners of St. Mary's (as well as neighboring parishes), and teens are invited to optionally attend.
This is a parish sponsored event with other adults attending and is not during youth group time. Because the film is rated "R," all youth under the age of 18 must return this signed form before seeing the movie, even if attending with a parent or guardian. Only youth who have a signed permission form will be permitted to view this movie.
We will be showing: Unplanned
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025 (starting at 6:30 PM)
Motion Picture Industry Rating: R
Topic under discussion to which movie is relevant: This film covers pro-life issues and thus is related to the Season 3 high school youth group series focusing on human dignity. It is optional and supplemental and can help educate teens more in depth on specific topics surrounding the pro-life movement and fight against abortion.
Our "Season 3" youth group series "Priceless" will cover the following: This series is not an apologetics lesson nor is it a specifically pro-life series. This series zooms out, if you will, and attempts to answer the question: “If God created me and everyone around me, no matter where they are or what kind of a person they are, what impact does that have on my life?” Yes, this will touch on issues like abortion and the death penalty, but it is not about issues, it is about dignity.
Instructional objectives: This is relevant to human life issues and educates on awareness of what happens in an abortion and at abortion clinics, as well as the protection of human life beginning at conception (through the eyes of a former abortion worker).
What parents need to know:
This film includes some difficult/emotional scenes in abortion clinics. A number of scenes (particularly concerning the abortion procedures) show bloody, disturbing images. Anyone attending can certainly step out as needed during the film. Parents should discuss these things with their teens prior to attending and follow up with discussion after viewing.
Reasons for R-rating: This film is rated R for disturbing/bloody images, particularly with reference to the graphic abortion-related scenes. Mild cursing and drinking are depicted. For an in-depth summary of graphic/disturbing scences, please visit: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/unplanned
Permission:
By signing below, I hereby give permission for my son or daughter to watch the film listed above. Without this permission, s/he will not be able to view the film. The movie listed is being viewed by members of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and has been rated R for the reasons above. If you have any questions about this activity, you can contact one of the following via phone 651-429-7771, Option 1 or email:
Nathan Schuster, Manager of Mission: nschuster@stmarys-wbl.org
Michelle Boris, Coordinator of Young Adult Ministries: mboris@stmarys-wbl.org