July 14, 2010

Dynamic speaker Pam Stenzel to give free talk July 23

By Julie Filby

After nine years counseling young women at a crisis pregnancy center, Pam Stenzel got tired of hearing “Nobody told me.” Once she realized how many girls were “clueless” about the risks involved with sexual activity, she launched her new career: telling as many teens and parents as possible about the risks.

At 7:30 p.m. July 23 she will bring the message to Denver in a powerful and engaging presentation “Sex Has a Price Tag.” In this talk Stenzel will speak on issues of sexuality, spirituality, self-respect and the importance of abstinence. It is open to all adults and teenagers, seventh grade and up.

“One of the reasons I’ve been really successful with students is that I ‘leave it with them,’” she said. “I’m saying, ‘The choice ultimately is yours, but here’s the price you’re going to pay. And if you’re not willing to pay that price, the best suggestion is to not do the behavior.’”

Stenzel strongly encourages parents to attend the presentation with their children.

“It’s absolutely best when parents are there with their kids,” she said. “When the family’s there together, the conversation continues. Then as topics come up weeks and months later, they have the ability to be on the same page.”

She said parents can learn just as much as teens at the talk.

“Parents, it’s a new world,” she said. “Your kids aren’t making the same choices you were making. It’s really important that you fully understand what kids are facing compared to what you may have been facing as teens.”

Stenzel—mother of three (age 24, 22 and 15) and convert to Catholicism in 2004—has been a professional speaker for 17 years. She previously served as the director of Alpha Women’s Center in Prior Lake, Minn. She has also served on the National Abstinence Clearinghouse Advisory Board and participated in the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives meeting at the White House in 2001. She has developed abstinence curriculum for schools worldwide and been featured on Fox News Network, Christian Broadcasting Network and ABC. Stenzel is the author of “Sex Has a Price Tag” and an upcoming book “Nobody Told Me” due out January 2011.

The free presentation is being sponsored by Covenant of Love, a parish-based ministry designed to enrich marriage. Currently groups meet monthly at Holy Ghost Parish in Denver, Light of the World and St. Mary parishes in Littleton, St. Mary Parish in Aspen, Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood and St. Thomas More in Centennial. For more information, visit www.covenantoflove.org or call Bill or Annette Newland at 303-825-2616 or 303-710-3190.

Stenzel’s talk will be held at Holy Ghost Church at 1900 California St. in downtown Denver. Seating is limited to 600. To sign up, visit http://convenantoflovepam.eventbrite.com or call 303-232-3149. Stenzel will be available for one-on-one conversations and book signing. Refreshments will be served and music will be provided by Malou.

"SEX HAS A PRICE TAG"

What: talk by Pam Stenzel
When: 7:30 p.m., July 23
Where: Holy Ghost Church, 1900 California St.
Who: Adults of all ages and teens (seventh grade and up). Parents are encouraged to attend.
Cost: Free
Sign up: http://covenantoflovepam.eventbrite.com or 303-232-3149
Sneak peek: www.pamstenzel.com