Sixth and Ninth Commandments Thou shall not commit adultery Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife

Men and Women The creation stories in Genesis (Gn. 1:26-28, and Gn. 2: 22-25) teach us the following: Men and women are equal in dignity, both created in God’s image and likeness. Men and women are destined to form a new social unit. This unity is intimate (“one flesh”) This unity has a procreative end.

Purposes of marriage Good of the spouses. Procreation of children Provides opportunities for self-giving through sharing in the joys of the marital act.

Properties of marriage Exclusivity Indissolubility – a ratified and consummated marriage between baptized persons can be dissolved only by death Pauline Privilege – marriage between two un-baptized persons Petrine Privilege – marriage between an unbaptized person and a baptized person Non-consummated marriage

Annulment The Church’s statement that a valid marriage did not exist in the first place The laws of the church regarding marriage were not followed. Some examples are Lack of voluntary, free consent Existing prior marriage Deficiency in form (marriage before a judge, etc.)

Sexuality Sexuality has a profound and positive meaning. Scriptures reinforces this – Jesus as the bridegroom , the Church as the bride, etc. The human sexual instinct can be controlled. The only permissible use of sexuality is within marriage.

Chastity Chastity is the virtue that helps moderate the use of human sexuality. Continence and modesty are also virtues which help in the proper understanding of chastity. Chastity can be strengthened by prayer, reception of the sacraments, and self-control.

Sins against chastity Adultery Fornication Prostitution Bestiality Incest Homosexual sexual acts Onanism Improper sexual desire Masturbation Pornography

Chastity in marriage Life is sacred; therefore, sexual intercourse is also sacred. Married couples are called to responsible parenthood. Contraception – pills and patches, IUDs, abortifacient pills Natural Family Planning

Assisted Fertilization Medical techniques can be used to help obtain fertilization if the sexual act does not result in fertilization. Artificial insemination Homologous – in vivo; in vitro Heterologous