Marriage & Family

What Is Marriage?

Marriage is a lifelong covenant established by God between one man and one woman.

Through marriage, a husband and wife give themselves to one another in faithful love and become a family.

Christ elevated marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament, making it a visible sign of His love for the Church.

“Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh.” — Matthew 19:6

Marriage Was Established by God

Marriage is not merely a human institution.

God established marriage from the beginning of creation.

In the Book of Genesis, God created man and woman and called them to a communion of life and love.

Marriage is part of God’s design for humanity.

The Purposes of Marriage

The Church teaches that marriage has two inseparable purposes:

• The good of the spouses.
• The procreation and education of children.

Marriage is meant to be a faithful partnership in which husband and wife help one another grow in holiness.

Marriage as a Sacrament

For baptized Christians, marriage is one of the seven Sacraments.

Through this Sacrament, God gives special grace to help spouses live their vocation faithfully.

Christian marriage reflects the faithful and sacrificial love that Christ has for His Church.

The Family: The Domestic Church

The family is often called the Domestic Church.

It is within the family that children first learn about God, prayer, virtue, and love.

Parents have the primary responsibility for the religious and moral formation of their children.

Family life plays a vital role in the life of the Church and society.

Children as a Gift

Children are one of the greatest blessings of marriage.

Human life is a gift from God and should always be welcomed with gratitude and love.

Parents are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of caring for, educating, and forming their children.

Love and Sacrifice

Christian marriage is rooted in self-giving love.

Husbands and wives are called to imitate Christ by serving one another with generosity, patience, and fidelity.

Authentic love seeks the good of the other and remains faithful even during difficulties.

The Importance of Family Life

Families are the foundation of society.

Healthy families help form virtuous individuals and strong communities.

Through family life, people learn responsibility, compassion, forgiveness, and service.

Common Misunderstandings

Marriage Is More Than a Contract

Marriage is a covenant of self-giving love, not merely a legal agreement.

Love Is More Than Emotion

Feelings are important, but authentic love includes commitment, sacrifice, and fidelity.

Children Are Not Obstacles

The Church views children as gifts entrusted to families by God.

Marriage Requires Grace

Marriage can be challenging, which is why God provides sacramental grace to strengthen spouses.

Why Marriage and Family Matter

Marriage and family life are essential to God’s plan for humanity.

They provide a foundation for love, education, faith formation, and social stability.

Strong families help build a stronger Church and a healthier society.

Key Truths About Marriage & Family

• Marriage was established by God.
• Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.
• Christian marriage is a Sacrament.
• Marriage is ordered toward the good of spouses and children.
• The family is the Domestic Church.
• Children are gifts from God.
• Family life helps form virtue and faith.
• Marriage reflects Christ’s love for the Church.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Whether married, single, religious, or ordained, every Christian can learn from God’s plan for marriage and family.

Marriage reminds us that authentic love is faithful, sacrificial, and life-giving.

Family life provides one of the primary places where faith, virtue, and love are learned and lived.

Explore the Moral Life

Continue Learning

Now that you understand God’s plan for marriage and family, the next topic is: Social Teaching

Learn how Catholic teaching applies to society, justice, human rights, and the common good.