3.3 marriage and the family

The life long relationship of love and faithfulness

• The exchange of vows- promise that the couple will be faithful to each other until death
• The exchange of rings- symbolise the never ending nature of a catholic marriage

The procreation of children

• The priest asks if the couple wil accept children lovingly from God.
• The readings and homily - refer to the acceptance of children

The couple having the support and comfort of each other

• Marraige preparation classes - helps the couple understand the nature of a christian marriage and how to provide support and comfort to each other

The bringing up of a christian family

• Marraige preparation course - discussion about how the couple should bring up their children (baptism/first confession/communion/catholic schooling)

How have attitudes changed ?

• Most people have sex before marriage
• Many couples cohabit (live together) rather than marry
• The average age for marrying has increased
• Most marriages do not take place in a church

Why have attitudes changed ?

• effective contraception made it safer to have sex before marriage
• Fewer people go to church - not encouraged to keep sex until marriage
• media and celebs - cohabtitation look acceptable
• media- shows sex outside marriage as the norm- acceptable

How have attitudes changed ?

• Divorce is accepted as a normal part of life
• Great increase in number of divorces

Why have attitudes changed ?

• New laws - divorce cheaper and easier to obtain
• equality for women - no longer prepared to accept unequal treatment form men
• Women are now financially dependent and can support themselves after a divorce

How have attitudes changed ?

• society treats homosexual sex the same as heterosexual sex
• civil paternships - 2 people of same sex form legal union- same rights as a heterosexual married couple

Why have attitudes changed ?

• changes in law - easier to be openly homosexual
• med research - natural - accept equal status and rights for homosexual couples
• media coverage of gay celebs - greater acceptance