Two of Us: Member of the Faithful
What role do I play as a Catholic in the world? Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer Have I ever thanked You, Father, for calling me to be a Catholic? I know I complain sometimes,…
Read MoreCohabitation #5: A Trial Marriage?
Cohabitating couples are often defensive about their lifestyle insisting that they are just as committed as a married couple. We continue the discussion here in part 5 of this series. By definition, cohabitation is a limited, conditional commitment. It is an arrangement which is understood to be putting the relationship to the test. Partners wisely…
Read MoreCohabitation #4: Commitment Discrepancy
Although cohabitation is now the norm, research demonstrates that this practice is counter-productive in its impact on the future marriage. Rather than enhancing it, cohabitation subtly undermines it. There are diverse reasons for couples choosing to live together. Some are already engaged to be married. Others are in committed relationships and see it as a…
Read MoreTwo of Us: Changes
Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer Father, You know I really want to be good at our marriage. I do take it very seriously. This is Your call to me and it is…
Read MoreCohabitation #3: Commitment Delay
What impact does cohabitation have on the stability of the future marriage? In this third part of the series looking at why divorce is around 50% higher for couples who previously cohabitated we look at the phenomenon of Commitment Delay. It is well known that the age at first marriage is getting older. Over the…
Read MoreSacred Sexuality: Energising the Prophetic Role of Matrimony
Sacred Sexuality: Energising the Prophetic Role of Matrimony – Dr Byron & Francine Pirola How does one present the wisdom of the Church to mainstream Catholics and families in today’s culture? Since the Second Vatican council, the social landscape has changed dramatically making the transmission of Catholic values more difficult. Open hostility from the secular…
Read MoreTen Reasons why even a little bit of porn is a bad idea.
According to Ryan Foley of Covenant Eyes, we have every reason to be alarmed by the invasion of pornography in our homes and culture. With 1 in every 8 internet searches being for erotic content and an estimated value of the mobile porn market over $ 2 billion, this is not only big business, it’s…
Read MoreCohabitation #2: Commitment Creep
Cultural wisdom dictates that couples are sensible to live together before committing to marriage. Research demonstrates that in fact, this practice undermines the future marriage rather than supports it. This is the second in a series on cohabitation myths. As couples become more involved, their living arrangements become increasingly entangled. Shared possessions, friends, pets…
Read MoreTwo of Us: God’s Plan for Sexuality
Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully with your spouse. Prayer Father, Let me just praise You at this time. I want to celebrate You with the angels and saints. I join in their chorus of hosanna to…
Read MoreCohabitation #1: Partner Choice
While popular wisdom suggests that a period of cohabitation before marriage is a sensible decision to ascertain compatibility, most people are surprised to learn that the practice actually increases the likelihood of divorce by around 50%. Over the next few issues, we’ll outline a number of reasons why cohabitation is actually counter-productive for a relationship.…
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