The declaration by the Church that a marriage is null and void, that is, it never existed as a sacramental union. Catholics who divorce must have the marriage annulled by the Church to be free to marry once again in the Church.

The virtue by which people are able to successfully and healthfully integrate their sexuality into their total person; recognized as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The deliberate attempt to interfere with the creation of new life as a result of sexual intercourse. It is morally wrong because a married couple must remain open to procreation whenever they engage in sexual intercourse.

A wedding ceremony in which a man and a woman in a civil marriage have their marital union recognized and blessed by the Church.

A marriage between a baptized Catholic and a non-baptized person.

Special permission to depart from the usual requirements in a given circumstance

The family in which one was raised as a child. Families of origin can include parents, siblings, extended family members, or others who played a significant role in one’s childhood and youth.

The fertilization of a woman’s ovum (egg) with a man’s sperm outside her body. The fertilized egg is transferred to the woman’s uterus. The Church considers the process to be a moral violation of the dignity of procreation.

A marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic.

A morally acceptable way to time pregnancies based on the observation of a woman’s naturally occurring times of fertility and infertility

The moral law that can be understood through our intellect and the use of reason. It is our God-given instinct to be in right relationship with God, other people, the world, and ourselves

The Old Testament Books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon.

The worship of false Gods in violation of the First Commandment.

A personal, solemn promise of faithful love that involves mutual commitments and creates a sacred relationship.

A Jewish sect at the time of Jesus known for its strict adherence to the Law.

Something related to marriage or a marriage ceremony