April 28, 2010
Questions we deal with on booking a marriage?
Cohabitation???

Did you know that until 1970 cohabitation was illegal in the U.S.?
Today, stats from the Census Bureau tell us that 5 million unmarried men and women are living together. This is a 1000% increase in fifty years!!!

More than 50% of newly married couples have lived together prior to the marriage and 14% had lived with a previous partner.

The Church teaches that cohabitation is morally wrong and that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, marriage is the total giving of each spouse's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual being without reservation.

...and what about trial marraiges? There can be no "trial" or temporary marriage or marriagelike arrangements.
Couples who live together before marriage run a higher risk of divorce - as much as 85% - so say some studies.
In cohab arrangements there is a higher incidence of domestic violence and abuse, depression and money conflicts.
Just 4% of cohabitating couples remain together for 10 years.

It is no surprise that when a cohabitating couple approaches the Church for the Sacrament that they are urged to live apart and abstain from sexual intimacy.
Living chastely helps couples understand the sacrifices involved in marriage, improves communication skills and opens them to the different dimensions of life and of being married.

Pax et Bonum

...and we received a months rent from a generous benefactor toward the Thrift Shoppe idea. We also have a group of Realtors hoping to help sponsor us for the first six months. Keep praying because "nothing is impossible with God".