1. MARRIAGE

2. Marriage  SCV.03 identify the role of Scripture in ethical and moral decision-making;  PFV.01 describe the role of the Church as an institution empowered by the Holy Spirit and charged with the responsibility of the moral and ethical formation of her people;  PFV.03 explore ways Church teaching can help people understand contemporary ethical and moral issues as part of the discernment process.  CMV.03 apply a contemporary understanding of conscience to the process of conscience formation and moral decision-making;  CMV.05 apply Church teaching to contemporary ethical and moral issues.  PSV.02 define the broad meaning of the term “vocation” as an adoption of a stance before all forms of work as service to God and for others;  FLV.03 apply related Church teaching to values and practices that promote or undermine relationships and the sacredness of life.  We will describe the context, criteria, and hopes of a successful marriage as a fundamental part of family.

3. Marriage  The natural state of being is loving relationships;  Love calls us to seek and foster the good of others in the context of their concrete situation;  A covenant formalizes a loving relationship between two parties;  THE COVENANT formalizes a loving relationship between God and God’s people;

4. Marriage  Marriage is a covenant: the commitment to a loving relationship that brings in which both parties seek to foster the good of the other, their families, and the broader community.  Marriage can look different in a variety of cultures and contexts but at its root and ideal, it is the foundation of family and community.  Marriage is difficult, however, and not everyone is able to meet its ideal; the consequences of this can be significant for those who are involved.

5. Marriage  Not everyone is called to marriage and there is no presumption that those who choose other vocations are lacking in their ability to thrive.  Happiness comes from determining to which life one is called and then pursuing that life with perseverance, joy, and faith.

6. Marriage  In groups of three, work together to read chapter 16 (pages 307-329) in In Search of the Good.  Answer each of the Guiding Questions in the blue boxes following each section.  On page 330, answer questions 1, 2 4, and 8.