Unit 2 - Marriage Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions from Unit 2 on Marriage, covering Church doctrines, moral concepts, and terminology.

Annulment

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.

Chastity

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.

Contraception

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.

Convalidation

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

Dispensation

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

Family of origin

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.

In vitro fertilization

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.

Natural family planning

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

Natural law

The moral law that can be understood through our intellect and the use of reason. It is our God-given instinct to be in the right relationship with God, other people, the world, and ourselves. The basis for natural law is our participation in God’s wisdom and goodness because we are created in the divine likeness.

Nuptial

Something related to marriage or a marriage ceremony.