This article provides Catholic couples with practical tips for having open, respectful conversations about sexual intimacy in marriage. Written by James Walther, it addresses common communication barriers about sex, offers specific communication techniques, and introduces the "Yes, No, Maybe" guide as an organized method for couples to discuss preferences and boundaries. The piece emphasizes that open discussion about intimacy gets deeper through physical touch, spiritual and emotional touch, within a Catholic understanding that honors marriage as sacred. This post aids couples in moving beyond shyness to become closer and more attuned to one another.
What happens when one spouse embraces the Church’s teaching on contraception, but the other does not? In this heartfelt letter, a husband shares his journey of conversion and struggle to live faithfully within his marriage, while navigating the pain of spiritual and physical disunity. This response offers pastoral guidance, encouragement, and clarity on Church teaching, while emphasizing love, communication, and the power of prayer. A must-read for anyone facing moral and relational challenges within a mixed-faith marriage.
When a Catholic mom asked whether our Sex Ed for Married Catholics (SEMC) course could be shared with her teen, we realized many parents are asking the same question. This article offers Catholic parents clear guidance on when and how to use Catholic Intimacy materials with teens and young adults. We discuss recommended ages, suggested approaches for using the content, necessary cautions, and alternative resources better suited for younger audiences. Above all, we emphasize the irreplaceable role of parents as the primary educators in matters of love, sexuality, and faith.
This lesson introduces moral theology in the context of marital intimacy, exploring St. Thomas Aquinas' distinction between human acts and acts of man. It covers the eight stages of a human act, the three moral elements (object, intention, and circumstances), and how ignorance and fear affect moral responsibility. Learners will gain a theological framework for ensuring intimacy aligns with God’s plan, fostering virtue, love, and unity in marriage.
Despite mankind’s advances in medicine and research, the female orgasm remains quite a mystery both academically and practically. Some consider them as a pleasant, although unnecessary, side effect of sex, ignoring their importance in female sexual satisfaction and overall marital happiness. So what does the Church say about women’s orgasms?
