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Bishop O'Connell's Writing Series on The Sacraments
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Essential Elements of Catholic Teaching
All those in the Diocese of Trenton, the parish, the Catholic schools and parish religious education programs involved in “Family Life/ Human Sexuality Formation” must be formed in Catholic teaching regarding the sanctity and dignity of human life, marriage and family life, and human sexuality
Although not an exhaustive list, among the essential elements of Catholic teaching are included the following:- Marriage is a sacrament and an indissoluble covenant of life and love between a man and a woman that is faithful, fruitful and forever Any other social union or living arrangement, even those approved in civil law, are not considered “marriage” in the Catholic Church
- All physical sexual expressions outside the covenant of marriage are considered grave or serious sins by the Catholic Church
- The use of pornography is considered grave or serious sin by the Catholic Church
- The use of artificial means of contraception or birth control are considered inappropriate by the Catholic Church and, therefore, must be avoided The Catholic Church endorses natural methods of family planning In-vitro fertilization is not approved by the Catholic Church
- All human life is sacred and must be respected at every level from conception through natural death. The Catholic Church considers the following as violations of the Fifth Commandment, “Thou Shall Not Kill:” intentional murder; direct abortion or its procurement or performance; embryonic stem-cell research or experimentation; euthanasia or assisted suicide
- Respect for human life excludes unjust discrimination or physical, emotional and/or spiritual harm to human persons, including those who are homosexual or whose lifestyles may be at variance with the teachings of the Catholic Church Demonstration of charity and mercy are not the moral equivalent of acceptance of or advocacy for those lifestyles or perspectives
- Respect for human life also includes care, concern and compassion for the poor and marginalized, the sick, the immigrant and the elderly The social teachings of the Catholic Church should be embraced and carefully explained in their fullness when appropriate to the subject at hand
- Respect for human life also includes care and concern for the environment as our “common home” and the proper use of the earth’s natural resources and eco-systems for the good of humanity, especially the poor
- Respect for life also includes the condemnation of the sexual abuse of minors and otherwise vulnerable populations and using every means possible to ensure their protection
from Family Life/Human Sexuality Formation Guidelines, Diocese of Trenton