A Sacramental Marriage by Cheryl Dickow l Matrimony Sacrament l Marriage and Catechism of the Catholic Church l Blessing of Marriage

Generosity of Life

This does not mean that the Catholic Church expects the married couple to have as many children as humanly possible. She asks that couples be generous in the gift of life. She asks that they prayerfully consider how many children God asks them to bring into the world.

Here are some of the things the Church asks them to consider for responsible parenthood:

- Physical, economic, psychological and social condition.
- Evaluate reasons for not welcoming another pregnancy.
- Realize that a couple must have “serious reasons and with due respect to moral principles not to have additional children for either a certain or an indefinite period of time” (Humane Vitae).

What is a “serious reason?” Well, long-term unemployment, an illness or even a mother being too overwhelmed by other children. The Church asks that couples consider the question of children many times throughout their marriage as circumstances constantly change.