Chapter I

SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASS PROJECTS

1. Have each student interview a religious either personally or by mail; propose suitable questions which would give answers to students' question on the religious life. This will afford a firsthand contact with the religious life. Students may use tape recorders. Wherever possible invite religious to speak to your classes on vocations.
   
   
2. Write to famous religious persons asking them why they entered the religious life. Post letters on the bulletin board for all to see and read.
   
   
3. Make a scrapbook of the various occupational opportunities your area offers to graduates. Which jobs require more than a high school diploma?
   
   
4. Have students interview various employers of their particular locality.
   

Take a poll of what they commonly feel are the most necessary assets one should have who is looking for employment. Chapter II

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. Who determined the essential purposes of matrimony? What is the derivation of the word "matrimony"?
   
   
2. What is the essential primary purpose of marriage? Prove it from Genesis.
   
   
3. Is more than the mere bearing of children included in this purpose?
   
   
4. What are the essential secondary purposes of marriage?
   
   
5. What is marriage? When and by whom was it instituted?
   
   
6. Was marriage always a sacred contract? Was it always a sacrament? Explain.
   
   
7. Why is marriage the concern of the Church? Why does she make laws regulating marriage?
   
   
8. What are invalidating or diriment impediments to marriage? Name three. Explain.
   
   
9. What are prohibiting impediments? What effect do they have upon marriage? Which one is the most common?
   
   
10. What obstacles lie in the way of giving free consent to the contract of marriage?
    
    
11. Are the sacramental effects of marriage received only by Christians?
    
    
12. If Christians in mortal sin were to make a matrimonial contract, would they really be married? Would it be a sacrament? Would they receive the graces of the sacrament?
    
    
13. What obligations do those who enter marriage agree to undertake?
    
    
14. What does indissolubility mean in marriage? unity?
    
    
15. Show that marriage is as much a vocation as the priesthood and reli­gious life.
    
    
16. In the following cases, indicate which show "free consent," which show "defective consent," and which show "forced consent." Give reasons for your answer in each case. Which cases would be valid marriages?
    
17. Marrying while intoxicated;
    
    
18. Marriage of two actors in a stage play;
    
    
19. Marriage under threat of death if you refuse;
    
    
20. Marriage with the intention of refusing sexual intercourse;
    
    
21. Marrying in ignorance of the biology of pregnancy;
    
    
22. Marrying while hypnotized;
    
    
23. Marrying because of fear of reprisal from your parents;
    
    
24. Marrying one twin when you wanted to marry the other;
    
    
25. Marriage with the intention of not having children;
    
    
26. Marrying when you are too old to have children.
    

17. What impediment, if any, exists in the following cases? Name the im­pediment, indicate whether it is prohibitive or invalidating; tell whether or not a dispensation can be obtained in each case.

1. A husband, validly married for five years, is in an accident which makes him impotent;
   
   
2. A Catholic wishes to marry a Moslem;
   
   
3. A man and a woman freely elope; later the woman asks for an
   annulment on the grounds of being kidnapped;
   
   
4. A girl wishes to marry a divorced Jew;
   
   
5. A Sister wishes to leave her congregation and get married;
   
   
6. A woman who knows she is sterile wishes to get married to her sister's widower;
   
   
7. A young man wishes to marry his sister by adoption;
   
   
8. A boy of 14 wishes to marry a girl of 16;
   
   
9. In an accident Shirley baptizes Al, the man she wishes to marry;
   
   
10. A man who is a subdeacon wishes to withdraw from the seminary and get married;
    
    
11. A Negro boy, aged 19, desires to marry a white girl, aged 18; /) A Catholic desires to marry a non-Catholic before a Protestant minister.
    

18. A Catholic has just gone through a marriage ceremony before a justice of the peace. She says, "Oh sure, we are really married. Only we don't have the blessing of the Church. John and I will get our marriage fixed up in Church one of these days." What do you say?

19. A single girl, age 24, who desires marriage very much falls in love with a divorced man and intends to marry him. She comes to youfor advice. What would you tell her?

20. A fallen-away Catholic in a bad marriage tells you that if you have enough money, the Church will always grant permission to marryagain regardless. What do you say?

Chapter III

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. At what age should marriage preparation begin? Why?
   
   
2. "Happy homes breed happy marriages." What do you think of this statement?
   
   
3. What is social dating? Compare it with serious dating.
   
   
4. At what age should a person get involved in serious dating?
   
   
5. What do you understand by the term "going steady"?
   
   
6. When is going steady allowable for anyone?
   
   
7. What are the moral objections to going steady during high school?
   
   
8. What percentage of high school students eventually marry the person with whom they go steady?
   
   
9. What are the Polywogs? What do you think of this teen-age organi­zation?
   
   
10. Are the schools principally responsible for a teen's dating behavior?
    
    
11. Your best friend tells you that she's going steady. Her reason: "Every­ one else is doing it." What do you say?
    
    
12. Jim tells you that he intends to become a doctor at the same time that he tells you that he's going steady with Jan. They plan on mar­riage six or seven years after high school graduation. What do you say?
    
    
13. Shirley, a new girl in school, is rumored to have had a baby out of wedlock. She approaches you for some friendly advice. How do you
    act?
    
    
14. Draw up a list of dating rules. Ask your parents to do the same.
    Compare the lists.
    
    
15. Interview a social worker, a judge, a lawyer, or some other appropriate official about the dangers of teen-age dating; the benefits of teen-age dating. What important facts do they mention?
    
    
16. Who is more responsible for moral conduct on a date, the boy or the girl? Why?
    
    
17. Survey your schoolmates (underclassmen) as to their attitude toward going steady. What significant facts do you discover?
    
    
18. "Teen-agers are largely responsible for the unwed-mother problem in the United States today." What do you think of this statement?
    
    
19. Jane confides in you that her mother and dad are never at home,
    that she frequently has secret parties where she invites the boys. She
    asks you to attend her next event. What do you say?
    
    
20. What moral obligations does the father of an unwed mother have if any? Should two teen-agers in trouble get married?
    
    
21. What is your attitude toward parents who allow their children to go steady in grade school? in high school? What do you think of grade school dances? grade school dating?
    

Chapter IV

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. List in their order of importance to you the nine qualifications for a prospective life mate which have been described in this chapter.
   Explain your selection.
   
   
2. Draw up a list of qualities you would want to find in the person you marry. How do they compare with those mentioned?
   
   
3. What do you understand by courtship? Why is it important?
   
   
4. What type of suitors should girls avoid most? Why?
   
   
5. What type of girls should young men avoid most? Why?
   
   
6. How important is prayer during courtship?
   
   
7. What is the meaning of true love? How does it differ from infatuation?
   
   
8. Is there such a thing as love at first sight?
   
   
9. "Love is blind; marriage an eye-opener." What do you think of this statement?
   
   
10. What is the greatest hazard of courtship?
    
    
11. How does one determine whether kissing is sinful or not?
    
    
12. Is petting ever lawful for the unmarried? What about French kissing?
    
    
13. Is there any rule regarding kissing that will be helpful to those in love?
    
    
14. What do marriage experts say regarding sexual experience before marriage?
    
    
15. What do marriage counselors have to say regarding college marriages? What do you think of them?
    
    
16. Which is preferable and why: a long courtship and short engagement, or a short courtship and long engagement?
    
    
17. What is the purpose of the engagement?
    
    
18. How does the formal engagement differ from the informal?
    
    
19. How long should an engagement last? What do the experts say?
    
    
20. Docs an engagement confer any marital privileges? What is a good rule to keep in mind during this time?
    
    
21. What are Pre-Cana Conferences? Are any held in your area? If so, in what do they consist?
    
    
22. How important are week-end retreats for engaged couples? Do any exist in your area?
    
    
23. Find out your parents' attitude to engagements. How long do they say they should be? Why?
    
    
24. Survey some of your schoolmates (underclassmen) as to what they mean by the words "love"; "infatuation."
    
    
25. What suggestions would you give to a couple to perform during their months of engagement? Why?
    
    
26. Jim and Jan were among 10,000 who filled out a questionnaire in­cluding such key topics as sex, religion, and politics. Later these two were considered perfectly paired according to Univac. What do you think of this modern way of selecting a life mate?
    
    
27. "We know for a fact that we are going to be physically compatible,"
    
    

Betty says to you speaking about her premarital sex relations with her boy friend. What do you say to her?

28. "Broken engagements, which drew strong disapproval in the past, perform a useful function in the present." What do you think of
this statement?

29. Marriage experts agree that the greatest enemy of success and happi­ness in marriage is not poverty, bodily weakness, sexual compatibility, parental interference, but emotional immaturity. What marks of ma­turity do you look for in a life mate?

30. How much should a young man spend on an engagement ring? Must a ring be given?

Chapter V

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. Check with a recently married couple to discover whether the information in the text is correct for your area. Let the class know if there are any notable changes.
   
   
2. Draw up a list of the actual costs of the items the bride will be responsible for; the groom.
   
   
3. Study the prayers of the nuptial Mass. What teachings on marriage and family life do they suggest?
   
   
4. Bring into class announcements of marriage. See how they compare. What essentials of information should a good marriage announcement contain?
   
   
5. When should an engaged couple go to see their pastor to make prep­ arations for marriage?
   
   
6. Which pastor should they consult?
   
   
7. What are the banns of marriage? Why must they be announced?
   
   
8. When may a marriage take place?
   
   
9. To whom can the nuptial blessing be given? How many times can a bride receive this blessing?
   
   
10. Describe the wedding ceremony proper.
    
    
11. Why should the entire wedding party, including relatives and friends. receive Holy Communion on the wedding day?
    
    
12. To whom is the Epistle of the Mass directed? What does it say?
    
    
13. Why should a Catholic always get married in connection with a nuptial Mass?
    
    
14. Is a nuptial Mass essential to the sacrament of marriage?
    
    
15. What are some of the current prices for engagement rings? Wedding rings? Check with a local jeweler for your information.
    
    
16. Who is the proper minister of the sacrament of marriage?
    
    
17. Are there any special requirements as to number, sex, relationship, or religion for the official witnesses of a Catholic marriage?
    
    
18. What is the usual stipend or offering made to the officiating priest in your area? For what is the stipend used?
    
    
19. What are the civil requirements for marriage in your state?
    
    
20. Why is marriage called a sacrament of the living?
    
    
21. What does the wedding ring symbolize in the marriage ceremony?
    
    
22. What do you think about placing signs or writing on the car of the newlyweds?
    
    
23. Why must a couple see their pastor so much in advance of the actual date of marriage?
    
    
24. Must bridal apparel contain "something old, something new; some­ thing borrowed, something blue"? What about throwing the bridal bouquet? Is there any symbolism to these actions?
    
    
25. Should the pastor and assistants be sent a wedding invitation?
    

Chapter VI

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. Interview a non-Catholic as to his Church's attitude toward mixed marriage. How does it compare with the teaching of the Catholic Church?
   
   
2. What is your present personal attitude toward mixed marriage? Did the reading of this chapter influence your attitude in any way?
   
   
3. If the Church condemns mixed marriages, why does the Church grant dispensations?
   
   
4. Why do so many mixed-marriage partners lose the faith?
   
   
5. What is your personal attitude toward interracial marriages? Would you marry a person not of your race if you were really in love?
   
   
6. Comment on the following statements:
   

a) While an interfaith marriage is two or three times as likely to end in divorce or separation as a marriage between people of the same faith, the chances for success are high for any specific couple who approach the problems with intelligence and awareness.

b) Interracial marriages are more likely to succeed than interfaith marriages.

c) A mixed marriage robs parents of a common relationship with their children on the deepest level, namely the spiritual life.

d) In our democratic society, it is entirely unequal to exact promises from the non-Catholic before allowing a mixed marriage to take place between a Catholic and a non-Catholic.

e) Mixed marriages ought to be avoided at all costs because of their high rate of failure. Therefore dating members of other faiths
should be forbidden.

/) Why struggle over conflicts in religion. An interfaith married couple can resolve their religious difficulties by joining a third neutral religion agreeable to both.

g) Laws have failed their purpose to prevent intermarriage of races; they have only created a perpetual interracial problem.

h) Religious differences don't matter. Man and woman differ in many ways. It makes marriage interesting. While it isn't always easy to adjust, love always finds a way.

i) Mixed marriages are a source of converts to the Catholic Faith.

j) In a mixed marriage a Catholic runs the risk of not receiving the sacrament of matrimony.

Chapter VII

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. What is meant by "Marriage is not a 50-50 sort of arrangement, but a total 100-100 living of giving"?
   
   
2. What qualities or virtues in husband and wife will contribute most to harmonious adjustment in marriage?
   
   
3. What mistakes could make the "honeymoon" an occasion for un-happiness and disillusionment rather than the joyful occasion it should be?
   
   
4. What is meant by "A married couple is assured of success where the unselfish spirit of perfect sacrifice guides their every action"? List
   ten sacrifices husbands and wives are required to make in marriage.
   
   
5. List ten complementary differences of husband and wife. Why is it important that these differences be known by both?
   
   
6. Why did God give man the power of sex?
   
   
7. What is meant by "Some days in marriage are 25 hours along"?
   
   
8. List five ways in which you would handle a tension situation in marriage?
   
   
9. What is meant by "Never let the sun go down on an argument"?
   
   
10. What is meant by involuntary sterility, and what effect could it have on marriage?
    
    
11. What is artificial insemination, and why is it condemned by the Church?
    
    
12. What is meant by "It is essential that both husband and wife recognize that the use of sex in marriage is virtuous"?
    
    
13. What is the matter and the form of the sacrament of matrimony?
    
    
14. What is the Rh factor? How could this affect childbirth?
    
    
15. Does a doctor ever have the right of taking the life of a mother to save the baby or vice versa?
    
    
16. What steps are necessary in your area before a couple may adopt a child?
    
    
17. Explain what is meant by "black-market" and "gray-market" babies?
    
    
18. What is the Dr. Grantly Dick-Read method? How is this important in the birth of a child?
    
    
19. What place do children have in marriage? Why is adoption important and necessary in a marriage which has not been blessed with children?
    

Chapter VIII

REVIEW QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. What is the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to the number of children in a family? What is meant by the social and personal goals of marriage?
   
   
2. What is the moral argument against contraceptive birth control?
   
   
3. What do you understand by the term "intrinsically evil"? Name three other acts which are intrinsically evil.
   
   
4. What do you understand by the "natural law'1? Why are contraceptive practices opposed to the natural law?
   
   
5. What is meant by the term "population explosion"? How does this affect the rise of birth-control propaganda and practices?
   
   
6. What common methods have been employed by man to limit the size of a family?
   
   
7. What is meant by sterilization? therapeutic? punitive? eugenic? Is sterilization ever lawful?
   
   
8. What is meant by the Law of Double Effect? Give an example of how this law is applied.
   
   
9. What do you understand by the rhythm method? What conditions are necessary to practice this method lawfully?
   
   
10. What is the main objection to the rhythm method?
    
    
11. Do contraception and rhythm have any possible evils in common? Explain.
    
    
12. What do you understand by abortion? therapeutic abortion? Criminal abortion?
    
    
13. What methods of birth control were recommended by Thomas Malthus? How do these differ from the methods of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America?
    
    
14. Is it ever lawful to permit the death of an unborn child in order to save the life of the mother?
    
    
15. What is the attitude of Protestant churches toward contraception? How does their attitude compare with the Catholic Church's teaching?
    
    
16. Why is it important for a woman to know about the moral principles of her doctor?
    
    
17. What does this phrase mean: "Sex is for life, not life for sex"?
    
    
18. What means and methods may be lawfully used to prevent overpopulation in certain parts of the world?
    
    
19. Why may artificial contraception have a detrimental effect upon the mental health of its users? Will the Catholic Church ever change its
    present position on contraception?
    

Chapter IX

QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. What do you understand by the term "divorce" as it is condemned by the Catholic Church?
   
   
2. How does divorce differ with separation? annulment? desertion?
   
   
3. Under what circumstances may an annulment be granted? Cite three cases.
   
   
4. What are the basic reasons for divorce?
   
   
5. Clip from the newspaper some recent divorce cases. What were the reasons cited for the divorce action? Are the given reasons the real reasons?
   
   
6. What is meant by marital fidelity? How is this assured in married life?
   
   
7. In what ways is divorce especially harmful to children?
   
   
8. What is adultery? Why is it a triple sin?
   
   
9. Where in Sacred Scripture is adultery condemned? in tradition?
   
   
10. Why is this true: "Divorce breeds divorce"?
    
    
11. What are the seven danger signals in marriage? Why are these im­portant to recognize?
    
    
12. What is your state's laws regarding divorce and separation?
    
    
13. What procedure has the Church for handling marriage problems of Catholics?
    
    
14. Why is divorce on the increase in the United States?
    
    
15. What do you think of this statement? "There are no problemless marriages; marriages are a success only because both husband and wife have learned to solve their problems together."
    
    
16. How much importance should one give to the selection of a life mate in order to avoid a future divorce?
    
    
17. What does this expression mean: "Marriage is not a reform school"?
    
    
18. What do you think is the real cause for adultery?
    
    
19. What annoying grievances should a husband try to avoid in marriage? a wife?
    
    
20. How do lax divorce laws contribute to the increase of juvenile de­ linquency?
    

Chapter X

QUESTIONS AND STUDY HELPS

1. What is the most important contributing factor to successful home life? Why?
   
   
2. What are the duties and obligations of parents toward their children?
   
   
3. What are the duties and obligations of children toward their parents? How long does this obligation last?
   
   
4. What advantages does a large family have over an only-child family?
   
   
5. Survey five underclassmen as to what causes family frictions? How do these findings compare with those listed by the Youth Research Institute?
   
   
6. Why is it true to say that the child's first school is his home?
   
   
7. Clip from the newspaper examples of good family life; of poor family life. What are the leading contributing factors in each case?
   
   
8. How does a parent go about disciplining his child? Can parents ever be too severe? Give examples. Can parents ever be too weak and lax in this duty? Give examples.
   
   
9. Should children be spanked?
   
   
10. What does this mean: "The husband is the head, the wife, the heart of the home"?
    
    
11. What does this mean: "True education is a self-activated process"?
    
    
12. Explain: "The home is the child's first church."
    
    
13. Do you think today's parents are living up to all that is required of them in educating their children as to the facts of life? Explain your answer.
    
    
14. What does old age have to offer husband and wife?
    
    
15. Explain: "Life begins at forty."
    
    
16. What are your ideas about sex education for the young? When and how should it be given?
    
    
17. How is marital love increased as the years go on?
    
    
18. How is character formation of children mainly the duty of parents?
    
    
19. Why must both father and mother co-operate in this task?
    
    
20. How important is it to have the family rosary said daily in the home? How important is it for married couples to join Cana groups or become members of the Christian Family Movement?
    
    
21. What is a married couples' retreat? Are there any held in your area?
    
    
22. Explain: "The school supplements the home but never supplants it."
    

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