The Catholic Christian community looks upon marriage as the public promise of a man and a woman to a covenant of mutual unselfish love, fidelity, permanence and openness to children. Further, the Sacrament of Marriage is a sign of God’s love for humanity and Christ’s love for the church. Couples who cohabit (that is, who live together in a sexual relationship when not married) have not formally pledged themselves to these values, nor has the Catholic Christian community formally committed itself to supporting the couple.

If a couple is cohabitating, this does not mean that they are denied marriage in the church. It does mean that the couple may be asked to explore their reality and why they are choosing to celebrate the sacrament of marriage at this time.

Resources

Living Together and Christian Commitment: A Reflection for Engaged Couples Who are Living Together. James Healy, PhD. (http://www.rootedinlove.org)

Getting Married, Living Together - A Guide for Engaged Couples. Anthony Garascia
(Ave Maria Press)