Teachings


Peter Fournier and Catherine Fournier


A collection of teaching documents, many of them written by popes, especially Pope John Paul II.

There is a very large collection of Church teachings about the family, life and sexuality. They have been written against a backdrop of 2,000 years of practical experience in helping families live as Christians. Not surprisingly, most of these writings are not very "trendy". The documents you read here will survive all of the current trends and be read by your children's children. They are solid basis for building your own domestic church.

Many families have been transformed and enriched beyond measure by two post-Vatican II documents: Familiaris Consortio - The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World by Pope John-Paul II and Humanae Vitae - of Human Life by Pope Paul VI. These two documents are the inspiration for the Domestic-Church.Com web site. For a short description of each document, please scroll below the table.

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† Rosarium Virginis Mariae - On The Most Holy Rosary by Pope John Paul II

† Humanae Vitae--On The Regulation of Birth by Pope Paul VI

† Of Human Life: A pastoral letter on the truth and meaning of married love by + Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver

† Familiaris Consortio - The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World by Pope John-Paul II.

† The Charter of the Rights of the Family by The Holy See

† Mulieris Dignitatem; Apostolic Letter On The Dignity And Vocation Of Women by John Paul II

† The Theology of the Person (Part One) by Father Bob Papi


Rosarium Virginis Mariae - On The Most Holy Rosary by Pope John Paul II To call this document transformational and of untold importance doesn't quite do it justice.
In this apostolic letter (that's a personal letter from the Big Guy to all of us!) John Paul II calls for a Year of the Rosary to bring peace to a very troubled world. Impressive enough. But, he goes further and suggests that five new mysteries be added to the Most Holy Rosary in order to more fully examine and delve the heart of God's love as lived through the life of Christ.
Words fail.
The tremendous impact and importance of this document will only be realised over centuries, it will transform the Church in ways we cannot imagine as yet. How fortunate we are to be present at this moment in history! How fortunate we are to have such a Pope to guide and love us!


Humanae Vitae--On The Regulation of Birth by Pope Paul VI.
Just about everything most people have heard about the Church's teaching on birth control is simply wrong. We include Humanae Vitae, the basic teaching on birth control, because it is such a liberating, radical teaching that is fundamental to Christian (not just Catholic) marriage.
After you read it (20 minutes) you are especially struck by two things:
Just what has all the fuss been about?
Why haven't I heard about the good stuff, like the dignity of women?
For example,as opposed to the idea of "planned parenthood" (which is really planned un-parenthood at any cost), Pope Paul proposes "responsible" parenthood. " With regard to physical, economic, psychological and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised by those who—decide not to have additional children for either a certain or an indefinite period of time. " Those aren't the words most people expect from a Pope ...so read on ... there are a lot more surprises!


Of Human Life: A pastoral letter on the truth and meaning of married love by + Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver
Humanae Vitae is one of the easiest to read papal documents ever written. Still, clarifications are helpful, especially when they deal with problems in understanding common in North America and Europe.
For example, Archbishop Chaput has this to say about why contraception is wrong: " Contraception not only denies this fertility and attacks procreation; in doing so, it necessarily damages unity as well. It is the equivalent of spouses saying: "I'll give you all I am except my fertility; I'll accept all you are except your fertility."> How does that expression go? "For richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, ...


Familiaris Consortio - The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World by Pope John-Paul II.
This document presents very clearly the Church's about family and society. If you have the impression that the Church doesn't have much to say about parenting, this document will come as a bit of a shock. Parents are entrusted with the raising and education of the child, not the state. The school system is supposed to serve the parents, not the other way around.
The Church teaches, for example, that "Sex education, which is a basic right and duty of parents, must always be carried out under their attentive guidance, whether at home or in educational centers chosen and controlled by them … the school is bound to … the same spirit that animates the parents." ( Familiaris Consortio, paragraph 37.4 ).


The Charter of the Rights of the Family by The Holy See
This document was prepared by the Holy See, in response to a request by the Synod of Bishops held in 1980 on the theme 'The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World.'
It serves as a valuable companion to Familiaris Consortio, providing a guide and model to enact the vision presented in FC. And, just like the Catholic Catechism which was intended for use by bishops and diocesan catechism directors but has proved to be a valuable tool and resource to every Catholic family, this Charter though written for governments and governing bodies, is a guiding inspiration for every Catholic family.


Mulieris Dignitatem; Apostolic Letter On The Dignity And Vocation Of Women by John Paul II
This formidable and fascinating document puts lie to the modern contention that women are held as 'second-class' citizens in the Catholic church. Far from it! women have a unique and blessed role in the Mysterious Body of the Church.


The Theology of the Person (Part One) by Father Bob Papi.
An examination of the JPII's Theology of the Body and the loss of sense of self and person in modern times. Part One of a Four Part Work in progress. Father Bob has a deeply compassionate yet uncompromising love for his fellow man that shines through his writing.