Preparing for marriage in a sex-obsessed culture can be especially difficult. From a young age, men and women are exposed to pornography in shows, movies, and even billboards along the highway. Casual sex is treated as a normal part of growing up, and people who avoid it are mocked as prudes.
On the other hand, the “purity culture” of the ’90s and early 2000s sometimes taught a “prosperity gospel” about sex and marriage: As long as you stay chaste, you’ll have a perfect marriage! But if you fall into lust, you’re “damaged goods” and will be scarred forever.
But the Church’s teaching on human sexuality is so much richer and more beautiful. It is the free, total, fruitful, and mutual gift of self within marriage — and should be treated with the reverence of other sacred things.
While you are preparing for marriage, it is important to learn what the Church teaches about sex within marriage. The following resources are 100% aligned with Catholic Church teaching, and treat the questions with the reverence and gravity they deserve.
1. Catholic Intimacy
The website Catholic Intimacy is an online apostolate for marital intimacy, offering both coaching and classes for married couples. Their blog answers many common questions about the Church’s teachings on sex and marriage.
2. Cana Feast
This website, run by married couple Sarah and Nathan Bartel, offers free resources for married couples, as well as paid courses, group programs, and documents. The resources range from emotional intimacy to Church teaching on things like Natural Family Planning (NFP) and advice on improving intimacy.
3. Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy
Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy is a free podcast, mostly geared toward women, that discusses NFP and all things intimacy.
4. Holy Sex!: A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-Blowing, Infallible Loving by Dr. Gregory Popcak
This book lays out the Church’s teaching on the beauty of marriage from a theological and practical perspective.
5. Catholic Sprouts’ ‘All things Catholic Sex’ series
Catholics Sprouts, known for their children’s podcast, published an audio series on sex within marriage for parents with an emphasis on the practical side of the topic.
6. Pearl and Thistle
From pre-puberty to perimenopause, Pearl and Thistle has educational resources that teach body literacy for every stage of life. They have e-books and courses for a girl’s first cycle prep, beginner cycle charting for teens, fertility awareness for women over 18, and fertility planning for married couples.
7. Diocesan NFP instructor
Most dioceses can put you in touch with somebody who can train you in charting your cycle, even if you are already married. These resources and contact details are usually available on the diocese’s page for family or marriage ministry.
8. For those with a history of sexual addictions
For men or women with a history of or ongoing sexual addiction, whether pornography, masturbation, or something else, please know that there is help and healing available for you. Magdala Ministries helps women to break free, while the ministry Ethos National is dedicated to helping men.