On marriage and children

[ThePuppyTurtle]

I’ve heard that catholic teaching says that a marriage is invalid if having children is not intended at the outset.

Is this true?

What about people who just want to spend their lives together, and children just acceptable.

What of people who were married as protestants (thus contraception) and just recently converted?

 

[1ke]

I’ve heard that catholic teaching says that a marriage is invalid if having children is not intended at the outset.

Is this true?

Yes, a permanent intention against children is a defect in consent.

What about people who just want to spend their lives together, and children just acceptable.

I don’t understand this question. If a couple, or one member of the couple, has a permanent intention against children that is an impediment to valid marriage. It isn’t clear what you are asking in this question.

What of people who were married as protestants (thus contraception) and just recently converted?

A couple contracepting does not necessarily mean they have a permanent intention against children. But it could. So, I suppose a lot more information is necessary and a discussion with their priest is in order.

 

[ThePuppyTurtle]

Yes, a permanent intention against children is a defect in consent.

I don’t understand this question. If a couple, or one member of the couple, has a permanent intention against children that is an impediment to valid marriage. It isn’t clear what you are asking in this question.

A couple contracepting does not necessarily mean they have a permanent intention against children. But it could. So, I suppose a lot more information is necessary and a discussion with their priest is in order.

My question was what if the 2 people, while not intending against children, don’t intend for them either. Like what if children are not the motivation, just an accepted byproduct? I get it now

 

[WingsOfEagles]

My question was what if the 2 people, while not intending against children, don’t intend for them either. Like what if children are not the motivation, just an accepted byproduct?

In this case, the marriage is valid because “they are open to life”. They might not be trying for a large family, but if the wife becomes pregnant, they will keep and raise that child.

 

[snarflemike]

My question was what if the 2 people, while not intending against children, don’t intend for them either. Like what if children are not the motivation, just an accepted byproduct? I get it now

I believe the couple must only be open to children, not positively desire them.

BTW, I don’t know what a puppyturtle is, but I want one (or maybe a bunch).