The Changing Face of Marriage

In my life I had always been taught that your religious education starts at home. Even when I received my Confirmation I was taught that it was your responsibility to maintain your religious education by going to and participating in mass. In my own life my parents always made sure I was going to Sunday School and really understood the ideas of the Catholic Church. They modeled how I should act, and always show faith and love. I think it is important for parents to show, and teach their children about religion and how to live with faith, love, and compassion.--------- My mom even had a deeper experience with the "domestic church". My Nana was deeply rooted in her faith, and had even been a nun for a few years. When my mom was younger she often had mass in her home on the weekends. She told me the neighborhood would come over, the kids would play music, and the priest would stop by and say mass. My mom said it was very casual and anyone could stop by.My mom tells me that my Nana always made sure they were following the rules of the Catholic Church at home and at church .--------- I think the idea of the "domestic church" is changing. My mom had a very religious upbringing at home, which makes my "domestic church" life seem less. I think people are forgetting that religion isn't something you just participate in, like mass, but it's who you are. I think today people look to their religion as something they just go to once a week, and forget that it is who they are all the time. --------- I do feel compelled to establish a "domestic church" someday in my home. I enjoyed the experience when I was younger, and it helped to remind me that my religion isn't just going to mass, but it occurs outside of church as well.

Dating and Marriage

I think with any relationship communication, openness, and commitment are all key factors in making it last. I do agree that a relationship should supply some type of self-fulfillment. There are always stories where people say they never felt complete until they met their spouse. I believe that is important. A relationship should allow you to discover more about yourself, and make you feel whole and connected to your partner.The couple should be able to grow from being around one another. That makes the connection between two people special. I don't think the type of self-fulfillment described in the New York Times is healthy though.To me it seemed extreme. A person shouldn't commit to a relationship because they won't bored .It is important to have self-sacrifice and want to be in a relationship because you want to work with your partner and make them happy. I don't like the idea of being in a relationship to gain something. Personally, in a relationship I hope for someone I can easily talk to ,feel connected to, and grow from.I believe these intentions represent Christian values and modern values because I want to grow, but I also want to grow with my spouse.