Church Documents

1930- Pius XI- Casti Connubii- click [here]

Casti Connubii specifically called for the renewal of marriage.  Part of that renewal is the open acceptance of children.  Procreation must not be seen as an unwanted side effect, but every conjugal union must be open to procreation, even when it is not likely, or abuse has happened. 

1965- Pope Paul VI- Gaudium et Spes- click [here]

Gaudium et Spes is a constitution of the Second Vatican Council.  The document was published in 1965.  Pay special attention to Part I- Chapter I (paragraphs 12-22) and Part II- Chapter I (paragraphs 47-52). 
 

1968- Paul VI- Humanae Vitae- click [here]

Humanae Vitae is frequently called a landmark document of the Catholic Church.  It was given in the midst of the Second Vatican Council and the midst of the sexual revolution.  In lieu of making a statement legitimizing the use of contraception as many within and outside of the Catholic Church had hoped and expected, Pope Paul VI gave a well-reasoned argument against its use.  This document was also the key in the development of the modern Natural Family Planning movement.  

1975- Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith- Persona Humana- click [here]

Persona Humana addresses specific questions about abuses to human sexuality such as masturbation, homosexuality and fornication,   Specific instructions are given concerning the avoidance of these sins,  as well as pastoral recommendations. 

1987- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith- Donum Vitae- click [here]

Donum Vitae was given in 1987 by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, and the document explains in detail the illicitness of artificial forms of procreation such as in-vitro fertilization and cloning.  This document is presented in a user-friendly question and answer format.
 

1995- Pontifical Council for the Family- The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality- click [here]

The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality is a helpful guideline for parents concerning education on human sexuality.  Please read more information about this document in our action items- click [here]. 

1995- Pope John Paul II- Evangelium Vitae: The Gospel of Life- click [here]

Evangelium Vitae is the landmark document of the late Pope John Paul II where he gave us the term "contraceptive mentality."  Pay special attention to paragraph 13.  This document also addresses many other offenses against life and family such as abortion, divorce, the death penalty and more.