Nearly half of couples seeking marriage preparation in the Catholic Church are already cohabiting. Cohabitation, in the commonly understood sense, refers to living together in a sexual relationship outside of marriage. This involves varying degrees of physical and emotional intimacy. The Church views such relationships as contradicting the meaning of marital intimacy, which is seen as a total gift of oneself in fidelity, exclusivity, and permanence.
Over the past twenty-five years, cohabitation has become a significant social phenomenon impacting marriage and family life. Statistics show that only 53% of first cohabiting unions result in marriage. The percentage marrying from second and third cohabitations is even lower. Economic pressures, including student debt, are delaying marriage and childbearing for many couples. This trend presents a complex challenge for clergy guiding couples towards marriage within the Church.
