A Catechism for Adults, by Cogan – 1958

page 104

Lesson 30: Sins Against Marriage (Cont.)

1. What are the sins against marriage?
1) Refusing the marriage debt
2) Unlawful separation
3) Divorce
4) Sinful company keeping
5) Adultery
6) Birth control
7) Abortion
8) Sterilization

…

4. Why is it a mortal sin to separate from your partner?
Separation in a valid marriage is mortal sin because-
1) God said so.
2) To separate means to refuse the marriage debt (mortal sin).
3) A separated person is tempted to commit adultery or some other sin of sex.
4) Children cannot be properly trained.

5. Is a validly married person ever allowed to separate?
Yes, but only for a very serious reason and only with permission of the bishop.

The publisher ACTA (Adult Catechetical Teaching Aids) Foundation, was a Chicago non-for-profit foundation under the supervision of the Archbishop of Chicago.   Book has imprimatur from the Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago.

Author’s Preface

This book is the work of many priests who actually instruct prospective converts from all walks of life. The original mimeographed edition was based on the series of instructions given by priests engaged in convert work for many years in the Archdiocese of Chicago. After being used experimentally for several inquiry classes, it was revised according to the suggestions of these priests. Since its first edition in 1951, it has become practically the standard catechism for instructing non-Catholics, not only in the United Stales and Canada, but wherever English is spoken. Priests from all over the world have sent their suggestions and comments for making the catechism even better. The author appreciates their help and hopes that they and the other priests who use this book will continue with their suggestions.

Special thanks are due Father Edward B. Brueggeman, S./.. S.T.D. and Father William A. Dowd, S.1., M.A., RID, S.S.1- of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary; Father Edward Dufficy, M.A., BIB, of Quigley Seminary; Father George A. Herdegen, M.A., S.T.L., I.C.L. of the Matrimonial Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Chicago/ Father Walter Imbiorski, M.A., S.T.L. of the Cana Conference; Father Elmer Wurth, M.M. of the Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellen, Illinois; Fathers Henry I. Pehler, M.A., S.T.L., Francis McGrath, M.A., S.T.B., Robert E. Bums, M.A., S.T.L. and Howard Tuite, M.A., S.T.L. parish priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago; all of whom worked very hard with the author in preparing this revision.

This edition, while following the time-tried, traditional approach to the Catholic religion, has incorporated what is good in newer techniques. The more abundant use of Holy Scripture, the “Practical Points” at the end of each lesson and the shorter answers will be welcomed by the priests who use this catechism.

This book aims at three things:

1st, Clearness in teaching religion so that the prospective convert can clearly know what he is supposed to believe and do in order to save his soul. The book is not meant to be a theological manual, but rather a handbook in which non-Catholics can find the main ideas given in the instructions.

2nd, Ordinary language. The book has been written in the language spoken by people of today. The use of theological terms and anglicized Latin words has been avoided as much as possible. Actual experience in giving the final examination to thousands of non-Catholics has helped the author to express theological concepts in the familiar words of everyday conversation.

3rd, Correct emphasis on the things necessary to form a Christian conscience. The book is designed to prepare its users for conversion, not to make theologians of them. Hence the author has tried to give the proper emphasis to sin, Heaven, Hell, prayer, the necessity of grace and the Sacraments. The special treatment of Marriage and family life is based on the conviction that most people will save their souls or lose them as married people, and that, therefore, they should clearly know their duties as married people and as parents.

It is hoped that this book will help priests in leading to the Master those who until now have had only a few crumbs that fell from His table.

—Rev. William I. Cogan 1958