21. Why is marriage called a vocation?

Marriage is called a vocation because it is a calling to grow in union with God, serving the Church and all souls, by forming a good family. The daily effort to overcome routine and selfishness in the care for each other and for the home is the way spouses grow in union and love for God and share in His plan of salvation.

22. Why is the family regarded as the domestic Church?

The family is regarded as the domestic church because through mutual self-giving and sharing, the family is a centre of living and radiant faith. Through baptism the children become children of God and the parents by word and example introduce them into the Christian way of life.

23. Why is the family said to be an evangelising community?

The family is said to be an evangelising community because the parents teach their children how to live a Christian life. Christian families are a model for other families and in this way they attract others to the Christian way of life. The Christian family should actively seek ways to collaborate with and help other families in order to have a greater evangelising effect.

24. What is the relationship between the Holy Mass and Matrimony?

By partaking in the Holy Mass, which is a renewal of the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, the spouses unite themselves to Christ's redemptive sacrifice, identifying themselves with Him in His union and fidelity to His bride the Church. The Holy Mass, in which they can also receive Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, gives supernatural meaning to their married life and is the source of grace for living out their calling.

25. What is the relationship between the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Matrimony?

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the way for family members to become reconciled with God, the Church and each other when grave sin is present in their lives. Furthermore, frequently receiving this Sacrament, even though no grave sin has been committed, is a sure way for them to grow in love for God and to gain the grace andstrength necessary to confront the difficulties of family life in a Christian way.

26. What is the model for Christian families?

The model for Christian families and all families is the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, also called the Holy Family. In living out their daily family duties, Jesus, Mary and Joseph were united together and identified with the will of God in a most eminent way.