Luminous Mysteries | Sex before marriage?

Sex before marriage?

Here’s a question that came in several parts, with a video answer to it below.

My boyfriend & I have sex. I could argue that we actually “make love” since our love for each other is sincere & that we’re very serious about our relationship & plan on marrying some time in 3-5 years but I feel like that’s a cop out excuse. When it comes down to it, our relationship still isn’t blessed by the church.

There are numerous issues: 1) Not being open to God’s plan for us. 2) We use condoms, which is a whole other can of worms. 3) I don’t want to go to confession confused..?

Because, not gonna lie, sex has empowered our relationship and has brought us closer. It’s a very spiritual experience and I can see why it’s only meant for married folks.

I fully understand it’s still wrong because we’re not married and we don’t have God’s blessings.. but our love making has been nothing but beautiful (save for this confusion)? But I’m not sure if it’s the right or proper way to glorify God with our bodies? Is God still even present in our act of premarital love making?

I really do want to be open to God’s plan but I love my bf so much that I am terrified of the thought that having him as my husband just isn’t in His plan for us. My boyfriend has only strengthened my faith in Christ’s perfect love..

I’m just left confused at times since he’s kind of a more liberal Catholic with lots of (healthy but challenging) questions. Oh & I’m scared that the priest I’d go to confession for will disapprove of us marrying & not be at our wedding. :(

Thanks for the question! I hope this is clear; it’s just under 7 minutes. God bless you!