Chastity

What is chastity? Who is required to be chaste?

Chastity is a virtue that involves the moderation of the sexual appetite.

The Catholic Church teaches that all people are called to be chaste — meaning that they are called to moderate their sexual appetite in accordance with their state in life.

For unmarried people, chastity means not engaging in those sexual activities that are proper to marriage, such as intercourse.

For married people, chastity means that one may engage in sexual activities that are proper to marriage, but only with one's spouse.

Style notes:

Chastity should not be confused with celibacy. While only unmarried people can be celibate, both unmarried and married people can be chaste.