NFP is nonreligious and nonsectarian. However, my first NFP classes will be at our local parish and through our
local dioceses. This is the first post in a mini-series about what
the Catholic Church teaches about NFP.
As way of introduction to NFP, here's
what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) shares
about NFP. They highlight many frequently asked questions including:
the scientific facts and heavily researched signs of fertility, the
common methods, the effectiveness of NFP, how to find a teacher, and why this is important in the eyes of the church.
In
this section, the USCCB discusses NFP as a tool for "husband
and wife [to learn] to understand and live God's design for
married love". Our "reproductive health" is underscored as important for us too, so that women and men can
avoid the dangerous and sometimes deadly side effects of chemical
methods. NFP can also be an important diagnostic tool for medical challenges as
well as a natural aid for many struggling with infertility.
Overall, NFP encourages spouses to give of themselves more fully. Sometimes the best
ways to love each other are not with physical intimacy, but rather with
self-sacrifice. In my own life, I've come to understand that Jesus on the cross exemplifies self-sacrifice for us in the most dramatic and physical way possible. His death is the definition of total self-gift, an example which we should seek to follow in our marriages, families, and communities. NFP is one way to work toward this goal.
No one will (or should!) tell you
that marriage is easy. Likewise, no one should say that NFP is easy.
Yet, the benefits may surprise you. As the USCCB says, "NFP has the
potential to make good marriages great!"
Questions and Comments? Please leave a post.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
Introduction and My Story
Introduction
People of all faiths and backgrounds recognize a multitude of benefits related to NFP. Iusenfp.com (see the external links below) is a great resource for those seeking a non-religious, non-sectarian resource for learning about and exploring NFP. I will be teaching at my local Catholic parish and through our dioceses, but NFP is much bigger than my own experience and background.
Modern NFP is based on sound scientific research over the past 65+ years (familyplanning.net). It has been researched and statistically proven effective the world over, regardless of education, socioeconomic situation, and culture (iusenfp.com; familyplanning.net). It is NOT your grandmother's calendar or rhythm method! It is the only family planning method that is all organic, allows for total self gift between partners, and seeks the dignity of man, woman, and any potential creation. NFP is a means to greater self-knowledge, greater intimacy and greater love.
My Story
I first came to learn about NFP as I was learning about the Catholic Church. I was a senior in high school and still very active in the Presbyterian Church. I vividly remember the conversation between me and my Catholic boyfriend (now my husband) about what the Church teaches on contraceptives. I was not yet sexually active, and I had never wrestled with decisions of contraceptive methods. This may sound silly, but I suddenly was relieved that I had one less major thing to worry about!
Fast forward four years later, my then boyfriend, now fiance started going to NFP classes alone while I finished school in Massachusetts. Is this not love?! I will forever be grateful that he was committed to putting aside his pride, fear, or any selfish feelings he had in order to fulfill our requirements so that we could get married 6 weeks after graduation. He was willing to go to great lengths to deepen our faith walk together and to invest in our future happiness. His example continues to speak volumes to my mind and heart.
After nearly 9 years of marriage, we have had 6 jobs between us and moved 4 times. We experienced the loss of my husband's father together, as a small but growing family. I studied for a degree in Nursing. We have 4 amazing children. We have used 2 different NFP methods and also went through several intervals of using no method at all. I have had my cycle only 4 out of every 10 months while we have been married, thanks to pregnancy and a naturally delayed return to fertility. Einstein sums it up best when he says that "change is the only constant"!
More Information
Please contact me for more information about NFP. Although I am still learning myself, I am happy to share what I know and related resources. My goal is to listen and to be of assistance where you need it most whether that is the benefits of NFP, different methods with pros and cons, ways to find local teachers or distance learning options and more. This is about you: your health (in body, mind, and spirit), your God-given gifts and responsibilities, and your future choices, relationships, and happiness.
If even just one of the benefits of NFP sounds attractive to you, you owe it to yourself to find out more. This is not for my own interests, but for yours (Phillipians 2:4). Best wishes and God bless!
Thoughts to ponder or discuss:
How has NFP blessed you in ways you couldn't imagine when you first learned about it? Or how do you imagine using NFP can benefit you?
What were your thoughts when you first came to know the Church's position on contraceptives?
What do you perceive as barriers in your life to learning about NFP?
People of all faiths and backgrounds recognize a multitude of benefits related to NFP. Iusenfp.com (see the external links below) is a great resource for those seeking a non-religious, non-sectarian resource for learning about and exploring NFP. I will be teaching at my local Catholic parish and through our dioceses, but NFP is much bigger than my own experience and background.
Modern NFP is based on sound scientific research over the past 65+ years (familyplanning.net). It has been researched and statistically proven effective the world over, regardless of education, socioeconomic situation, and culture (iusenfp.com; familyplanning.net). It is NOT your grandmother's calendar or rhythm method! It is the only family planning method that is all organic, allows for total self gift between partners, and seeks the dignity of man, woman, and any potential creation. NFP is a means to greater self-knowledge, greater intimacy and greater love.
My Story
I first came to learn about NFP as I was learning about the Catholic Church. I was a senior in high school and still very active in the Presbyterian Church. I vividly remember the conversation between me and my Catholic boyfriend (now my husband) about what the Church teaches on contraceptives. I was not yet sexually active, and I had never wrestled with decisions of contraceptive methods. This may sound silly, but I suddenly was relieved that I had one less major thing to worry about!
Fast forward four years later, my then boyfriend, now fiance started going to NFP classes alone while I finished school in Massachusetts. Is this not love?! I will forever be grateful that he was committed to putting aside his pride, fear, or any selfish feelings he had in order to fulfill our requirements so that we could get married 6 weeks after graduation. He was willing to go to great lengths to deepen our faith walk together and to invest in our future happiness. His example continues to speak volumes to my mind and heart.
After nearly 9 years of marriage, we have had 6 jobs between us and moved 4 times. We experienced the loss of my husband's father together, as a small but growing family. I studied for a degree in Nursing. We have 4 amazing children. We have used 2 different NFP methods and also went through several intervals of using no method at all. I have had my cycle only 4 out of every 10 months while we have been married, thanks to pregnancy and a naturally delayed return to fertility. Einstein sums it up best when he says that "change is the only constant"!
More Information
Please contact me for more information about NFP. Although I am still learning myself, I am happy to share what I know and related resources. My goal is to listen and to be of assistance where you need it most whether that is the benefits of NFP, different methods with pros and cons, ways to find local teachers or distance learning options and more. This is about you: your health (in body, mind, and spirit), your God-given gifts and responsibilities, and your future choices, relationships, and happiness.
If even just one of the benefits of NFP sounds attractive to you, you owe it to yourself to find out more. This is not for my own interests, but for yours (Phillipians 2:4). Best wishes and God bless!
Thoughts to ponder or discuss:
How has NFP blessed you in ways you couldn't imagine when you first learned about it? Or how do you imagine using NFP can benefit you?
What were your thoughts when you first came to know the Church's position on contraceptives?
What do you perceive as barriers in your life to learning about NFP?
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Under Construction
Please feel free to contact me for more information about Natural Family Planning!
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