2008 Natural Family Planning
Schedule
What is Natural Family Planning?
Natural family planning (NFP) is a scientifically based, morally acceptable method of regulating conception based on observation
of the naturally occurring signs of fertility and infertility which occur
in a woman's body. Unlike the rhythm method, modern natural family planning
is based on a day by day interpretation of the wife's fertility cycle
so that a couple can identify the days when conception is most likely should they desire to achieve a pregnancy. This same knowledge enables a couple to refrain from sexual relations on those days when conception is possible should they desire to postpone a pregnancy. International studies confirm that, when used to avoid pregnancy, NFP has an effectiveness rate of 98-99%
for a couple who has been properly instructed and who follows the method carefully.
Why does the Catholic Church promote NFP?
The Catholic Church promotes NFP because it is the only method of family planning which respects the link between the love-giving and the life-giving purposes that God has placed in sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse
is intended by God to be the most intimate sign of the complete gift of self that a man and woman make to one another in marriage. This act which expresses their mutual gift of self, at the same time makes them capable
of the greatest possible gift, cooperating with God in giving life to a new human person. Natural family planning allows a couple to prayerfully discern on a periodic basis whether or not God is calling them to conceive a child and then to use their understanding of the wife's fertility cycle to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. It regards fertility as a gift which should
not be suppressed or destroyed, but rather appreciated and respected. The Church believes that natural family planning is where being pro-life begins. Many people
do not realize that the most effective forms of artificial birth control available today (the Pill, Depo-Provera, Norplant) also alter the lining of the uterus to prevent the implantation of a newly conceived embryo should conception occur, and therefore can cause a very early abortion.
What other benefits does NFP provide?
NFP provides a healthy, highly effective method of family planning for
a very low cost and with no harmful side effects. It can be used successfully at all stages in a woman's life, including during breastfeeding and perimenopause. Couples who practice NFP often develop a deeper awe for
one another's
bodies, for the gift of their joint fertility and for the privilege of parenthood. Many couples also find that the mutual respect, regular communication, shared responsibility, and self-restraint which the practice of NFP requires enriches their relationship and strengthens their marriage.
Diocesan Guidelines for Engaged Couples
As part of the formal program of marriage preparation offered by the diocese, an engaged couple is required to attend an initial session of the diocesan natural
family planning (NFP) program. This may be accomplished in two ways:
-- attend an NFP initial session which are regularly scheduled at parishes throughout the diocese; or,
-- attend a diocesan conference for engaged couples, which includes an NFP initial
session.
Applications for these diocesan conferences for engaged couples may
be acquired at the parish or by contacting the Office of Family
Life at (574) 234-0687.
2008
Natural Family Planning schedule
The
following are the scheduled NFP sessions for 2008 in the Fort
Wayne and
South Bend areas. The first date
(in
bold) is the initial session. The fee for the initial
session is $25 per couple. While engaged couples are only required
to attend the initial session, to be fully trained in using this method
of family planning requires attending all three sessions. There
is no additional fee for attending sessions two and three
since this is subsidized by the Office of Family Life. Please
try to send in your application and check at least two weeks in advance.
Upon acceptance of your application, a confirmation card with directions
will be sent to you.
Diocesan Natural Family Planning Classes
for Engaged and Married Couples
2008 Schedule
Fort Wayne area classes
St. Jude (7-9 PM)
— January 10, January 31 and February 21
— April 17, May 8 and May 29
— September 11, October 9 and October 30
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (10 AM-12 NOON)
— January 26, February 9 and March 22
— October 25, November 8 and December 20
St. Vincent (7-9 PM)
— March 12 (initial session only)
St. Charles (7-9 PM)
— August 21 (initial session only)
South Bend Area Sessions
St. Matthew Cathedral (7-9 PM)
— January 22, February 5 and March 18
Holy Family (7-9 PM)
— February 28 (initial session only)
Christ the King (7-9 PM)
— March 26, April 9 and May 28
— October 15, October 29 and December 10
St. Thomas the Apostle, Elkhart (7-9 PM)
— May 7, May 21, July 2
Holy Cross (7-9 PM)
— June 26 (initial session only)
St. Pius X (7-9 PM)
— July 2, July 16 and August 26
THE
DIOCESAN