What is Natural Family Planning?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a scientifically based, morally acceptable method of regulating conception based on daily observation and interpretation of the natural signs of fertility and infertility which occur in a woman’s body. Using this knowledge, a couple can identify the days on which conception is possible should they desire to either achieve or to avoid 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.

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 breast-feeding 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.

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 a 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 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.

“The choice of the natural rhythms involves accepting the cycle of the person, that is, the woman, and thereby accepting dialogue, reciprocal respect, shared responsibility and self-control…. In this context the couple comes to experience how conjugal communion is enriched with those values of tenderness and affection which constitute the inner soul of human sexuality, in its physical dimension also. In this way sexuality is respected and promoted in its truly and fully human dimension” (Pope John Paul II, Familiaris consortio, 32).

2012 Natural Family Planning Schedule

The following are the scheduled NFP class series in the Fort Wayne and South Bend areas. It is necessary to attend all 3 sessions in a series in order to be fully instructed in the method. The fee for the class series is $35 per couple. Please send in your application (SEE NFP Brochure 2012 to the right 2012 NFP fly) and check at least two weeks in advance. Upon acceptance of your application, a confirmation card with directions will be sent to you.

Fort Wayne Area Classes

St. Jude 7-9 PM

•  January 12, January 26, & February 23

•  May 3, May 17, & June 7

•  September 13, October 11, & November 15

St. Charles 7-9 PM

• March 7, March 21, & April 18

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 10 AM-12 NOON

• October 13, October 27, & December 1

South Bend Area Classes

St. Matthew Cathedral 7-9 PM

• January 24, February 7, & March 20

Christ the King 7-9 PM

• March 28, April 11, and May 30

• October 24, November 14, & December 19

St. Pius X, Granger   7-9 PM

• June 12, June 26, & August 14

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka

• May 10, May 24, & June 28  (7-9 PM)

• Sept. 1, Sept. 15, & October 27 (10 AM-12 NOON)

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