NFP. GOOD FOR LIFE. Priests - Resources for - Archdiocese of St Louis
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NFP. GOOD FOR LIFE.
Resources for
Priests
St Lo u isN FP.o rg
11700 Studt Ave, Suite C
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-997-7576
ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. LOUIS Office of Natural Family Planning
p) 314.997.7576
11700 Studt Avenue, Suite C
f) 314.692.8097
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
dianedaly@archstl.org
Beyond the Wedding Day
It started with one priest’s plea, “I need help explaining NFP to my engaged
couples, they just aren’t getting it.”
In answer to that plea, we have created and curated several resources to help you
help your parishioners better understand and embrace NFP as the natural choice
for family planning and fertility appreciation.
This packet contains:
• Talking points for specific situations you may encounter regarding fertility
and family planning.
• Links to the newly released
NFP: The Natural Choice video series ̶
created specifically with engaged couples
in mind.
• Several print resources available to you and your parishioners. (Additional
copies are available at the Office of NFP).
• Links to other online resources available from our office.
Feel free to share these resources with those they can help. If you need more,
simply contact the Office of NFP at 314.997.7576 or stlnfp@archstl.org.
We always welcome referrals if you find a couple who needs an introductory class or
other fertility-related support.
We hope you find these resources helpful.
Blessings,
K. Diane Daly
Director, Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Natural Family Planning
Talking Points for Priests About NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP. GOOD FOR LIFE.
314-997-7576 | StLouisNFP.org
Follow us! Subscribe to our Newsletter!
@stlnfp bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
11700 Studt Ave., Suite C, St. Louis, MO 63141
©2019 Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Natural Family Planning. All Rights Reserved.
Why This Guide?
Women’s health and family planning are popular yet sensitive topics. Couples have
identified clergy members among those sought out for advice and guidance when
faced with these issues. We created this packet for you—to support you in your pastoral
ministry—to be best informed about the full beauty and application of Natural Family
Planning as well as the full range of resources available to you and your parishioners.
This guide is for your use as you are talking to couples with different fertility-related issues.
It is designed to be an easy reference for individual topics as well as a comprehensive guide
to the resources available to you and your parishioners.
THERE IS A PAGE OF TALKING POINTS FOR EACH OF THE
MOST COMMON SITUATIONS:
• Engaged Couples • Miscarriage and Stillbirth
• Touched by Infertility • Contracepting Couples
Most of these topics are sensitive in nature, and by the time couples are reaching out to
you for spiritual and emotional support, they may be struggling or hurting. It is helpful to
accompany them where they are, listen, be compassionate, and, when appropriate, share
the information and resources in this guide.
We invite you to refer parishioners to the Office of NFP so we can offer
excellent, focused care to compliment and nurture the theological and
pastoral care you offer.
We also invite you to have a Parish Ambassador to be a resource and
liaison to the Office of NFP.
We have included several helpful resources in this package. P lease share freely.
1
Quick Overview
WHAT CATHOLICS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NFP
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the loving choice that respects women, respects marriage,
and respects God. Here is what you need to know about why NFP is good for life:
1. MIND—NFP is the smart choice.
• It allows you and your spouse to plan when and how many children to have, and it
is highly effective whether you are trying to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
• NFP fosters strong communication between spouses. Couples develop a profound
reverence and understanding of their combined fertility.
2. BODY—NFP is the healthy choice.
• It cooperates with the natural cycle that God has given a woman without exposing
her to harmful chemicals or toxins as with some methods of birth control.
• Because it doesn’t mask symptoms, it can help reveal common issues
including PMS (premenstrual syndrome); PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome);
endometriosis; irregular bleeding; recurrent miscarriage; post-contraception side-
effects.
• It can help overcome infertility, naturally, morally, and less expensively than
treatments like IVF, IUI or other reproductive technologies.
• It is useful in every phase of a woman’s life: teen, single (religious or unmarried),
married, pre-/post- conception, while breastfeeding, and pre-menopausal.
3. SOUL—NFP is the moral choice.
• Just as it has no dangerous side effects, it has no dangerous soul effects, when
used correctly. Couples can be responsible in family planning without being
ensnared in the moral complications of contraception.
“completely, freely, faithfully.
NFP allows us to give ourselves to each other
”
W H AT ’ S B E T T E R T H A N T H AT ?
3
Engaged Couples
Y FOR St. Agnes of Rome, patron saint of engaged couples
PRA
St. Joseph, patron saint of married people
US
St. Priscilla, patron saint of good marriages
• Continuing your work. Did you know that some couples who cohabitate before
engagement have decided to live chastely and even apart before the wedding once
the Catholic Church’s teaching on fertility and intimacy are explained completely and
lovingly? You may be the first person to share the beauty of the teaching with them.
Once you share the strong theology, refer them to the Office of NFP and we will help
them actualize the theology.
• Each woman is unique. Every woman’s cycle is different, so understanding the signals
that her body is naturally sending empowers her to learn about her own complete
fertility cycle as well as to uncover potential health issues (PMS, PCOS, infertility,
irregular periods, etc.). There are five different methods of NFP in the Archdiocese
of St. Louis. Each method has different features that may make one preferable over
another to a couple. Contact the Office of NFP if there is a question about which
method to use.
• There are many myths about NFP:
• Using NFP does not mean you must have a large family (though some joyfully
want to!).
• It is not the same as the rhythm method or the calendar method. There is science
and research behind modern methods of NFP.
• It is not impossibly difficult to learn or follow. NFP, however, is best learned with a
trained practitioner to ensure proper learning and use of the method.
• It does not put the woman in control of the couple’s sex life. Rather, learning
about the wife’s body enables the couple to make decisions together that are best
for each other and the marriage.
• Using NFP does not destroy a couple’s sex life. Rather, it encourages sex as a
more authentic expression of their relationship and total commitment to each
other.
Continued on back >
5
• Why BEFORE the wedding? Couples benefit when they attend an introductory
session about six months before the wedding – AND continue to learn and practice
that method – regardless of when they plan to have children. Why? Because it
encourages communication and self-discipline, fosters appreciation of their mutual
fertility, AND it can help to reveal potential health issues that may not be recognized
otherwise. Not only does this lay a strong foundation for the relationship, but NFP is
easier to learn before marriage and helps build confidence in the method.
• Strong marriage. NFP increases communication between husband and wife. They
become more in tune with each other’s needs, their family goals, and they can find
strong bonding apart from sex. Communicating about fertility and intimacy is also
good practice for discussing other important topics like money, career, family, etc.
• Grace to do well. Charting and practicing NFP is neither “easy” nor “too challenging”
for couples to successfully navigate. With the support of a qualified teacher,
the couple can learn the method to navigate their unique situation. As with the
discernment of co-creating new life with God, He gives the grace to rise to these
challenges. There are practical supports available with modern, scientific methods of
NFP that work.
• Responsible parenthood. The Catholic Church’s teaching on having children is
largely misunderstood as the command to have as many children as possible. When
in fact, responsible parenthood is the attitude of discerning, with God’s guidance, and
“guided by prudent consideration and generosity, elect to accept many children… also
to be considered responsible, who, for serious reasons and with due respect for moral
precepts, decide not to have another child for either a definite or an indefinite period
of time.” (Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI, 1969). When a couple discerns that there are
serious reasons to avoid pregnancy for a time, NFP can help them to achieve that
goal.
Refer To:
• What Can NFP Do For You? brochure
• A Dozen Differences handout
• NFP Providers list - archstl.org/nfp-providers
• Introductory Session Schedule - stlouisnfp.org/introductory-sessions
• Humanae Vitae: A Challenge to Love
• Talking Points for Contracepting Couples (Page 11 in this guide)
6
Touched By Infertility
Y FOR St. Anthony of Padua, patron against infertility
PRA
US
St. Gerard Majella, patron of pregnant women
• Pain of infertility: Coping with infertility is grieving the loss of having biological
children. It is not usually discovered until a couple wants a child and may come as a
surprise. Infertility is on many women’s minds daily. At the point of reaching out to
you, the couple is suffering. An approach of accompaniment and listening is the most
beneficial pastoral approach. Consider recommending the resources available from
the Office of NFP (listed below) when the time is right.
• Worthy in God’s eyes. When questioning why they haven’t conceived, the couple may
feel that they aren’t worthy of God’s blessing or love. Men and women may blame
themselves, their pasts, something they did or didn’t do, for why they are unable to
conceive. It is an extremely isolated and lonely cross to carry. While there is never
an easy answer to “why me?”, there is no doubt that they are loved by God and the
Church and that He is with them every step. They are no less of a man or woman. God
still has a plan for them and their family.
• Medical, emotional, spiritual support. Couples touched by infertility need much
support in all these areas. The Office of NFP can help with the medical support and
NFP methods, but we also have the Enkindle Infertility Ministry to help with the
emotional and spiritual support. Couples can meet with a licensed counselor, they can
be connected with a seminarian to pray specifically for them, and they can follow our
#EnkindleWednesday posts on social media. At the parish level, consider offering a
support group, spiritual guidance, etc.
• NFP compared to artificial reproductive technologies. Reproductive technologies
such as IVF (Invitro fertilization), IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), surrogacy, etc., may
be perceived as a reasonable solution to infertility, but they are considered immoral
options by the Church. For one thing, they introduce a third party into the act of
creation and, as with IVF, may be abortifacient. The use of NFP is morally permissible,
cheaper and safer than these artificial technologies. (See USCCB regarding
reproductive technology – link on back.)
• The Role of NaProTECHNOLOGY. NaProTECHNOLOGY (NaPro) is the medical
practice of interpreting the Creighton Model System (CrMS) of charting to diagnose
and treat reproductive issues including infertility. NaPro is over twice as effective for
treating infertility as IVF. The St. Louis area is blessed to have several NaPro trained
physicians (archstl.org/nfp-physicians).
Continued on back >
7
• The issue of adoption. A couple may or may not be ready to consider adoption.
Adoption may seem like the next logical step for some couples, but for other couples,
it may feel like giving up on being able to conceive. Encourage adoption (infant
or foster-adopt) if they seem open and mention the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson
Adoption Grant to help with the financial burden.
• Secondary infertility. Even a couple that has children can experience secondary
infertility (the inability to become pregnant or carry a baby to term after previously
giving birth to a baby) which can be just as frustrating and painful as primary
infertility.
• Thoughtful touches. Consider offering up Mass, rosary, and/or prayers for the couple
to let them know that they are not forgotten. Send a personal card around Mother’s/
Father’s Day or holidays to let the couple know that they are in your prayers.
• Being sensitive to mothers and fathers. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be
particularly difficult for women and men who want to be parents but are not. Some
have even admitted to avoiding Mass on that day to avoid being embarrassed or
emotionally triggered by not being able to stand for a blessing. Consider wording your
blessing and/or petitions to be especially sensitive to those who have experienced
infertility or loss of a child and giving the blessing when the entire congregation is
standing. There are some suggestions on our website (stlouisnfp.org/clergy).
• Avoid common reactions. Avoid asking young couples why they aren’t expecting a
baby yet, even if you are trying to encourage young families. Avoid statements that
may feel dismissive of their deep struggle and suffering. (i.e. “Pray, hope and don’t
worry!” “All in God’s time” etc.).
Refer To:
• The Natural Choice Video Series - bit.ly/NFPNaturalChoice
• Enkindle Infertility Ministry - archstl.org/infertility-and-adoption
• #EnkindleWednesdays on our social media channels
• Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant - archstl.org/infertility-and-adoption
• NaPro Physicians list - archstl.org/nfp-physicians
• NFP Providers list - archstl.org/nfp-providers
• Introductory Session Schedule - stlouisnfp.org/introductory-sessions
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day suggestions - stlouisnfp.org/clergy
• Good Shepherd Children & Family Services - goodshepherdstl.org
• USCCB webpage with resources about reproductive technology:
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/reproductive-technology
8Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Y FOR
St. Catherine of Siena, patron saint against miscarriages
PRA
US
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, patron saint of mothers & unborn children
• Accompany the grief. A pregnancy loss, no matter when it happens, can be as painful
and devastating as losing a child at any other time, even if the parents never held the
child in their arms. Help the family through the process of grief. Connect them with
others who have experienced a similar loss so they know they are not alone.
• Precious life lost. Acknowledge the value of the tiny human life lost. Encourage them
to name the child and offer to say a Mass or pray with them at the cemetery.
• Gone but never forgotten. The couple who lost a child during pregnancy likely thinks
about the baby every day. Remembering the baby in conversation may bring comfort
to the couple that their baby still matters.
• Rites and rituals bring healing. Offer to hold a graveside service, Mass or other
liturgical rite for their child. There are a variety of options available in the Order
of Christian Funerals – Funeral Rites for Children. There is a comprehensive guide
and list of available Liturgical Rites and uses available at www.bostoncatholic.org/
Offices-And-Services/Office-Detail.aspx?id=12540. In addition, some funeral homes
will provide their services free of charge for miscarried babies and the Archdiocese
Catholic Cemeteries offer free or reduced cost burials for babies.
• Medical care. NFP can help diagnose
and treat underlying causes of
miscarriage. If the couple is seeking
to understand what may have caused
the miscarriage, refer them to the
Office of NFP.
• Avoid common reactions. Some
common responses to miscarriage
may feel trite and dismissive to the
couple. (i.e. “The baby is in a better
place.” “It wasn’t meant to be.” “You
have an angel in Heaven.” “You can
always try for more.”)
• Included in Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Include parents who have lost children in
parish blessings and petitions on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Continued on back >
9Refer To:
• The Natural Choice Video Series - bit.ly/NFPNaturalChoice
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day suggestions - stlouisnfp.org/clergy
• Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage or Stillbirth (from the Book of
Blessings) www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals/
blessing-of-parents-after-a-miscarriage-or-stillbirth.cfm
• Funeral Readings for Children who Died before Baptism - Masses for the Dead
www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/bereavement-and-funerals/funeral-readings-
for-children-who-died-before-baptism.cfm
• Catholic Miscarriage Support – Burials and Names
www.catholicmiscarriagesupport.com/practical/practical-qa/burials-and-names/
• Pastoral Notes on the Celebration of Liturgical Rights for Deceased
Infants and Stillborn or Miscarried Infants – from Archdiocese of Boston
www.bostoncatholic.org/Offices-And-Services/Office-Detail.aspx?id=12540
• NaPro Physicians list - archstl.org/nfp-physicians
• NFP Providers list - archstl.org/nfp-providers
• Introductory Session Schedule - stlouisnfp.org/introductory-sessions
10Contracepting Couples
PRA Y FOR St. Gabriel the Archangel, messenger of life
US
Guardian Angels
• Meet them where they are. Couples may not know nor understand that contraception
is morally incompatible with Catholic theology. In a society where such methods are
commonplace, it is best to approach the couple with truth and with compassion.
• Clearly, consistently, compassionately. Even when a couple has seemingly convincing
reasons for sterilization or contraception, recognize and compassionately reiterate the
Church’s teaching about marital intimacy and the obstruction that contraception and
sterilization create within a relationship.
• Natural and healthy. NFP is simply the observation of a woman’s natural cycle
reflecting times of fertility and times of infertility. Understanding the signals the
body is created to send is the most natural, healthy and moral way to plan and space
children.
• Fertility is not a disease. Fertility is a precious gift given to us as a way to participate
with God in creation. Modern methods of contraception treat fertility like a problem to
fix, or something that can be turned on and off at will.
• Just as effective. Avoiding pregnancy is the goal of a contracepting couple.
What they may not realize is that NFP, when practiced properly, can be equally as
effective (99% effective) in avoiding pregnancy – without the side effects or moral
complications of contraception. See What Can NFP Do For You? Brochure for specific
effectiveness rates.
• Unwanted side-effects. Hormonal contraception may have increased risk of
various side-effects. The Pill, even when prescribed for “health reasons,” can cause
depression, weight gain, headaches, irregular bleeding, etc. Often, if a couple decides
to have children after using hormonal contraception, it may take a long time to return
to a “normal” cycle. See What Can NFP Do For You? Brochure for specific side effects.
Find a physician documented chart of effectiveness and side effects of NFP and
contraception methods at www.archstl.org/nfp-v-contraception
• Group 1 carcinogen. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) lists Estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (like the
Pill, the Patch, or Vaginal Ring) as group 1 carcinogens.
• Barrier to the relationship. By using contraceptive methods, the couple is putting a
barrier between themselves and thereby withholding the total gift of self. Practicing
self-discipline and self-sacrifice while practicing marital chastity strengthens the
couple’s relationship.
Continued on back >
11• Listen to their difficulties. A couple may have serious reasons for avoiding
pregnancy, or may have an unexpected pregnancy (which can happen with NFP or
contraception). If a couple is experiencing fertility-related difficulties, please strongly
recommend working with an NFP teacher who likely has experience with clients who
have dealt with all these situations and may be able to help them find a natural and
moral solution. Couples may feel ashamed, frustrated, or simply not know why NFP is
the only moral option in the Church, and they could benefit so much by one-to-one
instruction with a trained teacher who can empathize with them and help them find a
solution.
• Marital chastity. Avoiding intercourse during times of fertility when a couple has
discerned to avoid pregnancy adopts an attitude of trust in God’s grace month to
month and year to year, and maintains an openness to life. Couples with challenging
charts may feel frustrated because they choose to abstain for extended periods while
the cycle and biomarkers regulate. Spiritual support and encouragement during these
stressful times may be crucial.
Refer To:
• The Natural Choice Video Series - bit.ly/NFPNaturalChoice
• What Can NFP Do For You? brochure
• A Dozen Differences handout
• NFP Providers list - archstl.org/nfp-providers
• NaPro Physicians list - archstl.org/nfp-physicians
• Introductory Session Schedule - stlouisnfp.org/introductory-sessions
• Humanae Vitae: A Challenge to Love
• Cracking the Contraceptive Myths by Dr. Janet Smith -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBPmQDF5iI
• USCCB page on Contraception - www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-
life-and-dignity/contraception/index.cfm
12NFP and Theology of the Body
Y FOR
St. Pope John Paul II,
PRA
US
author of Theology of the Body
Special thanks to Dr. Ed Hogan and Sister Marie Paul Lockerd, RSM, DO, CFCMC for
providing the following reflections and insights into the Theology of the Body.
Saint John Paul II uses Theology of the Body as a catechesis to understand spousal love
between a man and a woman. He develops spousal love between God and his Chosen
people and between Christ the Bridegroom and His bride the Church. Jesus Christ is the
model of sacrificial love in gift of self for the good of the other. Married couples participate
in Christ’s sacrificial love when they consciously, with full will and consent, give of
themselves body, mind, and strength for the good of the other and for the children who are
a gift of their spousal love. Saint John Paul not only describes spousal love as a reciprocal
gift of self, but he describes spousal love as a reciprocal receiving of the other. He describes
married spousal love as a participation and a prophetic witness of the communion of the
Trinity where the perfection of the reciprocal gift of self and the reciprocal receiving of
the other shares in the Love and Life of the Holy Spirit. Couples who use Natural Family
Planning share in the reciprocal gift of self and the reciprocal receiving of the other in
communion with the three persons of the Trinity.
1) Many people have never thought about the relationship between marriage and the
Trinity. But there is a parallel: the Trinity is a communion of persons whose union brings
forth life, and marriage involves a communion of persons whose union has the capacity
to bring forth life.
Ask a couple how they understand the connection between marriage and the Trinity.
You might use the following quote to prompt them:
“Man became the image of God not only through his own humanity, but also through the
communion of persons, which man and woman form from the very beginning.”
(Saint John Paul II, Theology of the Body, 9.3)
2) Many people have never thought about the relationship between the Eucharist and
Marriage. But there is a parallel: Holy Communion is a one flesh union of persons, and
marriage involves a one flesh union of persons. The one flesh union of man and woman in
marriage is meant to be a sign – limited, but real – of the one flesh union that is offered to
us in the Eucharist. Likewise, the Eucharist is a one flesh union that gives life, and marital
intercourse is a one flesh union that has the capacity to give life.
Continued on back >
13Ask a couple how they understand the connection between the Eucharist and marriage.
You might use the following quotes to prompt them:
“For in the most blessed Eucharist is contained the entire spiritual wealth of the Church,
namely Christ himself…who gives life to humanity through his flesh”. (Pope Benedict XVI,
Sacramentum Caritatis, 16)
“The Eucharist, as the sacrament of charity, has a particular relationship with the love of
man and woman united in marriage.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, 27)
3) Many people have never thought about the relationship between marriage and the
Cross. But there is a parallel: on the Cross, Christ made a complete gift of his body and
blood to us so that we might have life; likewise, in marriage, spouses make a complete
gift of their body and blood to each other so that there might be life.
Ask a couple how they understand the connection between the Cross and marriage. You
might use the following quotes to prompt them:
“This revelation reaches its definitive fullness in the gift of love which the Word of God
makes to humanity in assuming a human nature, and in the sacrifice which Jesus Christ
makes of Himself on the Cross for His bride, the Church. In this sacrifice there is entirely
revealed that plan which God has imprinted on the humanity of man and woman since
their creation; the marriage of baptized persons thus becomes a real symbol of that new
and eternal covenant sanctioned in the blood of Christ. The Spirit which the Lord pours
forth gives a new heart, and renders man and woman capable of loving one another as
Christ has loved us. Conjugal love reaches that fullness to which it is interiorly ordained,
conjugal charity, which is the proper and specific way in which the spouses participate in
and are called to live the very charity of Christ who gave Himself on the Cross … Spouses
are therefore the permanent reminder to the Church of what happened on the Cross.”
(Saint John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, #13)
“The Church is born primarily of Christ’s total self-giving for our salvation, anticipated
in the institution of the Eucharist and fulfilled on the cross”. (Catechism of the Catholic
Church, 766)
SUMMARY
By pointing out some of the basic connections between marriage and the Trinity, marriage
and the Eucharist, and marriage and the Cross, you can help a couple begin to form a
“theology of the body.” The theology of the body challenges couples to not only believe
the faith with their minds, but to live the faith with their bodies. If they develop this
theology of the body they will be able to see more clearly how their faith in Jesus Christ,
their celebration of the sacraments, and the decisions they make in everyday life can all be
connected.
14What the Office of NFP Can Do For You
THE NATURAL CHOICE VIDEO SERIES
These NFP videos are focused on relationships, health
and understanding of NFP. They are perfect to use during
Marriage Prep or for any woman or couple wanting to know
more about NFP from real couples.
• NFP: The Natural Choice for a Strong Relationship (8:50)
• NFP: The Natural Choice for Family Planning (5:35)
• NFP: The Natural Choice for a Woman’s Health (5:08)
The above videos can be viewed at bit.ly/NFPNaturalChoice
PRINT MATERIALS
To request any of the following print materials, simply contact the Office of NFP at
314.997.7576 or stlnfp@archstl.org.
• What Can NFP Do For You? brochure – Explains the
benefits of using Natural Family Planning, showcases
the five different methods available in the Archdiocese
of St. Louis, and compares Natural Family Planning to
contraceptive methods (like the Pill, implants, sterilization,
etc.), and lists the area NFP Providers.
• Three Things Catholics Should Know About NFP
bookmarks – Brief overview about NFP.
• Connect With Us cards – Easy-to-hand-out business cards
with ways to connect with the Office of NFP on social
media and to subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter.
• Enkindle Infertility Ministry cards – How to connect with
Enkindle Infertility Ministry.
• Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant flyer –
Financial support for families choosing to adopt.
• Wonder of Eve flyer – Program for High School girls.
• Be A Man About It flyer – Geared towards men about the
benefits of using NFP.
• Body and Soul letter – Archbishop Carlson’s pastoral letter regarding Humanae Vitae.
• Humanae Vitae: A Challenge to Love – Encyclical by Pope Paul VI with an
introduction by Dr. Janet Smith.
• A Dozen Differences handout – Explains the differences between NFP and
contraception.
• Infertility Prayer program card – Seminarians pray specifically for couples faced with
infertility.
Continued on back >
15ONLINE RESOURCES
• Clergy web page containing: stlouisnfp.org/clergy
• Homily library
• Talking points (this guide in digital form)
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Support
• Happy, Healthy, Holy e-newsletter bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
• Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @STLNFP
PROGRAMS OF THE OFFICE OF NFP
• There are five Methods of NFP available in the Archdiocese – stlouisnfp.org/methods
• Billings Ovulation Model (BOMA)
• Creighton Model System (CrMS)
• Couple to Couple League (CCL)
• Marquette Method (MM)
• SymptoPro Fertility Education
• Witness Couples – speak to engaged couples, parishes and other audiences.
• NFP Parish Ambassadors – resource and liaison to individual parishes to provide
support, events, etc. Parish Priests are invited to request a Parish Ambassador
for their parish.
• Enkindle Infertility Ministry – emotional
and spiritual support for couples touched
by infertility.
• Wonder of Eve – presentation for high school girls.
• Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Grant –
financial assistance available to families who have
chosen adoption to grow their family. Applications
are due every November 1.
• Clergy Support – speakers, print material,
parish resources, online homily library, Deaconate
class, etc.
• Seminary program in partnership Mercy Hospital
St. Louis.
• Father/Son and Mother/Daughter events through
Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
For more information on the above, or to request a Parish Ambassador or speaker, please
contact the Office of NFP at 314.997.7576 or stlnfp@archstl.org.
16LOCATIONS FOR
Natural Family Planning
IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. LOUIS
For a list of scheduled classes, visit StLouisNFP.org.
Billings Ovulation Method awarestl.org
Mercy Hospital South 314.525.1622
Creighton Model Services fertilitycare.org
Elisabeth FertilityCare™ 314.500.5437
at St. Teresa Pediatrics (teens and adults)
FertilityCare™ of Farmington 573.760.7920
Little Flower Family Medicine 636.875.1140
- O’Fallon, MO
Mercy Hospital St. Louis 314.991.0327
Mercy Hospital South 314.525.4527
Mercy Hospital Washington 314.991.0327
SSM DePaul Health Center 866.SSM.DOCS
SSM St. Clare Health Center 866.SSM.DOCS
SSM St. Joseph’s Hospital West
- Lake St. Louis 866.SSM.DOCS
SSM St. Joseph Health Center
- St. Charles 866.SSM.DOCS
SSM St. Mary’s - Clayton 866.SSM.DOCS
SSM St. Mary’s
- St. Louis University Campus 618.207.9852
St. Patrick Parish, Wentzville 573.823.4388
St. Peters FertilityCare™ Services 636.926.7850
Servicios en Español 314.865.3999
Couple to Couple League ccli.org
Classes at various locations in the Archdiocese in
St. Louis and Metro East.
For a current listing of class times
and locations call: 314.481.1908
Marquette Model marquettefertilityed.com
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis 813.482.5644
St. Ferdinand Church- Florissant
stgiannanfpcenter@gmail.com
Sacred Heart Church – Valley Park 314.607.0502
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque - Oakville 314.301.9381
St. Joseph Church - Cottleville
stgiannanfpcenter@gmail.com
SymptoPro Fertility Education Symptopro.org
Sacred Heart Church – Valley Park 319.504.5861A DOZEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING & CONTRACEPTION METHODS
Is in harmony with fertility Interferes with fertility
Treats fertility as a gift Treats fertility as a disease
Fosters increased communication Requires little/no communication
Encourages “SPICE”
(Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual,
May inhibit “SPICE” growth
Communicative, Emotional)
concept of sexuality
May promote feelings of
Promotes marital bonding being used
Reports less than 5% divorce rate Reports greater than 50%
divorce rate
Is effective to avoid and
achieve pregnancy Used only to avoid pregnancy
Encourages the couple to
revisit the decision to avoid or Assumes avoiding pregnancy
achieve pregnancy
Can change use of the method Requires discontinuing the
to avoid or achieve pregnancy at a method to achieve pregnancy
moment’s notice
Is open to God’s will for life Is closed to beginning a new life
Protects the love and life nature Interferes with love and life
of marriage nature of marriage
Is healthy & brings awareness May cause side effects requiring
of the women’s reproductive treatment
abnormalities for treatment
Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Natural Family Planning
K. Diane Daly, RN, CFCE at 314-997-7576
www.stlouisnfp.org
8/2019NATURAL FAMILY
PLANNING (NFP):
BE A MAN
ABOUT IT
CHALLENGING CHOICE.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH
CONTRACEPTION? RIGHT REASONS.
Arsenic. Asbestos. If Natural Family Planning were easy, it would be
Formaldehyde. Mustard everyone’s choice. Like many things, however, the best
gas. BIRTH CONTROL choice isn’t the easiest. We make sacrifices for our
PILLS. All are Class 1 health every day: we put down the cookie and get up
carcinogens per the early to go to the gym.
International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC).
You wouldn’t knowingly
expose your wife to any of
those substances; you don’t
want her taking the pill,
either. Barrier methods of
contraception like condoms
are just that, barriers that Similarly, NFP is a sacrifice as well as a natural, healthy
impede intimacy. There’s and scientifically-proven approach to family planning,
either to prevent pregnancy or achieve it. Like healthy
nothing natural about that.
eating and exercise, though, it only works when you
commit to it.WHY
NFP has no dangerous side effects and no
harmful soul effects. NFP takes a behavior-driven
approach to sex and leaves no room for a chemical
contraceptive crutch. NFP simply follows the
natural cycle that God has given a woman. You
NFP?
can be responsible in your family planning without
being ensnared in the moral complications of
contraception. NFP allows us to give ourselves to
each other completely, freely, faithfully.
What’s sexier than that?
TO HONOR HER.
TO HONOR YOU.
TO HONOR GOD.
NFP and contraception may have the same intention, but they accomplish their
objective in very different ways – an important moral distinction. You intend to get
good grades. You can achieve this by studying or by cheating. The end never justifies
the means.
Contact the Office of Natural Planning for more information. 314-997-7576 or stlouisnfp.org
Follow us! Subscribe to our Newsletter! 314-997-7576
@stlnfp bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
www.stlouisnfp.orgSUPPORT FOR
COUPLES
EXPERIENCING
CHALLENGES
TRYING TO
CONCEIVE.
INFERTILITY
SUPPORT
MINISTRY
Couples facing
fertility challenges
don't have to walk
this journey alone.
Faith tells us our
lives are ultimately Learn more:
in God's hands. call 314.997.7576
Along our way, he or visit stlouisnfp.org
sends us help in
carrying our
CATCH #ENKINDLEWEDNESDAY
burdens. ON SOCIAL MEDIA
OUR MINISTRY
OFFERS HOPE WHILE
SEEKING PEACE.Archbishop Robert J Carlson
ADOPTION GRANT
Adoption is a beautiful, but sometimes expensive option to growing your family.
Since its inception in 2009, the Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Adoption Fund has helped 35 families adopt
with nearly $180,000 in grant funds. According to The Balance.com, the average cost of private adoption
through an agency is over $40,000. The ARJC grant helps adoptive parents offset some of the cost of
adding their new child to their family through adoption.
This grant, offered through the Archdiocesan Office of Natural Family Planning, is available to couples who
want to build their family through this loving choice.
For more information about the grant, contact the Office of Natural Family Planning at 314-997-7576 or
email melissa.barnason@mercy.net. Grant applications can be found at bit.ly/ARJCgrantapp.
Application Deadline
Grant
November 1 Grant
Recipients, Recipients,
Jamie and Scott &
Grant Application
Michael, Sheryl
adopted can be found at adopted
Gianna in Sabella in
2018.
bit.ly/ARJCgrantapp
2014.
Grant Grant
Recipients, Recipients,
Stacey and Becki and
Matthew, David,
adopted adopted
Charlotte in Nathan in
Grant Recipients, Beth and Eric, adopted 2017.
2017.
triplets, Michael, Alex and Matthew in 2016.
Support the Adoption Grant
The ARJC Adoption Grant is funded entirely by private donations and fundraising efforts. The more we
raise, the more we can give to deserving families! Please consider donating or hosting a fundraising
event at your parish to support the fund.
Support the annual STL Cardinals Baseball Suite Raffle. Tickets are sold starting in October and the
winner is drawn in March each year. Proceeds benefit the ARJC Adoption Fund.
Donations to the Adoption Grant Fund are always welcomed!
If you’d like to contribute, contact the Office of Natural Famly Planning at 314.997.7576.
Follow us! Subscribe to our Newsletter!
@stlnfp bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
w w w . S t L ou i s N F P . o r g 314-997-7576The Wonder of Eve
understand the power and strength created within the female body
The Wonder of Eve is a fresh and engaging presentation, helping young women understand
how naturally amazing their bodies are and the impact their choices can have on their
future health and fertility.
The Wonder of Eve covers:
“Why didn’t I know • the marvelous design and function of the female body
and reproductive system/menstrual cycles
this years ago?” • a brief introduction to tracking cycles—a unique approach
to women’s healthcare, no matter the stage in life
We often hear this from our Natural Family Planning
clients. Even as a young woman, they wish they • ways to take good care of yourself now, to benefit you
had known this about their bodies! in the future.
Presentation specifics:
• geared towards high school sophomore girls and older
• aligned with Catholic teaching and values
• presented by a physician, registered nurse, or FertilityCare
professional
• 60-minute presentation including Q&A
• projector and screen required
• offered by the Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of NFP
bit.ly/WonderofEve1
Wonder of Eve Trailer Videos! bit.ly/WonderofEveMoms
Book Now Contact Jeanne Stoll at the Office of NFP
for Your stlnfp@archstl.org
School! (314) 997-7576
Follow us! Subscribe to our Newsletter! 314-997-7576
@stlnfp bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
www.s t lou isn fp.or gINTRODUCING THE
NFP:
THE NATURAL
CHOICE Video
Series
Natural Family Planning is the loving choice that respects marriage, respects women
and respects God. Hear from real couples and medical professionals why they think
NFP is the natural choice and is good for you: mind, body and soul.
Shar
e
eng this link
age
any d co with an
lear one wa uple or
n th ntin
e g
valu beaut to
e of y an
NFP d
!
View the videos at:
bit.ly/NFPNaturalChoice
NFP: The Natural Choice NFP: The Natural Choice NFP: The Natural Choice
for a Strong Relationship for a Woman’s Health for Family Planning
True intimacy is more than physical; Natural Family Planning provides Natural Family Planning is
it extends to the emotional and a window into a woman’s overall healthy, organic and free!
spiritual connection between health. It does more than alert This video shows us how it’s the
couples, too. NFP allows couples a couple to when they may or risk-free alternative to birth
to connect in a loving, respectful may not best conceive, it can also control. The woman is not
way that strengthens relationships help pinpoint other health issues exposed to harmful chemicals or
and forms the basis for healthy a woman may be experiencing. toxins or to the increased risks and
marriages. Husbands and wives act Most forms of contraception side effects that contraceptives
as true partners in planning when suppress a woman’s natural can bring. And NFP works. It is 99%
and how many children to have. cycle. NFP celebrates it. effective when used properly.
NFP allows us to give ourselves to each other completely, freely, faithfully.
WHAT’S BETTER THAN THAT? NFP. GOOD FOR LIFE.
Follow us! Subscribe to our Newsletter! 314-997-7576
@stlnfp bit.ly/STLNFPnewsletter
www.StLouisNFP.orgYou can also read
