July 25th is the anniversary of Humanae Vitae, the papal encyclical which explains the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage, sex, and responsible parenthood.
It is estimated that 87% of Catholic women use a method of contraception instead of practicing Natural Family Planning! This statistic is shocking and heartbreaking, because the Catholic Church is adamantly opposed to the use of contraception. Obviously, we need to raise awareness about Church teaching, the benefits of NFP, and the many different ways to practice NFP in a marriage. We have collected 5 videos to help introduce and educate others on NFP. Use these in your small group Bible study, young adult group, marriage prep class, or share on social media as a way to get conversations started about Natural Family Planning.
Another resource to share is the Catholic Link Natural Family Planning Quiz.
Natural Family Planning: The Best Worst Thing Ever
Diocese of Phoenix Natural Family Planning
My Fertility MD – Goodness Reigns
It Takes Thow – Naturally: Natural Family Planning And You
Pure Live the Love
Natural Family Planning Discussion Questions:
1. What are the misconceptions about Natural Family Planning?
2. What are the benefits of Natural Family Planning?
3. How effective do you think Natural Family Planning is in avoiding pregnancy?
4. How is Natural Family Planning different from methods of contraception?
5. Why do you think more people are not practicing NFP?
Prayer:
Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them. Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer Excerpt from the English translation of Book of Blessings © 1988, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.)
