July 21-29, 2019 is National NFP Awareness Week and here at Bellator Society we have a few thing to say about the subject!
The very fact that we have a National NFP Awareness Week puts it in the category of other things for which we often need to be made aware. Like, those things we’d prefer to not talk so much about. Some things just get a day of awareness, but others need a little more. . .awareness. Natural Family Planning–everyone’s favorite topic at office parties–is one of latter.
But first, a word from our U.S. Bishops:
“Natural Family Planning is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.” (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p. 23)
That’s the gist of it, but it is hardly the fullness!
We have already had several blogs on the subject of NFP:
This one on nutrition and fertility.
This one on being open to life.
This one on finding “peak day.”
This one from a couple of NFP teachers.
This one on finding peace with the struggles of NFP.
We also have a bit more to say, so stick around for a couple of days for National NFP Awareness Week!
