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"The time has come for Catholic people to have an informed conscience in marriage and family life. Catholics can have safe and sane family planning in accord with Catholic doctrine by using Natural Family Planning."
Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL
Bishop of Erie
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What is NFP? NFP is the practice of achieving or postponing pregnancy by observing and recording a few simple observable fertility signs
What is the best way to learn NFP? By attending a class taught by a couple who personally use the method and have been trained to teach.
Is NFP expensive? When you consider that the fee of between $35-50 is a lifetime investment, NFP is very inexpensive.
How long does it take to learn? The programs offered in the diocese of Erie consists of 4 classes over a 4 month period. However, the couple leaves the first class with their chart set up and know what to do to begin observations and charting. Thus they will begin using it the day they begin class. A schedule is available in the menu above, at right.
Pregnancy is a woman's thing so just the wife has to learn. Right? Sexual love is a sacred mystery between husband and wife. For them to both understand and be committed to charting and to experience the growth in their marriages when they learn NFP both husband and wife ought to be in class. Obviously if a husband is away from home for example, in the military, or away in school exceptions are made.
Is NFP effective? According to studies done by the World Health Organization, NFP is as effective as the most effective contraceptives such as the Pill. When a couple is taught by competent teachers from a recognized program, and they follow the rules of the program, they will achieve their family planning goals.
Why does the Church approve NFP but say contraception is morally unacceptable? NFP fosters what marriage is supposed to be -- an unreserved gift of self, while contraception contradicts this. Practicing NFP demands sacrifice & self-possession, both of which are essential to love. Contraception can easily allow one spouse to reduce the other spouse to an object for his/her gratification.
Where can I learn more?
Contact the NFP Office to order the following information.
"Best Kept Secret" This brochure defines natural family planning and explains why 98% of couples who use NFP stay married.
"NFP Myths and Reality" responds to 10 misconceptions people have such as: NFP is the same as Rhythm, can only be used if a woman is "regular", & it's too complicated.
Or Contact:
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Barb & Ed Burkett
NFP Office 429 East Grandview Blvd. P.O. Box 10397 Erie, PA 16514-0397 |
Phone: (814)
824-1259
Fax: (814) 824-1239 Email: bburkett@eriercd.org |
Other Natural Family Planning Resources
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One More Soul - Children are a wonderful blessing from God
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John Lee MD - Author of "What Your Dr. May Not Tell You About Menopause".
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Couple to Couple League - An international, interfaith organization dedicated to building healthy families through Natural Family Planning.
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American Life League - Headquarters for pro-life/pro-family educational material.
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Human Life International - An international leader in pro-life, for-family efforts (primarily educational materials).
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Eternal Word TV - A Catholic television network providing religious events and educational programming.
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Priests For Life - A movement of priests seeking to help the rest of the Church to use her full strength against the most devastating attacks on human life in our day.
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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Pro-life activities.
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The Billings Ovulation Method - The most modern, scientific method of Natural Family Planning.
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Pope Paul VI Institute - A national and international center for the study of morally and professionally acceptable reproductive health services.