“The work of educating in the service of life involves the training of married couples in responsible procreation. In its true meaning, responsible procreation requires couples to be obedient to the Lord’s call and to act as faithful interpreters of His plan.’ (John Paul the Great from Evangelium Vitae 97)

The Catholic Church calls married couples to a deeper love and responsible parenthood. As part of its total pastoral ministry, the Archdiocese of San Antonio invites you to investigate Natural Family Planning. (NFP)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) 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, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. (Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry, p.23)

Helping couples to deepen conjugal love and achieve responsible parenthood is part of the Church’s total pastoral ministry to Catholic spouses. Fulfillment of this ministry includes both education and pastoral care. This means “instilling conviction and offering practical help to those who wish to live out their parenthood in a truly responsible way.” (John Paul the Great, Familiaris consortio, #35)

Registration Forms
2010 NFP Brochure