Office of Natural Family Planning

Latest News

Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal – Because we are grateful for all the assistance Natural Family Planning receives each year from the ACA, we would like to ask you to make a donation to the ACA. You may make your donation by visiting their website.

For Engaged Couples – Congratulations! If you need to schedule an appointment for an Introductory Session you can find a listing of locations and dates on the "Calendar" page or by clicking here. It is suggested that you schedule this appointment six months before your wedding date.

Espanol – Para ensenanza de a planificacion natural de la familia, en espanol, favor de contactar a Hermana Janina srjanina@yahoo.com - Natural Family Planning instruction is available in Spanish. For those interested, please contact Sister Janina Zilvinkis at srjanina@yahoo.com

Infertility Support Group – A monthly discussion group is facilitated at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, Department of Fertility Care Services, 11700 Studt Road, Suite C. This group has been formed to provide an opportunity to meet with others experiencing infertility to share insights, feelings and experiences. Also, quarterly seminars are scheduled on topics specific to the group. For more information, please call (314) 991-0327.

Trivia Night - The Archdiocesan Office of NFP is sponsoring a trivia night to raise funds for families who have struggled with infertility and are now on the path to adoption. Funds raised will help families with the huge cost of completing the adoption process. The event is scheduled for October 24, 2009 at St. James the Greater Gym. For more informaton contact Mary at (314) 351-1359 or e-mail: jrl557@sbcglobal.net

Plan Your Family Naturally: A Theologicl, Scientific and Practical Introduction
Offered in collaboration with Paul VI Catechetical and pastoral Institute, this internet course will cover aspects of Theology of the Body and will enhance your marriage and/or ministry. The course includes information and on line chat with experts and NFP couples.

The next set of dates for the course are September 27, 2009 through November 11, 2009. For more information, please call Melissa at (314) 991-0327 or e-mail melissa.barnason@mercy.net.

(*The course may be taken for one credit hour of Paul VI credit should the participant so desire)

Mother/Daughter Teas and Father/Son: Boys into Men programs

The programs, developed by the Department of Fertility Care Services, are presented to girls and their mothers or female guardians and boys and their fathers or male guardinas by registered nurses, doctors and a panel including teens. They emphasize respect, understanding, and appreciation of sexuality while encouraging parent/child communication.

The Teas are held yearly - in Spring and Fall -for 10-12 year olds and in the Spring for 13-17 year olds.

The Boys into Men programs are also held twice a year for 11-12 year olds and in the Spring for 13-17 year olds.

All are located at the Von Gontard Conference Center at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, 615 South New Ballas Road.

The cost, which includes a light meal is $35.00 per family. Scholarships are available.

For registration information or flyers, please call 314.991.0327 - Fall 2009 dates:
Mother Daughter Tea - October 11, 2009
Father Son: Boys into Men - October 18, 2009

Introduction

In 1998, Natural Family Planning was established as a department of the Office of Laity and Family Life by then Archbishop Justin Rigali. Natural Family Planning was designated its own office by Archbishop Raymond Burke in 2005.

The Archdiocesan Office of Natural Family Planning coordinates and promotes information for all five models of Natural Family Planning methods at 13 different locations in the Archdiocese to all Archdiocesan Marriage Preparatory programs through the Office of Laity and Family Life, the St. Louis Review, Parish Bulletins and through individual priests and marriage preparers who request specific information. The Humanae Vitae Association, a group of NFP couples who support one another and evangelize the Archdiocesan community, are a volunteer group within the department.

Department activities include –

an annual Humanae Vitae Mass and celebration
materials for the engaged
promotion kits for the preparers for Christian Marriage, priests and deacons
an infertility support group
fellowship through Eucharistic Adoration and socialization
presentations on NFP, sexuality and chastity promotion to parishes and schools
“Make Love … Real,” a day of reflection for high school seniors based on the Theology of the Body.
a speakers’ series for the community
"The Chart" newsletter
annual Seminarian Homily contest

There are four models for the natural regulation of birth at 13 different locations in the Archdiocese. They are Aware/Billings Ovulation Method, Creighton Model Fertility Care Services, Couple to Couple/Symto-Thermal, and the Marquette Model/Sympto-thermal. All of these models are offered independently of the Archdiocesan Office of Natural Family Planning.