What is Natural Family Planning?
“The Catholic Church supports the methods of Natural Family Planning (NFP) because they respect God's design for married love. In fact, NFP represents the only authentic approach to family planning available to husbands and wives because these methods can be used to both attempt or avoid pregnancy. When learning about NFP, it is important to know that 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.” (USCCB.ORG/NFP. Used by permission.)

We would like to learn more about local NFP classes. Who should we talk to?
At St. Francis parish, Mary Johnson, CFCP, is our NFP Instructor. She is certified by the Diocesan Development Program for NFP--United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, and teaches the Creighton Model FertilityCare System featuring NaPro Technology. Reach her at ryanmaryjohnson@hotmail.com or by phone, (218) 233-6103.

Where can I find more information about NFP?
Check here to view the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website and see the document below.