National Family Planning Awareness Week, July 23-29

The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood. The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother. Pope Francis has designated that feast as World Grandparents Day, a fitting commemoration during National NFP Awareness Week! For further information, contact nfp@usccb.org.

The Church teaches that the sacrament of marriage symbolizes Christ’s relationship with His Church. What is this relationship but one of total, faithful, permanent, and fruitful love!

When couples live their vocation according to Church teachings, especially with regard to the transmission of life, many benefits can be reaped. Indeed, married couples who use Natural Family Planning (NFP) report that among these benefits is their mutual growth in holiness and consequent deepening of their respect and awe of God’s gifts of human sexuality, marriage and family. These are gifts that call for praise!

Prayer and Liturgy is at the heart of the Catholic faith-filled life. It is important to plan prayer events that reflect on God’s plan for married love. In addition, clergy should encourage married couples to pray about God’s will for their families. Is it time to welcome another child in the family? Prayerful discernment is a real aide for husband and wife.