“And so I take (my wife) not for any lustful motive, but I do it in singleness of heart. Be kind enough to…bring us to old age together.” Tobit 8:7 “..Now, gird up your loins and arise…”  Jer: 1:17 Which scripture verse more accurately describes how a couple should prepare …

All methods of modern Natural Family Planning (NFP) rely on observation of changes in a woman’s body as it makes its way through the monthly menstrual cycle. These observations determine when sexual intercourse can/should take place – depending on whether one is trying to achieve or postpone pregnancy. Two of …

When I received a review copy of the newly-published book, Facing Infertility – A Catholic Approach, I was a bit surprised there wasn’t already a Catholic book which specifically dealt with the topic of infertility.  When I searched online, I could only find secular or Christian books on this subject. …

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.” –Psalm 127 As my husband and I have sought to …

I had so much to say about this “rock star charting app” that I actually said it! I hope you enjoy my video review of the MyFertilityMD charting app. Please note: For purposes of brevity, my review assumes you have a working knowledge of natural family planning charting. If not, …

I’ve been looking for an app to chart my body’s fertility for quite a while. Remember my begging? No? Well, I assure you, I even used this space to try to find something, and never had any luck. My days of searching are over, though, and I’m excited to share …

In a community where 3 kids make a family large, I have received my share of the classic dumb ‘big family questions’: “Are you done?” “Do you know what causes that?” We’ve been greeted with congratulations upon news of pregnancy…and other less positive responses. We have announced a new baby …

One of my favorite shows is “Mayday,” a documentary which recounts stories of plane crashes and near crashes.  My favorite episodes are the ones where everyone (or most) survives. Survival usually depends on the skill and precision of the pilots and flight engineers.  I find it fascinating just what can …

Lack of communication is one of the leading causes of marital breakdown.  For the NFP-using couple, communication is essential.  Procrastination isn’t an option. The NFP couple discusses whether or not they will be avoiding or planning pregnancy. In order to be successful at this, it’s necessary to discuss the woman’s …

In John Paul II’s encyclical, Familiaris Consortio, (On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World), he states (p. 45) “The Church is called upon to manifest anew to everyone, with clear and stronger conviction, her will to promote human life by every means and to defend it …

  While some of us are blessed to live in areas rich with NFP support, the reality is that most individuals do not have that advantage. Many of the women I work with frequently struggle to find in-person instruction or support in their area.  Many have self taught because of a …

If we look at the four components of God’s love for us (free, total, faithful, fruitful) and compare God’s love to marital love, we can discover how to live the Sacrament of marriage as the ultimate expression of spousal love. Free: We need to be able love our spouse freely.  …

We have been teaching NFP for nearly 28 years.  We have volunteered much of our time preparing and teaching classes of many couples over the years, as well as lecturing to marriage prep courses and youth group meetings, but let me share with you what we have gotten out of …

 My girlfriends run the gamut of being the long-skirted, homeschooling Catholic types to the secular-moral-code-but-loving kind. In comparing one end of the spectrum to the other there is a huge difference between how both groups decide when to start and stop having kids. No, this post is not a manifesto …

Congratulations to our friends at Dignitatas Magazine on the launch of their wonderful Summer Issue. If you haven’t yet discovered this wonderful, free online treasure by publishers Abby & Catherine Pelicano, here’s a bit of their “purpose statement”: The purpose of Dignitas Magazine is to seek the truth about womanhood as God intended …

It’s NFP Awareness Week! What better time to discuss some easy ways we can use our daily technology to share about something we care about? We are so extremely connected in today’s world that the reach to go from you to just about anybody you can think of is remarkably …

Editor’s note: Today, we share a “classic” column by contributor Ellen Gable Hrkach. This column first ran in May, 2010. I would like to thank Ellen for being such a special part of the Catholic Mom family for the past two (plus!) years. She never ceases to offer quick and …

Goodness Reigns Contest Draws Attention To Timely Topic Of Family Planning Non-Profit Names Judges’ Favorite Video; Asks Viewers To Decide On Their Pick LOUISVILLE, July 17, 2012 – It’s the public’s turn to vote for its favorite video now that the judges for the GOODNESS REIGNS Mini Contest entitled “Natural Family Planning: The …

I celebrated my birthday recently. My biggest wish was to celebrate with my five sons ages 13-24. A few of them are no longer living at home so I was thrilled that they were all able to be with me. Never far from my thoughts, however, were those seven precious …

Goodness Reigns Launches Its First ‘Mini Contest’ on Natural Family Planning Effort Seeks to Increase Awareness of the NFP Lifestyle and Its Benefits for Couples, Society LOUISVILLE, May 18, 2012 – It’s green. It’s scientific. It’s holistic and builds strong marriages. Explore these and other reasons for Natural Family Planning – …