Congratulations on your engagement! Please be ensured of our prayers as you prepare for marriage. For those getting married in the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, a Natural Family Planning Introductory Session is required.
We suggest attending the session at least 3-6 months prior to your wedding to allow time for learning and practicing the method. Ideally the sooner you start learning, the better!
Here is a quick guide for registering for an Intro Session and beginning to learn about NFP.
What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?
NFP is the general title for the scientific, natural, and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples avoid or achieve pregnancy. It is a system of understanding a couple’s combined fertility through observation of naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
Choosing a Method of NFP
There are four methods of NFP taught in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. All are Church-approved ways to monitor fertility, but they vary when it comes to how they track ovulation, how it is recorded, and how often you follow up with a teacher. We highly recommend choosing the method that you think will work best for you with your lifestyle and preferences!
Find an Introductory NFP Session
Each method regularly hosts introductory sessions. Please choose the method that you think will best fit your lifestyle and preferences. The schedule and registration information can be found by following the link below. The intro course is often taught in a group setting, but subsequent follow ups with an instructor are conducted privately (method dependent).
NFP vs. Contraception
Ever wondered how natural family planning methods actually compare to methods of contraception? There are multiple factors to consider: effectiveness, side effects, participation of the man and woman, etc. We worked with local physicians to create these comprehensive charts and graphics to easily compare.
Glossary of Frequently Used Terms
As you begin to learn NFP, there may be some terms that you are unfamiliar with. You can always ask your NFP instructor for more information, but in the meantime here is a glossary with key terms and phrases you might hear as you learn your chosen method.
More Information
Below is additional information that you might find helpful as you begin learning NFP and practicing your chosen method. Please explore our website for resources, stories from other couples, and NFP provider profiles. We regularly add new content that we hope will educate and encourage you and your future spouse. Follow us on social media (Instagram and Facebook) to stay up-to-date!
NFP is the loving choice that respects marriage, respects women, and respects God. Hear from real couples and medical professionals why they think NFP is the natural choice and is good for you: mind, body and soul.
Contact Us
Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Natural Family Planning
Alli Coiro, RN-BSN, CFCP, Director
Tel: 314.997.7576
stlnfp@archstl.org