Church Teaching

Charting with Purpose

God has a purpose for each of us in our marriage vocation. NFP follows His design by respecting fertility as a gift. The Catholic Church teaches that intercourse in its nature is both unitive and procreative. It also notes that not every act of intercourse is designed to bring about life. Using NFP requires periods of abstinence that can help a couple to grow in love in ways apart from intercourse. In practicing this method, you will more intimately come to know the plans God has for you in your vocation while also growing in unity with each other.

Church Documents

Humanae Vitae

In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical *Humanae Vitae*, which outlined the Catholic Church’s position on birth regulation. In it, he condemned practices such as hormonal contraceptives, birth control, abortion, and sterilization as violations of God’s natural moral law. He advocated for natural family planning through awareness of a woman's fertility cycles, emphasizing that periodic abstinence is in harmony with God’s will and is the only morally acceptable method of regulating birth.

Read the Document HERE

Theology of the Body

Between September 1979 and November 1984, Pope John Paul II delivered a series of 129 Wednesday audiences known as the *Theology of the Body*. In these talks, he explored profound themes regarding the human person as a reflection of God's image, emphasizing the significance of spousal intimacy in participating in the creation of life. He taught that the human body is a means through which God reveals His mysteries and intentions for humanity. Drawing from Scripture, he outlined the vocations of marriage, priesthood, and consecrated life, illustrating how each reflects a unique aspect of God’s plan. Several books have compiled these teachings and are available for those interested in learning more.

Resources