Thursday, 16 August 2012 13:49

A Master Teacher Institute to train natural family planning teachers was held in conjunction with the Midwest Catholic Family Conference, Aug. 3-5.
Participating were Martina Holmes (trainer), Deanna Rico, St. Margaret Mary, Wichita; Chrissa Webster, St. James, Augusta; Ellie Kissling, St. Catherine of Siena, Wichita; Martha Brown, Liberal, Kan.; Secilia Owens, Ponca City, Okla.; Joanne and Gary Stuchlik, Holy Family, Marion; Jenna and Luke White, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Wichita; and Judith and Gerald Leonard of Wichita (trainers).
“It is no secret that many Catholics have not entirely received the teaching contained in the encyclical, Humanae Vitae,” says Bishop Michael O. Jackels.
“There are many factors involved, for example, a lack of understanding of the evils of artificial means of birth control, as well as the moral difference between these and natural family planning. It is also not well known how natural family planning works both to help married couples practice responsible parenthood and to enhance their relationship.”
Family of the Americas foundation provided a grant for the training. The new teachers will serve their parishes and communities. Natural family planning methods were scientifically refined over two generations ago and have many advantages for the married couple.  
Couples using contraception may unknowingly treat each other more like an object than a person over time research shows. But couples practicing NFP understand they are cooperating with God while always leaving open the possibility that God might bless them with a child.