Coincides with National NFP Week, the Feasts of Sts. Joachim and Anne, and the anniversary of Humanae Vitae.
Opening Prayer
O God, who adorn creation with splendor and beauty
and fashion human lives in your image and likeness
awaken in every heart
reverence for the work of your hands,
and renew among your people
a readiness to nurture and susatain
your precious gift of human life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(from the collect “For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” Option B; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)Scripture
Catechism 2270-2275; 2292-2296 ; 2366-2372; 2373-2379;
Compendium 456-460; 472-480
Archdiocese of Dubuque NFP page
USCCB page on reproductive technologies
USCCB page on Natural Family Planning
NFP Week from USCCB
Catechesis video questions
Grades 7-12
Faith-sharing groups/Parishioners
Parish Leadership/Committees
Witness Video
Catholics and the Catholic Church are often described as being “anti-science”. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is especially so when it comes to the science of reproductive health. Just as we saw earlier this year the advances in medicine from adult stem cell research done by the Catholic Church and scientists working according to the Catholic faith, we find that there are many scientific based alternatives to IVF and other reproductive treatments.
Natural Family Planning is one scientifically proven method that does not only help families spread out pregnancies but can also help couples conceive.
Watch the videos below and learn about another method of scientific treatment as well as the stories of those who lived through and with infertility. For more videos like this one go to dbqarch.org/nfp
Witness Video Questions
Grades 7-12
Faith-sharing groups/Parishioners
Parish Leadership/Committees
Take Action
Grades 7-12
Faith-sharing groups/Parishioners
Parish Leadership/Committees
Closing prayer
Good parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grandparents of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
When life seems barren, help us to trust in God’s mercy.
When we are confused, help us to find the way to God.
When we are lost in the desert, lead us to those whom God has called us to love.
When our marriage seems lifeless, show us the eternal youth of the Lord.
When we are selfish, teach us to cling only to that which lasts.
When we are afraid, help us to trust in God.
When we are ashamed, remind us that we are God’s children.
When we sin, lead us to do God’s will.
You who know God’s will for husband and wife, help us to live chastely.
You who know God’s will for the family, keep all families close to you.
You who suffered without children, intercede for all infertile couples.
You who trusted in God’s will, help us to respect God’s gift of fertility.
You who gave birth to the Blessed Mother, inspire couples to be co-creators with God.
You who taught the Mother of God, teach us to nurture children in holy instruction.
You whose hearts trusted in God, hear our prayers for . . . (mention your requests here)
Pray with us for the ministry of Catholic family life.
Pray with us for the ministry of Natural Family Planning.
Pray with us for all who give their time, talent and treasure to this good work. (1)
God of our fathers, you gave Saints Anne and Joachim
the privilege of being the parents of Mary,
the mother of your incarnate Son.
May their prayers help us to attain
the salvation you have promised to your people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. (2)
Amen