The Implementation Process of the
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry

The Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry were developed for the bishops by a variety of experts in diocesan NFP programming and NFP science and methodology. In addition, diocesan NFP coordinators as well as national NFP providers were consulted to refine the text. Consequently, these standards offer a clear blueprint of essential elements which comprise strong NFP programming. The implementation process is therefore designed to assist the diocesan NFP coordinator to develop NFP programming according to local needs. Since diocesan NFP ministry exists in a variety of stages of development, NFP coordinators can use the Standards in three different ways to develop, strengthen, or validate their programs. These are:

Guide for Program Development

Internal Formal Process for Self-evaluation and Development

External Formal Process for Review, Development, and Validation
Endorsement of the Diocesan NFP Ministry
Certification of the Diocesan NFP Teacher
Approval of the NFP Teacher Training Program

Below the three different pathways are described. Forms are included where relevant.
 


Guide for Diocesan NFP Ministry Program Development

Using the forms listed below under Endorsement and Certification, take individual sections of the Standards to devise goals to reach. The forms are organized in steps that can help the diocesan NFP coordinator focus attention on specific areas of program development, one step at a time. This will help build and strengthen the diocesan NFP program.
 


Internal Formal Process for Diocesan NFP Ministry
Self-evaluation and Development

An internal formal process for program development requires the diocesan NFP coordinator to commit to ensuring that each element of sections one, two, and three of the Standards exists in the diocesan NFP program.

Using the forms listed below under Endorsement and Certification will help the NFP coordinator document how this growth progresses. Working with specific goals to meet in a set period of time can also move the program to greater development. It is helpful to also include a small group of  diocesan NFP advisors who can assist the coordinator to meet these internal goals. The advisors can be drawn from diocesan NFP  teachers and local experts.

 


External Formal Process for Diocesan NFP Ministry
Review, Development, and Validation

The external formal process of implementation of the Standards involves a third party review of individual programs. The third party is a Board of Review assigned by the USCCB's NFP Program assistant director. This process is only for diocesan NFP coordinators and their programs and directors of NFP teacher training programs (diocesan and non-diocesan).

Diocesan NFP coordinators and directors of NFP teaching programs who wish to undertake the external formal review are asked to first read the specific processes described below with their accompanying forms. They are also encouraged to contact the USCCB's NFP Program to discuss their application before beginning the process.

Both the diocesan and the teacher training processes make use of specific forms accompanied with requested documentation.This documentation will be submitted to the USCCB's NFP Program through an appointed NFP mentor or Board of Review.

Upon successful completion of the review, the following awards are granted for a period of five years:

  • "Endorsement" of the Diocesan NFP Program
     
  • "Certification" of the diocesan NFP teacher
    Please note: Before applying for certification according to the Standards, teachers are expected to already hold NFP method certification (e.g., BOMA, CCL, Creighton FertilityCare, Marquette Model, etc.). In addition,teachers must also apply "through" an already Endorsed diocesan NFP program.
     
  • "Approval" of the NFP teacher training program
    Please Note: An NFP teacher training program may be diocesan or non-diocesan. Dioceses that apply for Endorsement do not have to create their own NFP teacher training programs; however, an Endorsed diocesan NFP program is required to use an Approved NFP teacher training program.

When ready to implement the Standards and apply for Endorsement or Approval, please contact the USCCB's Natural Family Planning Program at 202-541-3240 or @email. Teachers interested in USCCB NFP Program Certification, please contact your diocesan NFP coordinator.

 


External Review of Diocesan NFP Ministry

The Endorsement of the
Diocesan NFP Program

The external review of the diocesan NFP ministry program by a Board of Review that is assigned by the USCCB's NFP Program staff includes the steps listed below. The diocesan NFP coordinator will:

  • Obtain the support of the diocesan bishop to apply to the USCCB's NFP Program for the Endorsement review.
     
  • Contact the USCCB NFP Program at 202-541-3240 or nfp@usccb.org to begin the process and be assigned an NFP mentor who will assist in the process.
     
  • Review the Standards Sections One, Two, and Three.

    Note: Section Two and Three relate to the diocesan NFP teacher. Although it is prudent to complete the Endorsement process before beginning the Certification process, the diocesan NFP coordinator may wish to invite local NFP teachers to a meeting about the Standards. It will be important for the teachers to understand that the Standards are different from NFP method certification. The Standards represent a pastoral approach to NFP services. And, teachers can enter into the process by beginning the teacher self-evaluation form (see below) while the NFP coordinator is completing the Endorsement process.
     
  • Review the forms for Endorsement and Certification (see below).

    Note: The diocesan NFP coordinator will demonstrate how his/her NFP ministry meets Sections One and Three of the Standards. The NFP mentor can assist with questions that may arise per each form (or "steps") in the process.
     
  • When the forms are completed, the assigned NFP mentor will send them to the USCCB's NFP Program and request the Board of Review evaluation. The NFP mentor will represent the diocesan NFP program in the review.
     
  • Upon successful review, the diocesan NFP ministry will be awarded Endorsement.

    Note: Endorsement is given for five years after which a simple renewal form (see below) will have to be completed and sent to the USCCB's NFP Program for review. When successfully completed, the award of Endorsement will be granted for another five year period.

The following forms with documentation are to be completed by the diocesan NFP coordinator. The forms correspond to Sections One and Three of the Standards. They are grouped by content and comprise steps to review and evaluate specific content and services. Although they can be used in any order, it is recommended that Step One is undertaken first to ensure that the mission of the ministry is clear and that attainable goals and objectives are identified.

Endorsement Renewal
The award of Endorsement is active for five years. Please use the form below to apply for renewal.

Policy on Failure of Compliance for Endorsement

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Certification of Diocesan NFP Teachers

"Certification" is the award given to the diocesan NFP teacher who meets Sections Two and Three of the Standards. Certification according to the Standards is different from NFP method certification. It is a pastoral certification which integrates the NFP teacher into the diocesan NFP ministry team. All NFP teachers applying for Standards Certification must be certified in an authentic NFP method. Diocesan NFP teachers must integrate the appropriate Church teaching (see the Standards, Section III, B.1) in their instruction to support the mission of the diocesan NFP ministry.

As a first step when following the external formal review, NFP coordinators of Endorsed diocesan NFP programs should invite all local NFP teachers to apply for Standards Certification. NFP teachers may also directly contact the diocesan NFP coordinator and request that they apply for the certification.

Unlike the Endorsement process above, the Certification process requires the diocesan NFP coordinator to oversee the application of each NFP teacher. For the diocesan NFP coordinator, this process will foster a thorough understanding of each NFP teacher in the diocese in addition to learning how the teacher meets the Standards.

As noted above, the Standards Certification process can begin while the diocesan NFP coordinator moves through the Endorsement process. Holding a special meeting to explain the process and pastoral importance of meeting the Standards will help NFP teachers understand the difference between their method certification and that of the Standards.

Steps in the Standards Certification process:

  • The diocesan NFP coordinator invites local NFP teachers to apply for Standards Certification.

    Note: Individual NFP teachers can contact their local diocesan NFP coordinator to request application.
     
  • The diocesan NFP coordinator creates a file on the teacher and begins to complete the Application for NFP Teacher Certification per each teacher applying for Standards Certification.
     
  • The diocesan NFP coordinator gives the teacher the Diocesan NFP Teacher Self-Study form .

    Note: This form is self-paced. It is recommended that the diocesan NFP coordinator and the teacher decide upon a deadline for the form to be completed.
     
  • The diocesan NFP coordinator schedules a time to observe the teacher.

    Using the Diocesan NFP Teacher Observation form , the NFP coordinator reviews and documents the teacher's NFP class.

    Note: The teacher observation can be done virtually.
     
  • After the teacher observation, the diocesan NFP coordinator meets with the NFP teacher to review the self-evaluation and the observation.
     
  • Upon successful completion of the self-study and observation, the diocesan NFP coordinator completes the teacher application and sends it to the USCCB's NFP Program requesting the award of Certification.

    The USCCB's NFP Program awardes Certification to the NFP teacher. It is active for five years.

Certification Renewal

The award of Certification is active for five years. Please use the form below to apply for renewal when a teacher's Certification expires. 

Policy on Failure of Certification Compliance

 


Approval of NFP Teacher Training Programs

"Approval" is the award given to the NFP teacher training program that meets Sections III and IV of the Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry. An NFP teacher training program may be diocesan or non-diocesan. Directors of NFP teacher training programs may apply for Approval.

For teacher training program directors

  • The formal review means that the NFP teacher training program will have to demonstrate how it meets sections four and three of the Standards. The award given when these sections are met is that of Approval.
     
  • For the secular NFP teacher training  program, it is possible to meet some of the standards. This award is called "Standard Specific Approval."

The following forms with documentation are to be completed by the director of an NFP teacher training program

Upon the successful completion of the review process, the NFP teacher training program is given the award of Approval. It is active for five years.

Renewal of Approval
When the award of Approval expires five years from the date of issue, the NFP teacher training program leaders are requested to apply for renewal by completing the form below.

Policy on Failure of Compliance for Approval