Contents

• Preface
  
  
• Definitions
  
  
• Teacher Training Programs
  
  
• Appendix - "In Their Own Words"

Preface

This directory provides basic information on services provided by Natural Family Planning teacher training programs in the United States. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the term for fertility education methods designed to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. NFP methods are compatible with the teachings of the Catholic Church because they respect the unitive and procreative nature of conjugal relations. In the words of Pope John Paul II, NFP methods are "a valuable help to responsible parenthood, in which all individuals, and in the first place the child, are recognized and respected in their own right and where every decision is guided by the ideal of the sincere gift of self." (Evangelium vitae, #88)

The effectiveness of NFP methods for achieving or avoiding pregnancy rely upon three factors: the competency of the teacher; how well the couple learns the information; and a couple's motivation to follow specific guidelines according to their family planning intention (i.e., achieving, spacing or limiting births). NFP methods are unique among family planning methods because their starting point is the acceptance of human fertility. Typically, modern science has sought to control births through manipulating human fertility. The word "contraception" reflects the typical scientific approach--to work against conception. NFP methods, on the other hand, do nothing to frustrate human fertility. These methods work with the biologically established fertility of men and women. Indeed, these methods go a step further than biology; they rely on couple behavior. Through the use of periodic abstinence as the means by which births are spaced in marriage, NFP requires that couples work together. Couples must understand their combined fertility in order to plan or avoid pregnancies. Spouses are therefore taught to think of their fertility in terms of "us" and "we"-not "I" or "you." This holistic approach to family planning gives NFP the distinction of being one of modern science's healthiest achievements.

Natural Family Planning teacher training programs may be local, regional, or national. Each program has its unique history with founders and pioneers that include both clergy and laity (see Appendix). Each of the schools included in this Directory offers standardized curricula. All provide objective evaluations of the trainees' knowledge and teaching skills. Most have some form of supervised practicum whereby the teacher candidate is directed and observed while they teach new clients. Most have implemented the bishops' Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry and are part of that national system of accountability. All provide education in authentic NFP. For additional information, please contact the programs directly.


Definitions

Natural Family Planning
Methods for achieving and avoiding pregnancies that are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. Couples using natural family planning methods to avoid pregnancy, abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.

Natural Family Planning reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life and the value of the child. By complementing the love-giving and life-giving nature of marriage, Natural Family Planning can enrich the bond between husband and wife.

National Standards
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1990

Ovulation Method (OM)
The observation of cervical mucus to determine fertility and infertility is the basis of the Ovulation Method (OM). This method was first developed by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings of Australia. In the 1970s the World Health Organization attached the name "Billings" as a synonym to indicate the authentic OM when the system created by the Billings is strictly observed. Today, a variety of approaches to the observation of cervical mucus exists, yet the term "OM" is often used as a popular reference to the natural methods which make use of the observation (seeing and/or sensing) of cervical mucus.

Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)
A multi-indexed method of Natural Family Planning. The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) charts the primary signs of fertility; waking body temperature (Basal-Body Temperature), and cervical mucus. The secondary signs of fertility (breast tenderness, cervical changes, etc.) are also charted. This methodology is based on work of various scientists including Billings, Doering, Keefe, Prem, Roetzer, and Vollman. Many schools of STM exist.

Approved
"Approved" indicates that an NFP teacher training program has been evaluated and meets the bishops' Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry. According to the Standards, "An Approved NFP teacher training program may be local, regional, or national. It uses a formal curriculum and maintains competent faculty. It provides a supervised practicum, including an objective evaluation of its trainees' knowledge and teaching skills."

NFP teacher training programs can elect to take part in the national system of the bishops' Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry by either meeting some (standard specific) or all (comprehensive) of the items in Section IV of the Standards.

NFP Teacher Training Programs

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON
NFP TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET

Mary Finnigan, Coordinator
Natural Family Planning
Family Life Office
2121 Commonwealth Avenue
Brighton, MA 02135-3193
(617) 746-5800
(617) 783-5642 FAX
Web Page: www.rcab.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Classes provided over weekends.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   On-site training includes lecture, independent study, role-playing, quizzes, discussion, practice teaching and final exam. A final grade of 90% is required.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum of instruction to a minimum of six clients in a series of classes to be completed within six months of completing Phase II.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   After successful completion of the practicum, certification is granted for an indefinite period of time. However, if there is a prolonged lapse in teaching, a continuing education requirement and an additional supervised practicum would be required. Personal use of NFP for a period of one year prior to teacher training is also required.
   
   
5. Fees
   Contact director.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   Program is affiliated with the New England NFP Association.

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK
NFP TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGE
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET *

Karen Doyle, Coordinator
Holy Name Hospital
NFP Office
718 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, N.J. 07666
(201) 833-3121
FAX (201) 837-7551
E-Mail: kdoyle@holyname.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

1. Instruction Time
   20 contact hours.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Various sites, includes lecture, independent study and final exam.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of teaching for four months with an experienced teaching couple.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is through hospital based training program. Recertification is necessary if the teacher has been inactive for a period of time.
   
   
5. Fees
   No charge.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   Member of the New Jersey Alliance for NFP.

ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
NFP TEACHER TRAINING

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET

Director
Natural Family Planning Office
P.O. Box 29260
Washington, D.C. 20017
(301) 853-4563
(301) 853-7670 FAX
E-Mail: nfp@adw.org
Web Page: www.adw.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

1. Instruction Time
   One year.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Four days classroom instruction, observation of experienced teachers, teaching under supervision, presentation of portfolio of thirty-six charts and final exam.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum includes teaching under the supervision of experienced teachers.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Successful completion of the above requirements leads to certification, which is indefinite. Teachers are required to teach a minimum of two series per year.
   
   
5. Fees
   No cost for teachers in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. The fee can be negotiated for those interested in becoming teachers from outside the diocese.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   Member of the Maryland/D.C. NFP Providers Association.

BILLINGS OVULATION METHOD ASSOCIATION
(BOMA)

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGE *
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Kay Ek, President
BOMA-USA
316 North 7th Street
St. Cloud, MN 56303-3631
(320) 252-2100
(888) NFP-NFPI
(320) 252-2877 FAX
E-mail: kek@gw.stcdio.org

OVULATION METHOD (OM) (BOMA provides training in the authentic Billings Ovulation Method.)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   40 contact hours.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. Training is scheduled at various locations throughout the United States. Faculty is primarily comprised of BOMA master teachers and occasionally includes guest teachers. Teaching format includes lecture, independent study, discussions, group activities and exams. Teacher candidates must score a minimum of 90% on the final exam.
      
      
   2. The teacher candidate must have charted and used the Billings Ovulation Method for at least six months prior to teacher training. If unable to do so, the candidate must philosophically accept the principles of BOMA-USA. Users of other NFP methodologies must chart the Billings Ovulation Method for a minimum of three months prior to teacher training.
      
      
   3. Materials are available in Spanish.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of a 6-9 month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of 8 to 10 client/couples in a variety of reproductive circumstances. When possible, the practicum includes a one day site visit by the teacher candidate's supervisor or other members of the BOMA Education Committee. When a site visit is not possible, the teacher candidate will submit an audio or videotape of the presentation and follow-up with chart review to the supervisor. A final examination is given.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Following successful completion of the above, the teacher candidate receives certification which is valid for three years.
   
   Certification is renewed upon submission and review of annual reports which include a summary of teacher-client instructional, outreach, and continuing education activities. Recertification testing is required before recertification is granted. Teachers are expected to attend a BOMA conference at least once every three years.
   
   
5. Fees
   $500 per person/$600 per couple, materials included.
   
   
6. Publications:
   A newsletter, Billings Ovulation Method Association News (BOMA News) is available to members as well as the quarterly publication from Drs. John and Lyn Billings, Bulletin of the Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia.
   
   BOMA-USA has the U.S. publishing rights to Teaching the Billings Ovulation Method, Variations of the Cycle and Reproductive Health (for teachers) and The Billings Ovulation Method (booklet for clients).
   
   Additional books, videos, audio tapes and handouts are also available.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   BOMA is the United States representative of the World Organization of the Ovulation Method Billings International (WOOMB) and the coordinating office of Billings Method teachers in the United States. Questions regarding medical aspects are referred to designated physicians. Biennial continuing education conferences are regularly held in various locations throughout the United States.

COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE
(CCL)

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGE *
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Mark Hayden, Director
P. O. Box 111184
Cincinnati, OH 45211-1184
or
4290 Delhi Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 471-2000
(513) 557-2449 FAX
E-mail: ccli@ccli.org
Web Page: www.ccli.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

*APPROVED for training in the content areas of Church Teaching and NFP Methodology according to Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Contingent upon the teacher candidates' progress in self-study.
   
   Typically, teacher candidates complete the certification process in six to twelve months. Maximum flexibility for the teacher candidates to proceed at their own pace is a hallmark of the CCL format. Historically, teacher certification time has varied from three months to over a year. Teachers may train in on-site training seminars comprised of two weekends totaling a minimum of 32 contact hours. These seminars are scheduled four to six weeks apart.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   
   1. Self-study using a specifically designed teacher's curriculum which includes evaluation instruments.
      
      
   2. With regard to evaluations: some teacher candidates complete tests at home; others take the testing phase through two weekend Teacher Training Seminars. These are usually conducted by CCL's Director of Teacher Training in areas which have a sufficient number of teacher candidates ready to enter the testing phase.
      
      
   3. Training and materials offered in a number of languages including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Hungarian and Czech. In the U.S., training is currently limited to English and Spanish.
   
   
3. Practicum
   An observed practicum by experienced teachers is provided whenever possible.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Before certification can be awarded, teacher candidates must demonstrate that they can: 1) recognize a given situation; 2) select the correct rule and/or give the appropriate counsel; and 3) do this consistently. Certification is granted when the teacher candidates demonstrate 100% proficiency in applying the rules. Additional testing is available for candidate couples who need more practice to achieve the required proficiency.
   
   Initial certification is for three years. Recertification is automatic upon request for couples who have been actively teaching. Recertification testing is required for those who have been inactive for two years. Instructors must teach a minimum of two series per year.
   
   
5. Fees
   No fees charged to the teacher candidate couple for the teacher training course. A cost for materials is approximately $50.
   
   
6. Publications
   A national newsletter, CCL Foundations is available for subscription. A fully developed list of publications including books, brochures, and audio/visual materials is available upon request. These resources include information on breast-feeding, natural child spacing, theology, nutrition, marriage preparation and a virtue based curriculum for children.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   CCL is an NFP teacher training organization which equips its teachers not only with NFP methodology, but also with a program to implement. CCL has a structure which keeps each teaching couple in contact with CCL headquarters. Chapters of CCL teachers are often formed in local areas. Although a distinct organization, CCL programing is compatible with diocesan NFP ministry.
   
   CCL charges a client education course fee of $55. For clients who cannot attend a class, a fee of $59.95 is charged for the comprehensive Home Study course.
   
   CCL promotes a full program of mother/child bonding through education in ecological breast feeding.

DIOCESE OF ERIE NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGE
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET

Ed and Barbara Burkett, Co-Directors
429 East Grandview Boulevard
Erie, PA 10397
(800) 374-3723 x259

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

1. Instruction Time
   40 plus hours of classroom instruction.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Lecture, class discussion, reading assignments, student reports.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A supervised practicum is required consisting of 6-10 clients (minimum) taught over a six month period of time.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is awarded at completion of training. There is no recertification process.
   
   
5. Fees
   Contact Director.
   
   
6. Publications
   Quarterly newsletter for all couples taught and teachers.

DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Stella Kitchen, Director
P. O. Box 3557
4800 Union Deposit Road
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717)-657-4804 x322
(717)-657-4041 FAX
(717)-624-9333 FAX-Home Office
E-mail: skitchen@hbgdiocese.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Four full days, offered either on four consecutive days or two separate weekends. One scheduled training session per year or on an as need basis.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. On site with residential accommodations. Faculty will travel to other locations at the expense of the teacher candidate's diocese. Format includes lecture, independent study, quizzes and final exam.
      
      
   2. A 90% grade is required on all tests but teacher candidate can be retested in any areas of deficiency. At the conclusion of the training session the teacher candidate is required to provide a practice teaching session to faculty.
   
   
3. Practicum
   Practicum consists of a six month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of four clients.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is granted to teacher candidates who have attained a minimum of 90% on all tests, have demonstrated an ability to teach the method with confidence, and have completed the supervised practicum.
   
   Recertification is granted after three years based on review of client records and in person (or in the case of out of State graduates, by phone) interview with the director. Harrisburg teachers are required to attend a minimum of one in-service per year, other graduates should strive to attend relevant enrichment programs.
   
   
5. Fees
   $300 per person/$350 per couple for tuition, accommodations additional if required.

DIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO NFP PROGRAM

HOMESTUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGE *
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET *

Henrietta O'Connor
2718 West Woodlawn
San Antonio, TX 78228-0410
(210) 734-2620 X 213
(210) 734-2774 FAX
E-mail: hoconnor@archdiosa.org
Web Page: www.archdiosa.org

OVULATION METHOD (OM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Classroom study is a total of 36 hours.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. On-Site Training
      Includes lecture, independent study, reading, role playing, practice teaching, and exams.
      
      
   2. Teacher training is in English and in Spanish upon request.
   
   
3. Practicum
   The practicum consists of a supervised observation of the teacher candidate teaching two classes (with different supervisors) and conducting two separate follow-ups (with 3-5 couples each). The practicum also includes:
   
   
   1. submission of class outline for approval;
      
      
   2. instruction of a class with certified instructor (optional);
      
      
   3. instruction of a class under supervision of teacher trainer;
      
      
   4. two follow-up sessions conducted under supervision of teacher trainer;
      
      
   5. documentation on ten clients with different reproductive circumstances from initial class through autonomy.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Evaluation - once a year to maintain current certification.
   
   Optional participation in workshops and/or conferences when funds are available.
   
   
5. Fees
   $200 per person/$300 per couple
   $115 for materials

DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO
NFP TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGE *
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET *

Dr. Terence McGoldrick, Director
P.O. Box 85728
San Diego, CA 92186
(858) 490-8212
(858) 490-8272 FAX
E-mail: tmcgoldrick@diocese-sdiego.org
Web Page: www.diocese-sdiego.org

OVULATION METHOD (OM)
& SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   15 hours of lecture.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Lectures and modules with self-study guides.
   
   
3. Practicum
   The required supervised practicum is approximately 120 hours. It includes following a minimum of 10 clients in a variety of reproductive categories for a period of six months.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is based upon successful completion of all requirements and is issued at the completion of the program.
   
   
5. Fees
   $40 per person/$60 per couple plus materials.
   
   
6. Publications
   Curriculum module available by special request.

FAMILY OF THE AMERICAS FOUNDATION
(FAF)

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGES *
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Mercedes Wilson, Executive Director
P.O.Box 1170
Dunkirk, MD 20754-1170
(301) 627-3346
(301) 627-0847 FAX
(800) 443-3395
E-email: family@upbeat.com
Web Page: www.familyplanning.net

OVULATION METHOD (OM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   8-12 months.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   The Master Teacher Training Institutes ordinarily include a full week of lectures, films, workshops, question and answer sessions, independent study, and practice teaching. There are three different options offered for teacher training:
   
   
   1. Master Teacher Training Institutes.
      Given periodically at the home office in Dunkirk, MD, a minimum of 6-10 teacher candidates is required for a course to be scheduled.
      
      
   2. On site Master Teacher Institutes are provided upon request.
      
      
   3. The Master Teacher Institute Correspondence Course.
      This format allows the student to study at his/her own pace. Accompanying videos correspond with the 15 unit MTI Training Manual.
   
   
3. Practicum
   Each instructor will complete a supervised practicum. This practicum must include instruction and follow-up of a minimum of six-ten couples/clients for at least six months each. Monthly practicum forms on each client are required, as is a monthly call to the office to confer with the supervisor. An on-site monitoring visit is required during the practicum.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is based on successful completion of all requirements including a 90% or higher grade on the 350 question exam. Any questions missed must be retaken so that FAF is confident that newly certified teachers are fully qualified.
   
   Certification must be renewed every three years. Teachers are sent updated and enrichment information and must pass the recertification examination with a grade of 90% or higher.
   
   
5. Fees
   MTI training course is $750 per teacher. Teacher candidates who attend the institute at the FAM office are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging.
   
   Additional fees covering transportation, food, and lodging of faculty, plus $100 per day, per faculty teaching fees are charged when the Institute is held on location in a diocese.
   
   Teacher candidates who select the correspondence course pay an extra $39 shipping and handling which includes the shipment of all materials and videotaped lectures. All participants must also pay for client materials needed during the practicum, phone calls required to the central office, and the supervision visit.
   
   
6. Publications
   FAF is known for producing innovative client texts that are designed to make the Ovulation Method accessible to couples of all cultures and educational levels. The Love and Fertility text, video or chart have been translated into more than 21 languages including English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Ukrainian, Italian, Korean and Arabic.
   
   FAF has developed not only the Charting Coach interactive computer program and Nature's Method CD-ROM, but also hosts a web page on the Internet (NFP.NET) from which questions can be answered, programs downloaded, and materials ordered.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   Teacher training aids are available in several languages. The correspondence course can be selected in English or Spanish.

FAMILY LIFE PROMOTION, INC. OF NEW YORK

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET

Carmen and Jean Fallace, Co-Directors
60 Virginia Avenue
Lake Grove, NY 11755
(631) 981-1971 (FAX same)
E-Mail: fallace@aol.com
Web Page: www.familylifepromotion.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

1. Instruction Time
   40 plus hours, up to three years before certification is granted.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Classroom instruction weekend seminars, and/or home study with formal exams administered for certification. An exam score of 75% must be attained before temporary certification is granted and 90% before permanent certification.
   
   
3. Practicum
   The practicum generally lasts for two years. New teachers are paired with certified teaching couples.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Three types of certification are available:
   
   
   1. Attendance -- Awarded after completing the basic program for teachers. Any candidate may receive this certification and is qualified to teach only fertility awareness within the context of chastity education.
      
      
   2. Temporary -- Awarded to married couples practicing NFP after completing the basic program for teacher certification. This certification is valid for one year and is issued to practicing teachers.
      
      
   3. Permanent -- Awarded to married couples practicing NFP after completing all course requirements. Three class series and a minimum of twelve couples per year must be taught before certification is granted.
   
   
5. Fees
   Contact director.
   
   
6. Publications
   Manuals for administrators, teaching couples and student couples.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   Teachers must be married and when possible, teach as a couple.

FERTILITY CARE^TM CENTER of KANSAS CITY
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Phyllis A. White, CNFPE, Director
1312 NW Fairway Circle
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(913) 384-1000 OR (816) 229-1473
FAX: (816) 229-3390
E-Mail: pwhite@discoverynet.com

OVULATION METHOD
(Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM System)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

ACCREDITED by the American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP).

The Natural Family Planning Practitioner (NFPP):
This 13 month program covers basic and advanced instruction for NFP teachers. It includes two education phases, two supervised practica and an on-site visit. Only the educational phases are done on campus. All other educational services are provided through an innovative system of long distance supervision and on-site visitation.

1. Instruction Time
   Education Phase I: Eight day course. Supervised Practicum I, six months.
   
   Education Phase II: Six days advanced teaching skills; Supervised Practicum II, seven months (includes on site visitation by a faculty member).
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. Education Phases I and II include lecture, group & individual study, as well as exams.
      
      
   2. Supervised Practica I and II are structured faculty supervised experiences which involve direct client teaching at the student's home location.
      
      
   3. Final Examination: both programs include a professionally administered final examination. A grade of 75% or better is required.
      
      
   4. This program is based in Kansas City, MO; however, on-site programs can be arranged.
   
   
3. Practicum
   
   1. Supervised practicum I (6 months) is designed to develop basic NFP teaching skills.
      
      
   2. Supervised practicum II (7 months) is designed to develop advanced NFP teaching skills involving management of infertility, chronic discharges, unusual bleeding, advanced behavioral issues, pregnancy evaluations, advanced case management, etc.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Upon successful passing of the final examination, the new teacher receives a certificate of satisfactory completion. After an additional field service year, the teacher becomes eligible to apply for professional certification by the AANFP (see F below).
   
   
5. Fees
   $2,100 covers tuition, texts and teaching supplies. In Kansas City, the room and board is $40 per day. On-site visit, transportation and one night's lodging is at the student's expense.
   
   
6. American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP)
   The AANFP is the accreditating body for the Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM Centers. It is also responsible for certifying CrMFC teachers and medical consultants. All teacher training programs accreditated by the AANFP meet the bishops' Standards.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   Continuing education units are available for nurses.

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING
INSTITUTE FOR NFP

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STADARDS MET

Dr. Richard F. Fehring, Director
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
(414) 288-3838
(414) 288-1939 FAX
E-Mail: richard.fehring@marquette.edu

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (Marquette Model)

1. Instruction Time
   32 hours of instruction time covering eight modules. Can be provided in 4-8 day sessions. Three graduate or undergraduate college credits or continuing education units offered.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Classroom didactic, practice charting, project paper required for college credit, mid-term and final examination.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A supervised practicum is required consisting of 6-10 clients (minimum) taught over a six month period of time. Oral and written case reports are required.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification of course completion from Marquette University College of Nursing is granted to students who have completed all theory and practicum requirements.
   
   
5. Fees
   Approximately $500 per college credit; $800 plus supplies for each continuing education course.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   Eligibility requirements for course include college level junior or college graduate. Basic college level course in anatomy and physiology recommended. Supervisory practicum limited to students or practitioners in health related fields. Faculty includes two NFP only obstetrician/gynecologists and a professor of theology. Supervisory faculty are all professional nurses.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING OF THE ALLEGHENIES

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Rosemarie Kiesewetter, Director
48 Seneca Ave.
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-3544

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Classroom study is concentrated into two weekends (10-12 hour days) but can be adapted to suit the individual teacher candidate.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. On-site training at scheduled locations in the region of Altoona, PA. Includes lecture, independent study, exams, and a practice teaching session.
      
      
   2. Home study is available.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of a six to twelve month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of six clients including follow-up until clients achieve autonomy. The practicum includes supervision by program director.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification is permanent. No formal process for recertification; however, teachers are expected to keep current. Should a prolonged lapse in teaching occur, teachers will be required to have an individual in-service with the director.
   
   
5. Fees
   Fees vary, dependent upon the location of the client. Contact the director.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING OF THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Rose Jacobs, Coordinator
Natural Family Planning
1031 Superior Ave.- Rm 531
Cleveland, OH 44114-2572
(216) 696-6525 Ext: 4290
(216) 781-8243 FAX
E-mail: rxjacobs@ccd.cle-dioc.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM) & OVULATION METHOD (OM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Forty-two hours of classroom study, comprised of six sessions, once per month, June through November.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   On-site training includes lecture, independent study, interactive work by students, and exams.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of a six to nine month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of six clients, supervised by authorized certified NFP Instructors.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Certification lasts for a period of one year. To be recertified, it is necessary to participate in an annual NFP seminar or its equivalent substitute, with approval by the NFP Coordinator.
   
   
5. Fees
   $450 per couple or $400 for one person. Additional $200 per couple or single registration for those outside the Diocese of Cleveland, due to unsubsidized costs. Accommodations are not provided.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   The Cleveland Training uses a locally developed syllabus and slides for both Ovulation Method and Sympto-Thermal Method. Students receive training in both methods, but are certified in only one method at a time. Each method requires a separate certification and supervised practicum.
   
   With regard to training sites: a member of the NFP faculty or Core Committee will travel to a diocese when invited to do so. Fees would be negotiated.

NORTHWEST FAMILY SERVICES, INC.

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGES *
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET *

Rose Fuller, Executive Director
4805 N.E. Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 215-6377
(503) 215-6940 FAX
E-Mail: nfs@nwfs.org
Web Page: www.nwfs.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Five days of classroom instruction including an additional forty to sixty hours for individual study.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   
   1. On site training in Portland or in a host diocese includes active learning style, lecture, independent study and exams.
      
      
   2. Independent study for correspondence course.
      
      
   3. Teaching materials are available in Spanish.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of a twelve to eighteen month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of ten to fifteen clients from a variety of reproductive categories.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Currently, there is no provision for recertification. There is an active and inactive status for certified teachers.
   
   
5. Fees
   $875 per person/$975 per couple (includes materials).
   $940 per person/$1,040 per couple (Spanish, includes materials).
   
   
6. Publications
   NWFS Update, a monthly teacher newsletter, and Stepping Stones, a quarterly client newsletter. Check web site for more information on programs and publications.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   Support for all teachers (in training or certified) includes consultation on difficult client cases.
   
   Client instruction is available in both English and Spanish. It includes lecture, learning activities, individual follow-up, and reading materials.
   
   All teachers are expected to submit an annual service delivery report.
   
   Affiliate programs are available.

PHOENIX NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CENTER, INC.

HOME STUDY *
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL *
STANDARDS MET

Peggy Frei, Director
400 North 30th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 225-0636
(602) 225-0175 FAX
E-Mail: phxnfp@aol.com
Web Page: www.phxnfp.org

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

1. Instruction Time
   25-30 contact hours.
   
   
2. Teaching Format
   Training is scheduled as needed. The format includes lecture, independent study, role-playing, practice teaching, quizzes and a final exam. A mentoring couple is assigned to the teacher candidate until supervised practicum is completed. There is a provision to train instructors through home study if they are in remote locations.
   
   
3. Practicum
   A required supervised practicum consists of an experienced teaching person/couple team teaching with the new instructor.
   
   
4. Certification/Recertification
   Following successful completion of the above requirements, the teacher candidate receives certification through the Phoenix NFP Center. Teachers are required to teach a minimum of two series per year. If the mentoring person/couple deems it necessary, the teacher candidate will receive additional training or supervision before certification.
   
   
5. Fees
   Contact director.
   
   
6. Miscellaneous
   Teacher training is available in English only; client instructional materials are available in both English and Spanish.

POPE PAUL VI INSTITUTE
CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITYCARE^TM EDUCATION PROGRAMS

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET *

Mary Korbe
Recruiting Coordinator
6901 Mercy Road
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 390-9168
(402) 390-9851 FAX
Web Page: www.popepaulvi.com

OVULATION METHOD (Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards.

1. Instruction Time
   Instructor (NFPI): Seven month program consisting of Education Phase 1 (an eight day course). Instructor must work with a local practitioner.
   
   Practitioner (NFPP): Thirteen month program consisting of Education Phase1 and Phase 2 (a six day course).
   NB: Prerequisite--2 years of college. Continuing Education Units are available for nurses.
   
   Medical Consultant: 6 month program consisting of Education Phase 1 and 2. Available to physicians.
   NB: Continuing Medical Education Units are offered.
   
   MD Consultant Practitioner: 13 month program consisting of Educational Phase 1 and 2. Available to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and pharmacists.
   NB: Continuing Medical Education Units are offered.
   
   Auditor: It is possible to audit the program with prior arrangements. This also may carry some Continuing Medical Education or Continuing Education Units.
   
   
2. Practicum
   Instructor: Supervised practicum through long distance supervision. No on-site visit.
   
   Practitioner: Two supervised practica through long distance supervision between phase 1 and phase 2 including an on-site visit.
   
   Medical Consultant: One supervised practicum between phase 1 and phase 2.
   
   MDl Consultant Practitioner: Two supervised practica through long distance supervision between phase 1 and phase 2 including an on-site visit.
   
   
3. Certification/Recertification
   Upon completion of the final examination, the student receives a Certificate of Completion from the Pope Paul VI Institute and Creighton University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education which is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
   
   A separate process for teacher certification is available from The American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP).
   
   
4. Fees
   Instructor: $1,345; 7 months training and supervision
   $ 450; textbooks and teaching materials
   
   Practitioner: $1,925; 13 months training and supervision
   $ 500; 1 year supply of textbooks and teaching materials
   
   Medical Consultant: $1,510 covers 7 months training and supervision
   $ 400 textbooks and materials
   
   MD Consultant/Practitioner: $2,225 covers 13 months training and supervision
   $ 650 textbooks and teaching
   
   Auditor: $ 75 per day without CEU's or CME's
   $ 90 per day with CEU's or CME's
   $ 200 textbooks--no teaching materials
   
   Room and Board: $ 145 per day, single occupancy
   $ 115 per day, per person, double occupancy
   
   
5. Publications
   A variety of technical resources notably The Medical Applications of Natural Family Planning, Thomas Hilgers, MD, OB/Gyn. A variety of brochures and other resources are available upon request.
   
   
6. American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP)
   The AANFP is the accreditating body for the Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM Centers. It is also responsible for certifying CrMFC teachers and medical consultants. All teacher training programs accreditated by the AANFP meet the bishops' Standards.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   All Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM System instructors are required to establish a FertilityCare^TM Center and affiliate with FertilityCare^TM Centers America. Affiliation fees are charged. The Pope Paul VI Institute also offers education for priests, religious, deacons, diocesan family life directors, NFP coordinators, pro-life directors and other interested lay and religious leaders.

ST. JOSEPH'S FERTILITY CARE CENTER
CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITYCARE^TM EDUCATION PROGRAMS

HOME STUDY
MULTI-LANGUAGES
WILL TRAVEL
STANDARDS MET *

Angelique Garcia, CNFPE
P.O. Box 25555
Albuquerque, NM 87125-0555
(505) 727-7882
(505) 727-7880 FAX

OVULATION METHOD
(Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM System)

APPROVED for training in all content areas of Section IV of the Standards

1. Instruction Time
   Instructor (NFPI): Seven month program consisting of Education Phase 1 (an eight day course). Instructor must work with a local practitioner.
   
   Practitioner (NFPP): Thirteen month program consisting of Education Phase1 and Phase 2 (a six day course).
   NB: Prerequisite--2 years of college. Continuing Education Units are available for nurses.
   
   MD Consultant Practitioner: 13 month program consisting of Educational Phase 1 and 2. Available to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and pharmacists.
   NB: Continuing Medical Education Units are offered.
   
   Auditor: It is possible to audit the program with prior arrangements. This also may carry some Continuing Medical Education or Continuing Education Units.
   
   
2. Practicum
   Instructor: Supervised practicum through long distance supervision. No on-site visit.
   
   Practitioner: Two supervised practica through long distance supervision between phase 1 and phase 2 including an on-site visit.
   
   MDl Consultant Practitioner: Two supervised practica through long distance supervision between phase 1 and phase 2 including an on-site visit.
   
   
3. Certification/Recertification
   Upon completion of the final examination, the student receives a Certificate of Completion from the Pope Paul VI Institute and Creighton University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education which is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
   
   A separate process for teacher certification is available from The American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP).
   
   
4. Fees
   Instructor: $1,345; 7 months training and supervision
   $ 450; textbooks and teaching materials
   
   Practitioner: $1,925; 13 months training and supervision
   $ 500; 1 year supply of textbooks and teaching materials
   
   MD Consultant/Practitioner: $2,225 covers 13 months training and supervision
   $ 650 textbooks and teaching
   
   Auditor: $ 75 per day without CEU's or CME's
   $ 90 per day with CEU's or CME's
   $ 200 textbooks--no teaching materials
   
   Room and Board: $ 145 per day, single occupancy
   $ 115 per day, per person, double occupancy
   
   
5. Publications
   A variety of technical resources notably The Medical Applications of Natural Family Planning, Thomas Hilgers, MD, OB/Gyn. A variety of brochures and other resources are available upon request.
   
   
6. American Academy of Natural Family Planning (AANFP)
   The AANFP is the accreditating body for the Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM Centers. It is also responsible for certifying CrMFC teachers and medical consultants. All teacher training programs accreditated by the AANFP meet the bishops' Standards.
   
   
7. Miscellaneous
   All Creighton Model FertilityCare^TM System instructors are required to establish a FertilityCare^TM Center and affiliate with FertilityCare^TM Centers America. Affiliation fees are charged.

---

Appendix

"In Their Own Words"

Brief Histories of National
Natural Family Planning Organizations

History of the Billings Ovulation Method in the United States
Hanna Klaus, M.D.

In the late 1960's, Msgr. Robert E. Deegan, Director of Health and Hospitals of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, invited the Drs. Billings to the United States. He facilitated the first American publication of the Drs. Billings' book The Ovulation Method. It wasn't until the Airlie House Conference, convened by the Human Life Foundation in 1972, that the Billings became known more widely in the United States. Mercedes Wilson (then living in Covington, Louisiana) had introduced color stamp charting into the Billings Method after she had learned the method in Australia and brought it back to her native Guatemala. She traveled extensively in the U.S. to introduce the method and offered teacher training in New Orleans. Many Billings teachers had their first training in New Orleans during the years 1972-74. Mrs. Wilson came to St. Louis in May 1973 and met with those of us who had already read Dr. Billings' book and who had begun to form the teaching center which was later called the Aware Center. Some of the Billings Ovulation Method Association (BOMA) leaders of the 1980s and '90s were among the early teacher candidates. BOMA president, Kay Ek began to teach for the diocese of St. Cloud in Minnesota with her husband Dave in 1972; and BOMA Board of Directors member Marge Harrigan, began to teach for the diocese of Corpus Christi, TX in 1973. Many other Billings Centers began in 1974-5.

The St. Louis Aware Center was founded in May 1973 by Margaret McGauley, the late Mary Frances Reed, Hanna Klaus, M.D., and Sr. Natalie Elder, D.C., CNM. Some time later, Merrilee Underhill, Mary Gayle Doyle, the late Ann O'Donnell, and Sr. Ursula Fagan joined them. In 1973, Dr. Klaus was Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Louis University Medical Center. Dr. Klaus was sent by her department to Sydney, Australia to attend a Congress on the Billings Method in July and August of that year. Following the Congress, she went to Melbourne to meet with the Drs. Billings, Dr. Brown, and Kathy Smythe. On return, she began to train the others to teach the Ovulation Method.

At the 1973 Meeting in Sydney between two and three hundred enthusiastic users of the Billings Method were present as "walking statistics." However, use effectiveness data were very thin, and the contribution of the U.S. Centers was prospective record keeping of sufficiently high quality to permit evaluation of the use effectiveness of the method.

The first U.S. use-effectiveness study of the Billings Method was presented at the International Congress for Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology in Tel Aviv in 1974. Two years later, a collaborative study was initiated with the BOM Centers of St. Louis; Kansas City, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; St. Cloud, Minnesota; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Joliet, Illinois. This study was published in the June 1979 issue of Contraception.

The St. Louis Center had begun to train teachers as early as autumn of 1973. Formal teacher training was begun in 1974, and included Joliet, Illinois; Lincoln, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and establishment of the Aware Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Msgr. John B. Seli, formerly director of the Family Life Center, Pittsburgh, PA came to Washington in 1974 to found the Natural Family Planning Federation. Kay Ek, John Brennan, M.D., and Hanna Klaus, M.D., were the OM providers on the Board who also joined the Human Life Foundation when it merged with the Natural Family Planning Federation. The Human Life and Natural Family Planning Foundation sought to serve the entire Natural Family Planning field with educational materials and program resources. By November 1974, the Human Life Foundation had embarked on a project of preparing teaching materials for the Ovulation Method and Sympto-Thermal Methods. Mary Catherine Martin invited two of the Aware Center's teachers to Washington and briefed them. This activity served as the basis of a series of booklets on NFP. A more sophisticated system of educating trainers was later developed by Mary Catherine Martin and adapted by Hanna Klaus for the Billings Ovulation Method teachers at the Meeting of WOOMB International in Los Angeles in 1983 hosted by Msgr. Deegan. At that time, a year-long trainer education program was initiated. Faculty included Kay Ek, Marge Harrigan, and Hanna Klaus. The Billings teachers had incorporated as WOOMB - USA and elected Mercedes Wilson as the first President in the late 1970's.

In the mid-1980's, Mrs. Wilson reformed her group into the Family of the Americas Foundation and extended her interest beyond Natural Family Planning. In 1990 the U.S. Billings teachers felt the need for a stronger organization with regular access to continuing education and resource materials. They formed the Billings Ovulation Method Association (BOMA). BOMA is incorporated and coordinated through the Natural Family Planning Office of the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN.

______________________
This article first appeared in Natural Family Planning Diocesan Activity Report, Vol. 3, No. 3, Summer 1992.


The Story of the Family of the Americas

The daughter of a Guatemalan father and an American mother, Mercedes Wilson, founder of The Family of the Americas, grew up in Guatemala. Although Mrs. Wilson has spent the past twenty years in the United States, she is no stranger to other lands. She also lived in such diverse places as the Middle East, England, and even Australia. This international spirit has contributed to the unique character of the Family of the Americas, a non-profit organization dedicated to the service of the family through NFP education and other fertility appreciation programs.

In 1968, while living in Australia, Mercedes Wilson first learned about the natural signs of fertility. Having read an article in the local paper about a new natural method of family planning, she visited a center where the Ovulation Method was being taught by Dr. Evelyn Billings. To her amazement, in less than half an hour she learned this simple and safe method that enables a woman to avoid pregnancy without endangering her physical and emotional health with chemical agents or dangerous devices.

After learning the basic information, Mrs. Wilson wondered why such vital facts had not been brought to the attention of all women. She wanted to share this well kept secret with other couples. In the beginning Mrs. Wilson worked with the originators of the Ovulation Method during its developmental stages in the 1970's. She was especially interested in simplifying the teaching technique so that it would be easily understood by people of different cultures, especially those in the developing countries. With this in mind, Mrs. Wilson began to design a client record-keeping system which is now used all over the world. These efforts and her continued interest and enthusiasm led her to establish an organization through which she could share her knowledge. Family of the Americas Foundation (FAF) was that organization.

Incorporated in 1977, FAF is guided by a Board of Directors, a Board of Trustees, and an Advisory Board. What started as a small, local teaching center has now developed into an international organization with offices in Maryland, Louisiana, and Guatemala. FAF has a staff of seven full-time, four part-time and several volunteer workers who have extensive experience in carrying out client services, teacher training, and educational programs in over 100 countries. The FAF office/teaching headquarters is a 3,000 square foot facility located on 20 acres of land in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. Besides offices and conference rooms, the Foundation has a complete audio/visual production facility, comprising 525 square feet, which utilizes broadcast quality color video equipment.

FAF offers various programs, many of which encourage parents to meet their mutual responsibilities to each other and to their children. Fundamental to the purposes of FAF are educational programs on the responsibilities of sexuality and parenting. FAF's education programs have been developed with the input of expert educational consultants and evaluators, and implemented by faculty who are world-renowned for their knowledge and expertise in the fields of pediatrics, genetics, psychiatry, psychology, family and child development, economics/population studies, and natural family planning.

NFP programs have been the Foundation's principal emphasis, with training and materials being offered on a worldwide basis. FAF entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for $1.8 million in 1984. FAF has been responsible for preparing over 2,400 teacher trainers in the Ovulation Method from 44 developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Since then, courses have been taught in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese. Materials are also being distributed in Portuguese, Italian, German, Korean, Japanese, Swahili, and Arabic. Three other translations have just been completed and are in the process of being published in Slovakian, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian.

The Foundation's major goal in providing OM training programs has been to maintain the simplicity of the Ovulation Method, while providing teachers with the technical knowledge, the scientific background, and the practical experience necessary for teaching in a standardized, simple manner. The training is offered by the finest experts in the Ovulation Method in the U.S. Training programs are held in FAF's Maryland headquarters twice annually. This training program is also available as a correspondence course complete with 8 hours of video and a comprehensive manual with teaching slides and posters.

Most recently, the strength of the FAF training program has been evidenced by extremely favorable data from a three-year research study of the effectiveness of the Ovulation Method conducted in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. Chinese medical personnel who received training from FAF faculty participated in the clinical study. Instruction in OM was received by nearly 700 couples, who were monitored for at least three years. The study reported an effectiveness rate for OM of 98.9% and a continuation rate of 87.9%.

Family of the Americas has also done special work among adolescents through its "Fertility Appreciation for Families" program, funded by a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from 1983 to 1987 under the Adolescent Family Life Act. This program for parents and adolescents promoted family-centered sexuality education, helping parents to assume their role as the principal educators of their children in matters of human sexuality. By the end of the program, nearly 2,500 adult participants and over 3,500 adolescents had been reached. Significantly, this program was able to drastically reduce the incidence of pregnancies among unwed teenagers, ages 15-19, to around 5 pregnancies per thousand. This was substantiated by an independent report of two University of New Orleans researchers, who compared similar statistics from other sources for the same group and time period. Their report indicated that, in a similar study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute, approximately 96 pregnancies per thousand was typical, while a Planned Parenthood program with teens incurred around 113 pregnancies per thousand. This is a clear indication that FAF has an overwhelmingly successful parenting program that helps teens become responsible while lowering out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

In addition to the above, FAF has also sponsored International Congresses for the Family to raise awareness of social issues affecting the family. Sixteen such Congresses have been held in various major cities worldwide with thousands of participants of each Congress.

____________________
Written by FAF staff, this story first appeared in Natural Family Planning Diocesan Activity Report, Vol. 3, no. 2, Spring 1992.


The Story of The Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction
Judy Pittack, MS, CNFPE

The Pope Paul VI Institute was founded as a living memorial to the Pontiff and to the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly Humanae vitae, which challenges "people of science, who can considerably advance the welfare of marriage and the family to explain more thoroughly the various conditions favoring a proper regulation of births."

Dr. Thomas Hilgers, MD, Dip. ABOG, ABLS, SRS, was so inspired by the encyclical that he began his research into NFP in 1968. Two separate but correlated major contributions to research in human fertility within the guidelines of the teachings of the Catholic Church have been developed: the Creighton Model (CrM) of NFP; and the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction.

The Development of the Creighton Model of NFP

Dr. Hilgers and his wife Sue were involved early in the pro-life movement. A concern for working on the long term solutions to end the abortion crisis propelled them into NFP. "As couples learn to respect each other's fertility, to respect each other, the children conceived will be respected." In 1973 Dr. Hilgers joined the faculty of St. Louis University, with the directive for doing pro-life work and research in NFP. He found that the Ovulation Method, first described by Drs. John and Lynn Billings, was a key medical breakthrough. Dr. Hilgers's studies corroborated the medical research done by the Billings.

In 1977, Dr. Hilgers came to Creighton University. He continued his research in the standardization of education for NFP teachers and clients, and also the effectiveness of CrM NFP. During a visit to Omaha in 1978, Dr. Billings was quoted in the Omaha World Herald as saying "the world is looking to Omaha for the scientific backing of the method which is being provided by the results published by Dr. Hilgers. The standard of it (the Creighton program) is unique. It is the most important scientific work on NFP in this country."

Research has allowed the CrM method to be specific enough to be effective for couples with all variations of reproductive cycles. Perhaps the greatest breakthrough is the success that standardized charting has allowed for medical personnel in the correlation of hormones with a woman's chart. This has led to major breakthroughs for infertility, premenstrual syndrome, unusual bleeding, and anovulatory cycles.

The major goal of the Creighton Model is to improve the image of NFP. Recognizing that NFP is primarily educational in scope, the CrM Model has developed client centered NFP services, educational programs for teachers, physicians, clergy, and extensive research programs. Dr. Hilgers is frequently quoted as saying, "The potential that work in natural family planning has for the rejuvenation of the family is immense. The only limitation is our vision!"

The Creighton Model Education Programs are accredited by the American Academy of Natural Family Planning.

The Development of the Pope Paul VI Institute

Through the Creighton Model, the CrM NFP teacher can identify a number of medical considerations: a) the possibility of low progesterone levels from the post-Peak phase of the cycle; b) the possibility of low estrogen levels, with either a lack of mucus or limited mucus cycles; c) and patterns of irregular bleeding or unusual discharge which can be referred for medical input. The doctors who are familiar with the CrM Model chart are able to: a) time the drawing of blood for measuring hormones so that the most effective identification of various hormone levels is done; b) determine the correct points in time to recommend ultrasound work; c) and the best use of medications and treatments by timing for optimal effect. One of the ongoing studies is cooperative progesterone therapy for the prevention of miscarriage and as a support for premenstrual syndrome.

The Institute offers: 1) a post graduate reproductive medicine fellowship for obstetrician/gynecologists; 2) a National Center for the Treatment of Reproductive Disorders; 3) a Reproductive Ultrasound Center; 4) a National Reproductive Hormone Laboratory affiliated with the University of Nebraska School of Medicine; 5) CrM NFP Education Programs affiliated with the Creighton University School of Medicine; and 6) a study program is offered for medical students. A goal of the Institute is that greater understanding of the many urgent, contemporary, ethical issues be studied as they relate to human reproduction. Many audio and video tapes, textbooks, and NFP materials are available through its publications center.

The Chapel of the Holy Family is an integral part of these activities. Daily Mass is said and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the respect of human life is offered on a weekly basis.

Pope Paul VI's challenge to the medical community is being answered here at the Institute with a facility which is dedicated to NFP research. Here we truly share the late Pontiff's vision of always treating human procreation as a priceless gift to be shared by those who love each other and also love their Creator.

_____________________
This article first appeared in the Natural Family Planning Diocesan Activity Report, Vol. 3, No. 1, Winter 1992. Judy Pittack, MS, CNFPE, is a former Creighton Model NFP Education Program Coordinator.


CCL Formed to Advance Humanae Vitae
John F. Kippley

The remote foundations of Couple to Couple League go back to the middle sixties when I was doing parish outreach work to the uncommitted and explaining the Catholic faith in a regular series of classes. It was my responsibility to explain the Church's teaching on sexuality, and it was in this context that I developed the covenant theology of sex, publishing my first article in February, 1967. In 1967-1968 my wife, Sheila, researched and wrote Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing. In the immediate aftermath of Humanae vitae, I was appalled by what was passing for theology in favor of contraception, for it was essentially saying that since the Church's teaching would involve the daily cross of sexual restraint at some times for some couples, the teaching was erroneous. Therefore I wrote a book titled Birth Control and the Marriage Covenant, the forerunner of our current Sex and the Marriage Covenant.

Luke 11:46

For me personally, the publication of that book in 1970 was the beginning of CCL. I had reaffirmed the teaching of the Church, showing both the errors of the dissenters and providing a somewhat new and positive theology to support it. I felt I had gone out of my way to affirm this difficult and unpopular teaching of the Church, and it was then I felt very much the force of Luke 11:46:

And He said, "Woe to you lawyers also! for you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers."

Having affirmed the "burden" of marital chastity, I felt obliged (and still do) to do as much as I can to provide the practical help to make that teaching both more livable and therefore, to some, more believable.

We had taught ourselves the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP through a "Child and Family" article by Dr. Konrad A. Prem. Thus, the next summer when we moved to the Twin Cities, we made personal contact with Dr. Prem. We learned he was a professor of OB & GYN at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and a long time teacher and promoter of the STM. He was delighted to help us get an organization started, for he had become convinced that an organization such as CCL was to become was necessary for the proper teaching and support of client couples.

The three of us started our first four-meeting course in the Fall of 1971 in Shoreview, a suburb north of St. Paul; from that course and the next one that started in February, we got the nucleus of our Twin Cities chapter including Jim and Mary Glover who are still active in this apostolate.

A chance to teach college theology brought us to Cincinnati the summer of 1972, and within two years it was apparent that I had two full-time jobs on my hands--college and CCL. Two year start-up grants from the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and St. Paul-Minneapolis enabled me to go to work full-time for CCL beginning in July 1974.

The first few years were fun. Expansion was rapid; there was lots of interest; classes were large; the pains were growing pains. Our first office was in the uninsulated third floor of the 100-year-old Kippley home. It never got above 62 on cold days in winter, and that was by mid-afternoon. Of our first two employees, Donna Kneip is still with us and Marguerite Gehrum retired just last year and still comes in to help with special jobs. They would get the inventory from the basement, carry it up to the third floor for processing, and then carry it down to the main floor for shipping. Better than belonging to a health club! I cannot verify this, but they tell me they had to bring their own pencils.

CCL in the Eighties

International expansion started in mid-1979 with the certification of Gerard and Hilde Loriaux in Belgium; they had attended a course I taught in upstate New York while they were on temporary military duty in the U.S., and they wanted to bring CCL back home. The next step in international development was the 1980 move of a Virginia teaching couple, Tom and Olivia McFadden, to Ireland; they worked full-time for over a decade to establish the CCL apostolate in Ireland and England where it continues on its own now that they are back in the States. Service to a gradually increasing number in other countries was the brightest spot of the eighties, just as the development of interest and service to Eastern European countries has been the brightest spot thus far in the Nineties. CCL currently serves by teaching in 15 countries on four continents, and we support members in all six populated continents and even in such places as Greenland. One staff person, Bill Corey, spends most of his time and energies in serving international development.

The great challenge of the eighties was dealing with the decreasing interest in NFP. When CCL started in 1971, there were still a great many people who had formed their consciences according to the teaching of the Church--because the teaching was taught. Increasingly in the eighties, the teaching of the Church was not consistently taught; indeed, young people were often taught to dissent from it. This was reflected in a significant reduction in the numbers of new clients taught by CCL and by every other NFP program.

We faced the problem of disappointed volunteer teachers by increasing our central staff to be in closer touch with our volunteer teachers in the field and with cooperative diocesan personnel.

Recognizing the need for education, we published a tidy list of books, booklets, brochures, and audio-visual programs dealing with NFP and chastity issues during the eighties.

Facing the need for complete and understandable education in NFP in areas not served by resident volunteer teachers, we developed the CCL Home Study Course, and experience has demonstrated that it does very well what it was intended to do.

The Nineties

The publication of a revised edition of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing in 1989 closed out the eighties, and the publication of Marilyn Shannon's Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition the next summer opened the nineties. This was followed by the publication of Sex and the Marriage Covenant in the summer of 1991, and we are looking forward to the publication this spring or summer of Marriage Is for Keeps, a small book on preparation for marriage.

We believe it is not a matter of if but only when that responsible authorities in the Catholic Church and other Christian bodies start to take those actions which will make it obvious to any observer that they are serious about teaching the traditional norms of marital chastity and providing the best of practical help. A number of such actions are described in Chapter 9 of Sex and the Marriage Covenant.

We believe that our regular course on Natural Family Planning and our book, Marriage Is for Keeps, offer an unprecedented supplement to whatever concerned priests and marriage ministers are doing to prepare couples for Christian marriage.

We believe that is worthy of note that when we started CCL in the fall of 1971, we were teaching the three signs of mucus, cervix, and temperature; we were teaching ecological breast feeding; we were teaching basic marital morality; and we were doing this in a series of four two-hour meetings spaced a month apart. The first two meetings now take about 2 ½ hours since we started doing some workbook exercises and added a bit more material, but aside from that the basics are the same. We have been reaffirmed repeatedly over the past 21 ½ years that our original plan was and remains a good one that serves well the needs of families today.

_____________________
John F. Kippley is the Co-Founder of the Couple to Couple League. The above article, with minor changes, first appeared in CCL Family Foundations, March-April 1993. It was reprinted with permission in Natural Family Planning Diocesan Activity Report, Vol. 4, No. 2, Spring 1993.


The Story of Northwest Family Services
Beth Wells

The fundamental thing that strikes one in reviewing the roots and history of Northwest Family Services is the interplay of time, serendipity, and grace. The threads began to draw together in a Lenten study group. This gathering brought Mike and Rose Fuller and Fr. Richard Huneger together in a meeting that was to change the lives and paths of both the Fullers and Fr. Huneger. Mike and Rose had been searching for answers to their questions about NFP and the Church's teachings on married love. The 1970s were times of upheaval and confusion and the Fullers, like so many other couples during those years, had been met with great variety of conflicting responses to their questions. In the course of discussion, Fr. Huneger was asked to explain the Church's teaching on birth control. Rose remembers that "his answer was the first that seemed intelligent and comprehensive. It made sense." They were beginning to find some answers. Out of acquiring the skills and developing the structure to provide NFP services for their parish, St. John the Baptist in Milwaukee, Oregon, Rose and Mike helped to establish a parish team dedicated to learning more about NFP and the Church's teachings. Fr. Huneger, impressed by the commitment of these couples to the Church and to good scholarship, felt impelled to lend whatever support and assistance he could to their efforts.

The tracings that brought these people together actually began years earlier. Fr. Huneger had studied theology at Innsbruck, Austria. In 1968 he took a course titled "The Medical Foundations of Marital and Sexual Ethics" from Dr. Josef Roetzer. Of those years Fr. Huneger says, "We were arrogant, full of self-importance, sure that we were theologians, and what after all, could some layman tell us? We had never read Humanae vitae and everything seemed open to debate. The significance of this teaching never really entered our consciousness. It all seemed terribly inconsequential and theoretical, not nearly as interesting as the theological fads of the times. I took notes copiously, but it was all water off a duck's back." It took many years for the significance of Dr. Roetzer's work to fully strike home.

As the parish team reviewed existing programs and materials they found Dr. Roetzer's research and methodology to be eminently clear and comprehensive, and his synthesis of the symptoms of fertility a breakthrough. Tutoring and collaboration began with the parish team when Dr. Roetzer visited Oregon in order to oversee Fr. Huneger's translation of his book, Family Planning the Natural Way. This collaboration is the foundation that Northwest Family Services is built upon.

In 1980, Mike and Rose completed the Human Life Foundation regional teacher training process. From the beginning, Northwest's philosophy was to create a learning environment that was open and invitational. They wished to teach all the signs of fertility in a positive manner, to uphold the dignity of married love, and to present the teaching of the Church in a way that people could hear and understand. The instructional approach was to be interactive, with couples applying the Sympto-Thermal principles to a variety of charting situations, including the provision of follow-up support. The instructional approach was reviewed and approved by a respected team evaluating theology, methodology, medical accuracy, and pedagogical approach. Throughout the process of development Dr. Roetzer reviewed and approved the methodology. This working relationship continues to this day.

In 1983 Northwest Natural Family Planning Services incorporated and became an affiliate of Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon. What had been envisioned originally as a parish program began to grow and began to offer classes in NFP for the entire community.

Simultaneously, increased requests for teacher education were made by people who wished to utilize Northwest's approach. This launched the second tier of services. Northwest developed a teacher education program that integrated lecture, diagnostic learning, and a supervised practicum with review of client files. In 1991 Northwest Family Services teacher education program was approved as a comprehensive NFP teacher training program though the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning. Northwest has trained approximately 300 teacher in 22 states.

The movement into a second educational area, teen chastity, began in the 1987. In doing NFP presentation to teens in schools and church groups, it became apparent that there was a tremendous need on the part of young people for formation in sexual ethics and morals. Development of The Bod Squad - a peer education program was enthusiastically received. The Squad are young people committed to abstinence, able and willing to talk with their peers about it. These are real flesh and blood teens from the front lines of the culture. They laugh and tell stories, they fall in and out of love and crisis, they listen to alternative rock, play Chopin and the drums, they know the monologues of Monty Python and the "Serf on the Mount." They're living proof that chastity is possible in the lives of the average teenager.

In 1989, Northwest was awarded a Federal grant for a demonstration project to teach and evaluate a values based, family-centered abstinence education program. FACTS (Family Accountability Communicating Teen Sexuality) was born. FACTS is a based on the research findings in sexuality education, and particularly those of Stan Weed, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Research and Evaluation. Dr. Weed's research provides a wealth of information about what works and what doesn't in the field of sexuality education. Now in its fourth year, FACTS has reached over 6,000 parents and teens in Oregon. Curriculum and workbooks for junior and senior high students and parents, along with teaching aids are available nationally. NW Family Services also provides in service presentations on teaching sexual abstinence to both public and private schools. In 1990, the name of the agency was changed from Northwest Natural Family Planning Services to Northwest Family Services to reflect the broader scope of services offered.

Northwest also piloted a new program, Keys to Sexual Freedom. This is a Catholic teen abstinence program that integrates the fruit of Dr. Weed's research with Catholic teaching in a positive setting that involves and empowers parents and teens to live the gospel message.

The third educational effort began in 1991. Working with teens and married couples, it seemed only natural to complete the continuum by addressing the needs of adults preparing for marriage. Piloted in the Archdiocese of Portland, Always Faithful utilizes the Rite of Marriage to "unpack" both the theology of marriage and practical issues. In five sessions, couples become familiar with the Catholic theology of marriage, the wedding liturgy itself, and examine issues such as family of origin, communication styles, conflict resolution, financial realities, sexuality, and NFP. Over the course of the series, participants meet five couples who share strong faith, a deep commitment to the Church's teaching on marriage and family life along with a great sense of humor. Always Faithful works in partnership with parishes and pastors.

Paul VI in Humanae vitae speaks of married couples and says,

To them the Lord entrusts the task of making visible to men the holiness and sweetness of the law which unites the mutual love of the husband and wife with their cooperation with the love of God, the author of human life. (HV, #25)

This is the mandate the people of Northwest Family Services seek to live out and the truth they seek to illuminate.

______________________
Beth Wells is Youth Coordinator for Northwest Family Services. This article first appeared in Natural Family Planning Diocesan Activity Report, Vol.4 No.4, Fall 1993.

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