Report
Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning Profile 1996 Summary
In early January of 1997, 187 Profile questionnaires were mailed to the dioceses. Ninety-one or 49% had completed and returned their questionnaires to meet the deadline for data analysis. Some trends are very evident concerning NFP programs in dioceses around the nation.
NFP program efforts in dioceses, when viewed as a whole, remain varied and uneven. Some dioceses have made tremendous strides in improving their NFP programs by meeting the National Standards of the NCCB. A few dioceses have experienced a reduction in NFP programs either through teachers leaving the diocese, budget cuts, and/or diocesan restructuring. Dioceses which have demonstrated a long-term commitment to NFP ministry through substantial funding, staffing, and program services should be better utilized for consultation purposes by dioceses with less developed programs. Some of the model diocesan NFP programs include: Cleveland, OH; Harrisburg, PA; La Crosse, WI; Phoenix, AZ; St. Cloud, MN; and Springfield, IL. Consult your National Diocesan NFP Coordinators’ Directory or the DDP/NFP for further information.
In conclusion, the single most compelling pastoral question is: “Can couples who wish to be faithful to Church teaching on responsible parenthood get the NFP help they need within our diocese?” The answer to that question will determine how best to strategize program development for local diocesan NFP ministry.