Coordinators' Corner

Take a moment to reflect, learn, and be inspired by diocesan NFP coordinators who are faithful, smart, hard-working, creative, and generous!

The resources on this page are authored by past and present diocesan NFP coordinators. They are written "in their own words" and are offered to provide you, the diocesan NFP leader with inspiration and ideas to strengthen NFP ministry in your diocese.

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Please be advised that the content below represents the insights and perspective of the authors. Links to external websites when provided are for the user's convenience. Reference to these sites do not imply USCCB official endorsement.

To read about diocesan NFP programming, see NFP Program, Topics and Resources.

Have a diocesan NFP resource to share with your colleagues?

Send to nfp@usccb.org.

Topics

Chastity Education and the NFP Coordinator

Diocesan NFP Programming

Diocesan NFP Coordinator Witness Stories

Lead with Church Teaching

Chastity Education and the NFP Coordinator

Parent/Child Chastity and Fertility Appreciation

"A Gift for NFP Teachers/Couples,"
Mary Pat Van Epps. Published in the USCCB's Diocesan Activity Report for NFP (1990).
The NFP coordinator for the Diocese of Memphis, Mary Pat Van Epps, shares encouraging stories about her Mother/Daughter and Father/Son programs in the parishes. Mary Pat calls these programs a true gift for families and the NFP movement! (NB: Mrs. Van Epps has given the USCCB permission to share the original curriculum. Please contact @email for a digital copy.)

Diocesan NFP Programming

Helping couples--Choosing an NFP Method

Perspectives and Strategies Differ in the Archdioceses of Galveston-Houston and Boston
Diocesan NFP coordinators Joe DeVet (Galveston-Houston) and Mary Finnegan (Boston) weigh in with their different perspectives and strategies on how to match couples with a method of NFP.
Inspiration

NFP Conversations with diocesan pioneers (Video, 2020)
Donna Dausman (Diocese of Springfield in Il) and Mary Pat Van Epps (Diocese of Memphis). Listen, laugh, and be inspired by these two diocesan NFP pioneers who remember what it was like in the early days of diocesan NFP ministry in the USA.

Whistling a Different Tune,
Stella Kitchen. Published in the USCCB's NFP Forum, Diocesan Activity Report (1996).
NFP Coordinator of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Stella Kitchen, utilizes humor and bluntness in order to share the good news of uncompromising priests and good physicians willing to preach and practice the truth. This article encourages and uplifts those who may feel weighted down by the obstacles in the NFP movement.
NFP Classes--Increasing Attendance

"Great Expectations." How one diocese increased its numbers of engaged couples taking an NFP course by 500% without an NFP requirement during marriage preparation.
Diocesan Marriage and Family Life Director, Daniel Thimons (Columbus) shares this simple and effective strategy.
NFP Promotion--Witness Couples

"Witness Couples-A Unique Contribution,"
Kay Ek, Diocese of St. Cloud, MN. Published in the USCCB's NFP Diocesan Activity Report (1995).
The Diocese of St. Cloud presents an effective strategy to promote NFP with witness couples who offer their exuberance, experience, and love for one another.

Diocesan NFP Coordinator Witness Stories

"An Unexpected Journey,"
Karen D. Poehailos, MD, CFCMC, Diocese of Richmond (2013).
Dr. Karen Poehailos reflects on the road she traveled to become a diocesan NFP coordinator. Her story reveals how surprising God can be as He calls His children to seek the truth.

Lead with Church Teaching

Lead with Church Teaching (Video, 2020)
NFP Conversations with Alice Heinzen (Diocese of La Crosse) and Cindy Leonard (Diocese of Phoenix) about the importance of leading with Church teaching in NFP ministry.
"Holiness and Sweetness a Call to a Wider Apostolate" Part I: Spirituality
Deacon Walter Sweeney. Published in the USCCB's NFP Diocesan Activity Report (1991).
Deacon Sweeney offers hope and encouragement to those in the NFP movement. His words inspire teachers and coordinators to recognize their work in Natural Family Planning as a unique gift from God meant to be shared with joy.

"Holiness and Sweetness a Call to a Wider Apostolate" Part II: A Wider Apostolate,
Deacon Walter Sweeney. Published in the USCCB's NFP Diocesan Activity Report (1991).
Part II of Deacon Sweeney's reflection. He provides strong encouragement to the NFP community to be courageous with its message. Deacon Sweeney urges leaders to "dig deeper" in order to continually make the movement stronger and full of life.
Integrating Church Teaching into NFP Instruction,
Elizabeth and Charles Balsam, Diocese of Beaumont, TX. Published in NFP Diocesan Activity Report (1993).
NFP Coordinator Beth Balsam and Diocesan Family Life Director Charles Balsam reveal frank and beautiful insights into NFP as more than a methodology. They remind coordinators to maintain the beauty of marriage within their teachings on NFP.
NFP in Arlington: Striving for Responsible Parenthood,
Robert E. Laird, Assistant Director for Family Life, Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. Published in the USCCB's NFP Diocesan Activity Report (1993).
The success rate of the Diocese of Arlington's NFP Program prompted this article detailing the formula for success found within the clergy, presenters, and the overall focus of the program.