SPIRITUAL

1. NFP ... SPIRITUAL ... as PART OF WORSHIP RELATIONAL … as INTIMACY BUILDER ECOLOGICAL SPOUSAL SENSITIVITY OPENNESS TO LIFE DISCERNMENT UNSELFISH LOVE … as MEDICALLY SOUND DEMOGRAPHIC … as CONTRACEPTIVE

2. 1 NFP as a methodto avoid pregnancy Couples who have a CONTRACEPTIVE attitude ~ • View fertility as something to control; • May or might not have grave reasons to avoid pregnancy; • Use no artificial methods to control fertility; • See NFP as just another method to avoid pregnancy & to limit number of children; • Live in constant fear of pregnancy; • Regret that NFP interferes with spontaneity; • Feel cheated from intercourse on fertile days.

3. 2 NFP as a methodto avoid side effects Couples who have an ECOLOGICAL attitude ~ • Appreciate the fact that NFP is natural, i.e., • no chemicals or devices, • no negative medical side effects. • Appreciate the understanding they gain of their fertility; • Appreciate that their knowledge can be used to achieve a pregnancy if they so wish.

4. 3 NFP as a methodto improve intimacy Couples who have a RELATIONAL attitude ~ • View sexuality as an expression of self-giving love; • Understand that periodic abstinence, rather than decreasing spontaneity, helps develop self-control and richer intimacy behaviors; • Appreciate time of abstinence from genital contact; • Realize the benefits of NFP in the areas of • communication, • shared responsibility, • trust.

5. 4 NFP as a methodintegral to spirituality Couples who have a SPIRITUAL attitude ~ • Understand that sexuality is a gift from God; • See themselves as co-creators with God; • Strive to discern God’s plan regarding their relationship and their family; • Fully operationalize chastity within marriage; • Are open to new life, even if unanticipated; • Habitually pray together as husband & wife.

6. SPIRITUAL RELATIONAL ECOLOGICAL DEMOGRAPHIC