CCL Convention Talks

Main Talks from the CCL Convention 2008

CCL: A Bird's Eye View
Andy Alderson

CCL’s Executive Director presents a summary of what the League has accomplished over the past year, and then looks ahead to what is currently being developed as well as new projects on the horizon.

Andy Alderson became the Executive Director of CCL in September, 2003 after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot from the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife, Giselle, have been a CCL Teaching Couple since 2000 and are the parents of five children.

The Culture of Freedom and NFP
Christopher J. Thompson, Ph.D.

A look at how Natural Family Planning helps couples and individuals mature as individuals through learning to channel human desires and choose that which truly makes us free.

Dr. Christopher Thompson, is the Academic Dean of Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he also teaches moral theology to both seminarians and lay students alike. Dr. Thompson has written on the subjects of moral theology, psychology, marriage and family, and the importance of the environment, and particular area of interest is in the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

A Time to Wean
Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.

A look at research on the average weaning times of various primates, the order to which humans also belong, and how the average age of weaning of humans compares to other primates.

Biological anthropologist Dr. Katherine Dettwyler, who currently teaches at the University of Delaware, is known for her research, writings, and lively presentations on breastfeeding and weaning. 

When NFP is Too Hard
Greg Popcak, Ph.D.

Frequently when couples complain of NFP being “too hard,” they are actually having problems in other areas. Rather than being the source of the problem, NFP can facilitate a couple’s spiritual and prayer life, help a couple discern family size, and help a couple achieve holiness by developing self-mastery and self-control.

Dr. Greg Popcak is a nationally recognized expert in Catholic pastoral counseling, especially in the areas of affective disorders (depression, anxiety) and marriage and family problems. He is also the author of seven books that integrate the faith with counseling psychology, and the co-host (along with his wife, Lisa) of a daily, nationally-syndicated Catholic radio broadcast, "Heart Mind & Strength."

CCL: Renewing the World One Couple at a Time, Starting with Ourselves
Dr. John Bruchalski, Ph.D.

There never been a more important time for CCL members to spread the good news of NFP. Catholics hold the joy of the truth, and they are encouraged to fight secular evil forces by sharing that joy with all who will listen.

Dr. John Bruchalski is a Board Certified OB/GYN, and founder of the Tepeyac Family Center, an OB/GN practice in Fairfax, Virginia in 1994 and Divine Mercy Care, the Catholic Health Care entity for the Diocese of Arlington.

The Holy Father – Pope Benedict XVI – Visits the United States
Fr. Erik Pohlmeier

An examination of the words and messages of Pope Benedict to the people of the United States during his visit in April 2008.

Fr. Erik Pohlmeier was ordained 10 years ago and is a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas. He currently serves as pastor of St. John's and St. Mary's Churches in Hot Springs, as well as a member of the CCL Board of Directors.  

Truth, Freedom, and Humanae Vitae
Bishop Samuel Aquila

Forty years after its issuance, the beauty and wisdom of Humanae Vitae still rings true, and serves as the answer to the many secular ills plaguing marriages and families today.

Samuel J. Aquila was ordained in Denver, Colorado in 1976, and was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Fargo, North Dakota in 2001. Bishop Aquila succeeded to the See on March 18, 2002, upon the retirement of Bishop James Sullivan.

Scientific Basis and Efficacy of the Different ST-Rules
Dr. Petra Frank Herrmann

A review of recent research on the effectiveness of various Sympto-Thermal Rules.

Dr. Petra Herrmann is an assistant professor and managing director of the natural fertility section in the Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. Her most recent research titled “The Effectiveness of Fertility Awareness Based Method to Avoid Pregnancy in Relation to a Couple’s Sexual Behavior during the Fertile Time: a Prospective Longitudinal Study” was published the beginning of 2007 in Human Reproduction.

God's Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage
Damon Clarke Owens

An examination of the nature of true love in marriage.

Damon Clarke Owens is the founder of Joy‐Filled Marriage NJ, a non‐profit organization providing training, resources, and support for engaged and married couples. He and his wife Melanie serve as NFP Program Coordinators for the Archdiocese of Newark (N.J.), and are founders of the New Jersey Natural Family Planning Association.