NFP: The Answer the World Is Seeking

As we celebrate 55 years of CCL’s mission, we often look back with gratitude for all that has been built through faithful teaching, generous support, and countless quiet “yeses” to God’s plan for marriage. Yet just as important is what lies ahead—and where the Holy Spirit is already at work. Recently, at the Live Action Young Leaders Summit, we caught a glimpse of that future.

Gathered in one place were hundreds of young, pro-life Catholic and Christian leaders—men and women in their 20s and 30s—deeply committed to the dignity of human life. What stood out was not only their conviction, but their formation. These were not passive participants in the culture; they were thoughtful, articulate, and eager to build something better. The energy in the room felt less like a conference and more like the early stages of a movement.

And significantly, they are asking the very questions that CCL has been answering for 55 years.

In conversations throughout the weekend, there was a surprising openness—even enthusiasm—around Natural Family Planning. Many had already heard of it. Others leaned in with curiosity. Even among those who are single, there was a clear desire to understand their fertility, to live in a way that respects the body rather than suppresses it. This is a generation searching for authenticity, for integrity in love, and for a path that aligns with their pro-life convictions.

At the same time, a gap was evident.

Speakers addressed the harms of contraception and its impact on relationships and society. The problem was named clearly. But the solution was left unspoken. The “what now?” hung in the air.

This is precisely where CCL’s mission meets the moment.

CCL MISSION STATEMENT:

To inspire, educate and support couples in family planning that is natural, effective, healthy and consistent with God’s plan for life, love and marriage.

The Solution

For decades, our teaching couples, benefactors, board members, and supporters have quietly and faithfully built something extraordinary: a science-based approach to fertility that upholds the dignity of the human person and the beauty of married love. What we saw at this summit is that the broader Christian pro-life world is ready—perhaps more ready than ever—to receive it.

There is also something deeply hopeful in the unity present. Catholic and Protestant leaders stood side by side, aligned in their desire to defend life and strengthen relationships. While differences remain, the shared commitment to truth, to the dignity of the person, and to God’s design for love creates a powerful foundation for collaboration. CCL has a unique role to play here, offering not only education, but a bridge. We have something that can be received across denominational lines because it speaks both to faith and to reason.

The Future

As we look to the future, opportunities like this invite us to think boldly. Expanding our presence in spaces like the Young Leaders Summit could allow CCL to reach the very people who will shape the next generation of marriage and family life. They are already asking the questions. They are already doing the work of defending life. What they need is formation, accompaniment, and a clear vision of what authentic love looks like in practice.

That is what you have helped build.

To our teaching couples: your witness is more needed than ever.
To our benefactors: your generosity is opening doors to new audiences.
And to our board and supporters: your leadership continues to guide this mission into new territory.
Finally, to our former students who are now couples practicing NFP: you are living proof that this way of life is possible, joyful and transformative.

Fifty-five years in, the mission is not slowing down—it is expanding.

The next generation is ready. And by God’s grace, CCL is ready to meet them.

Why is NFP so important? Take the Natural Plan course for a quick intro. Learn Natural Family Planning – as an engaged couple or as a married couple.

Written by Nick Vicinanzo, CCL Ministry Consultant and Martha Haenni, Assistant Editor for Family Foundations magazine, a quarterly benefit to our benefactors and supporters.