The Fruit of a Yes
When Carmen and Alejandro learned NFP wasn’t a requirement for engaged couples in the archdiocese of Miami because there weren’t enough teaching couples, they signed up to become teachers themselves.
“We prayed about it and said we could, so we did,” they said. “NFP is an important part of our faith that isn’t shared enough. We are proud we played a role in championing it being a marriage prep requirement in our archdiocese.”
A Modern Ministry
When they became teachers, one of the biggest misconceptions the Santamarias encountered was that NFP was antiquated or ineffective. Over the past fifteen years, they’ve been encouraged by how science and technology have come to support the wisdom of NFP. “Science has confirmed what God has done and CCL has taught,” they say. “This is a very modern ministry.”
Today, they witness more openness to NFP, but work remains. “The fact that many contraceptives are carcinogenic needs to continue to be stressed,” they say. “Carmen teaches at an all-girl high school and the students do not know this when they graduate. That is such a shame. We need to continue promoting NFP.”
Thinking of the many couples they’ve encountered, they say, “We’ve had stories of women removing implants and being open to life, for example. Also we’ve made incredible friends in the NFP world.”
Infertility Companion
Drawing on their wealth of experience, Carmen coauthored the book The Infertility Companion for Catholics. With one in every six United States couples experiencing infertility, “It’s a heavy cross many couples face,” she says. “NFP is closely tied to infertility ministry as some come to know NFP when they experience infertility. The book is a blessing that brought us into more engagement with CCL. Our son told us one of his teachers read the book years ago and it led to her adopting her daughter. We never know the fruit God will produce in those we minister to.”
For those feeling called to marriage ministry or teaching NFP, they advise: “Do it. It’s such a blessing and God will reward your efforts tenfold. Be generous and if you feel called — answer.”
Written by Savanna Duca. Original article can be found in Family Foundations magazine, a quarterly benefit to our benefactors and supporters.
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.