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STONE MOUNTAIN—Volunteers who teach Natural Family Planning
in the archdiocese and their families had a chance to picnic together as they
were recognized for their contribution to the marriage and pre-Cana programs of
the archdiocese.
The family picnic on Sept. 17 at Stone Mountain Park was hosted by
the Office of Family Concerns. Lynn Crutchfield is NFP coordinator and program
assistant. The office supplied barbecue, soft drinks and dessert and each
family brought a dish to share with the group. Picnic tables were decorated
with fall flowers. Each volunteer teacher received an appreciation coffee mug
from the office.
“For many it was a time to put a name with a face and to
welcome new teachers. The picnic brought people together who shared the same
interests and ministries,” said Crutchfield, who would like to make this
an annual event.
“The children’s ages ranged from infant to 19 years old.
The teaching experience ranged from 20 years to one year. I found myself
looking at everyone and thinking how fortunate I am to have the privilege to
know these families. They are a living, breathing sign of the church.”
Crutchfield, who has coordinated NFP for the archdiocese for 12
years, said, at the inception of the program, NFP classes were offered four
times a year by four certified teaching couples. There are now 24 certified
teachers and classes are offered in English and Spanish in both the
sympto-thermal method and ovulation method, either in a class setting or by
individual appointment.
Teachers also take part in two of the marriage preparation
programs offered in the archdiocese, the one-day pre-Cana program at the
Catholic Center in Atlanta and the Engaged Encounter weekend.
NFP classes are taught every month and publicized through parish
bulletins and The Georgia Bulletin. Last year approximately 200 couples
attended an NFP course. For more information or class dates, call the Office of
Family Concerns at (404) 888-7819 and ask for Lynn Crutchfield. |
