(June 2, 2009) Sometimes it takes a bit of irritation to get clarity about some things.

A recent guest editorial by a priest in a Boston-area newspaper defended Catholic teaching on birth control in response to a writer claiming that Church teaching on artificial birth control placed “an intolerable burden” on spouses.

“The fact is that Humanae Vitae is a beautiful affirmation of God’s gift of sexuality,” wrote Fr. Mark J. Coiro, commenting on the Church’s 1968 encyclical on birth control. “The document further recognizes the truth that there are situations when a married couple may have excellent reasons to delay having children. It then encourages the use of birth control methods that avail themselves of the natural processes of the body, instead of obstructing the natural processes of the body.”

The priest said than in his 15 years as a priest, this was one of only two replies to editorials he had written.

Responding to an article in the online Milford Daily News, Fr. Coiro said that the advantage in Natural Family Planning (NFP) the spouses remain partners in their sexual love, rather than becoming “objects for gratification.” The priest admitted that NFP involves abstinence, “But out of respect for one’s spouse, abstinence is part of any healthy marriage anyways.”

The priest added that many couples have found NFP to be “a blessing as they prayerfully and carefully regulate births within their marriages.” Examples of Fr. Coiro’s inspiring instruction on various matters can be found on his parish website in his Pastor’s Letters.

Classes in the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning can be taken at 15 locations in the Chicago Archdiocese, as well as in southeast Milwaukee and northwest Indiana. The next class will begin Sun., June 7 at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago. Email Dave & Mona Cattapan, or call them at 847-437-3136. Go to Classes by Location.