(June 15, 2009) Engaged couples in the Archdiocese of Chicago who attend Pre-Cana programs are well on their way to a happy life together. Such programs cover the whole gamut of married life together, including finances, in-laws, and you name it.

Sexual love is by nature both sharing and procreative, and these meanings are part of God’s creation.

Sexuality is covered as well. Couples learn that God expects them to give themselves totally — body and soul, to their spouses in marriage. The Catholic Church teaches that there are two meanings of the sexual encounter: sharing love and procreation. Both are God’s creation and are good and spiritually healthy. Sexual intimacy is a complex and beautiful gift from God. Sex should and can be one of the great gifts of married life. Yet the two meanings should not be separated.

The Language of Love

When a couple uses contraception, for example, it is as if one spouse is saying to the other, “I love you, but not your fertility.” Thus, the language of love becomes distorted. On the other hand, when a couple uses natural family planning to avoid pregnancy, the sharing, or unitive aspect, and the procreative aspect are kept together as an integral whole. Thus, spouses find they are not using one another for pleasure, but pleasure comes from the union of their totally-giving love in the marital embrace.

The Chicago chapter of the Couple to Couple League is an approved teaching group of Natural Family Planning in the Chicago Archdiocese. Learn more through the Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Classes in the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning can be taken at 15 locations within the Chicago Archdiocese, as well as in southeast Milwaukee and northwest Indiana. The next class will begin Sun., Aug. 9, at Holy Trinity Church in Westmont. Email Chris & Debbie Lillig, or call 630-428-3046. Go to Classes by Location.