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Marriage & Family Life
News & Updates
June 2025
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Happy Summer, All!
Doug is currently navigating the Ozarks with his oldest son, so this month's newsletter is coming to you from our amazing NFP Coordinator, Tori Franke. Take it away, Tori!
As we head into July, my office is focused on one thing: Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. Did you know that every July there is a full week dedicated to helping those we minister to learn about NFP? This USCCB-sponsored initiative is held during the anniversary of the encyclical Humane Vitae. This year we are celebrating 57 years. The focus is on supporting marital love and how NFP can be used to support couples in living out this great vocation to family life.
There are many ways we as ministers can support the vocation of marriage. NFP is one very tangible way we can reach families in the nitty-gritty of pursuing sainthood alongside their spouse. Do the families in your parish know about NFP and the wide range of support available to them in our Archdiocese?
Join us in taking a few action steps this year to help make NFP more visible at your parish. Check out the many resources below and pick a few to highlight July 20-26. Whether this is the first time or the 40th time you've helped your parishioners encounter NFP week, I invite you to ask the Lord to fan into flame curiosity and zeal in the hearts of your parishioners. Jesus wants to meet them in the daily details of their lives, and their fertility is no exception.
In Christ,
Tori
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Include the NFP Week bulletin ad in your bulletins on the weekends of July 19 & 20 and 26 & 27. Help your bulletin editor out by sending the graphics to them today!
Participate in the Archdiocesan wide social media campaign. Check daily for Facebook posts featuring a new resource each day. Repost to your parish's social media to help spread the word. A new NFP related post will be available each day from July 20-26.
If your pastor would like to preach NFP, there are homily notes available on the USCCB website under liturgy and prayer along with intercessions for prayers of the faithful.
The USCCB is also featuring a video from Bishop Robert Barron, Chairman of the bishops' Committee for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.
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Resources to Use During NFP Week and Throughout the Year
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Request NFP resources to have on hand in the parish vestibule, at post Mass hospitality, or in the parish office.
- NFP and Cycle Charting Brochure gives an overview of all the best local resources for NFP, menstrual cycle health support, infertility support, and body literacy for teen and adolescents.
- Family Planning and Fertility: Everything You Wish Your Already Knew. This free book is an excellent tool to hand to a married or engaged couple who has never heard of NFP or doesn't know where to start learning NFP. You can also make these tools available all year long to men's and women's small groups, those in RCIA, or those attending baptism prep.
Order today for pick up or delivery to have in time for July 20-26!
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NFP Events and Community Connections
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- Birth Fest MKE - August 2, 2025 at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee
- NFP Workshop - October 21, 2025 at Authentic Birth Center in Wauwatosa
- The Beauty Within for Teen Girls - October 7, 2025 at St. Dominic in Sheboygan
- Perimenopause Prep for Women ages 35+ - November 19, 2025 at St. Anthony in Menomonee Falls
- Cycle Prep for Girls 9-11 - Spring 2026 at St. Frances Cabrini School in West Bend
Want to host an NFP event?
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July 17-19 | St. Monica, Whitefish Bay
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On this three-day weekend, couples will experience renewed intimacy with their spouse (of future spouse) and gain the tools to strengthen the bonds of unity, resolve conflict, restore passion, and heal from past hurt.
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Summer Family Events in the Area
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There are several events aimed at families this summer. Please share with your parish families!
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Beacons of Hope: 3 Days of Inspiration and Formation
Join us as we kick off the new catechetical year with three meaningful days of formation, networking, and prayer.
August 21-22 (Thursday & Friday): For Parish Catechetical Staff
These two core days include keynotes from Julianne Stanz, Mass with Archbishop Jeffrey Grob (Friday), office updates, workshops, and time to connect with colleagues and exhibitors. All parish catechetical staff across ministries are encouraged to attend.
August 23 (Saturday): Formation for Leaders & Catechists
This day is for catechists, team leaders, and volunteers. Enjoy keynote talks and workshop tracks for children's, youth, and adult ministry at both introductory and advanced levels. Saturday workshops will be offered in Spanish and English.
Be inspired, equipped, and connected - we look forward to seeing you!
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Upcoming Events, News, & Links
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Our offices sponsor many events for you to receive deeper training and support to help you and your parishioners encounter Christ and be formed in ways your parish might not be able to do alone. Learn more about them below, and help us share the word to your parishioners (or come yourself!):
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Events & News from the Archdiocese
Marriage Preparation Links
More Updates from Us and Our Friends
- The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University is offering several FREE webinars to support catechists, teachers, and leaders! Here are the dates:
- Tuesday, July 1 at 1pm - The Catechetical Purpose of Sacred Architecture
- Tuesday, July 8 at 1pm - Devotional Guidance: Praying in Front of the Blessed Sacrament
- Tuesday, July 22 at 1pm - Seeing, Holding, and Maturing a New One Among Us: The Catechumen as a Member of the Household of God
- Tuesday, July 29 at 1pm - In Spanish: Cómo responder cuando nuestros estudiantes vienen con heridas, Parte II: Lo único que yo necesito es amor // Part II: How to respond when our students come with wounds: All you need is love
- Forming the Catechetical Spirit Program | September 2025 - May 2026 at St. Alphonsus in New Munster| Register by August 15!
- Know someone who should be getting these emails? Email Steffany at garcias@archmil.org and we'll add you to our list!
- Position Changes: if your parish has changes to your catechetical staff (DREs, YMs, Adult Formation, etc.), please let us know! We want to make sure they get added to the correct email lists, and we often only know if you tell us.
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