February 7, 2008

By Mary Pat Van Epps

Diocesan Director of Natural Family Planning

The 23rd annual Mother/Daughter Programs presented by the Diocese of Memphis Natural Family Planning Center will be held on Sunday, March 2 for 13-16 year old girls from 2-5:30 p.m. and on Sundays, March 9 or March 16 for 10-12 year old girls from 2-5 p.m. All the programs will be held in the auditorium at Saint Francis Hospital, located at 5959 Park Ave.

The Mother/Daughter Programs offer an excellent opportunity for mothers to spend some quality time with their daughters as they learn together about God's plan for growing up and becoming a woman. The beauty and wonder of human sexuality and fertility as well as the virtue of chastity are discussed with love, respect and even a little humor. The programs offer a comfortable setting to discuss some topics that may not always be easy to bring up at home. One of the best features of the programs is that both mothers and daughters hear the same thing at the same time so they have a basis for future discussions at home, thus promoting continued communication about these very important subjects.

The programs for the 10-12 year olds focus on learning respect for one's self and others as well as the physical and emotional changes of early adolescence which are all part of God's plan for women. The fertility cycle, ovulation and menstruation are explained with gentleness and reverence.

The Program for the 13-16 year old girls is a continuation of the younger girls' program and covers more detail about the fertility cycle and preparation for motherhood as well as much more on the virtue of chastity. The video, "Sex Still Has a Price Tag" is shown and college age speakers challenge the girls to practice chastity in all their relationships.

There is a question and answer segment in each program where the NFP Teachers and other speakers sit on a panel and answer the questions from the question box. We always have lots of fun food for the girls at the refreshment tables, and the NFP Center exhibit is open with chastity-promoting T-shirts and shorts, etc. as well as pro-life items and bumper stickers.

These programs usually fill up very quickly and seats are limited. Registration forms are available on the diocesan web site at www.cdom.org, and through all Catholic Schools and PRE programs. The discount fee for each program is $25 per family or $40 for two programs if a family has daughters in both age groups, if received six days prior to the program.

The NFP Center will also present the Father/Son Program for 12-15 year old boys on October 19, 2008. To be added to the mailing list to receive a reservation form for that program, send an e-mail to marypat.vanepps@cc.cdom.org or call the NFP Center at 901-373-1285.