USCCB - (NFP) - Diocesan NFP Program

Diocesan NFP Program - Profile 1998 Summary

Diocesan NFP Program--National Profile

In the Fall of 1990, the Diocesan Development Program (DDP) initiated an annual national survey. Diocesan NFP coordinators or contact persons were asked to complete a Profile questionnaire that would:

Give the DDP a clearer understanding of diocesan NFP efforts, by focusing on the unique needs of individual dioceses.
Enable the DDP to provide the bishops and NFP coordinators with a national picture of diocesan NFP program activity.

The following information is based on responses to the 1998 Diocesan NFP program Profile survey.*

Overview of the 1998 Profile

In November of 1998, 187 Profile questionnaires were mailed to dioceses. One hundred and six or 57% of the dioceses completed and returned questionnaires. Data provided indicate that most trends have remained constant with NFP programs around the nation with some improvement in certain areas:

Where the diocesan bishop/clergy publicly supports NFP efforts, NFP programs are strong and effective, even with limited funding. NFP Coordinators and teachers need inspiration and support for their hard work and dedication. Every year this is the greatest plea identified by respondents. Sufficient funding to support and expand programs is the second greatest need.
Sixty-nine percent (69%) of all NFP diocesan programs operate on less than $10,000 per year. Thirty five percent (35%) of dioceses specifically allocated less than a $1,000 for NFP efforts. A few dioceses (5%) allocate $30,000 to more than $70,000 for their NFP programs. A typical arrangement is for an NFP program to share the funding, material, and staff support of an umbrella department, e.g., Family Life Office, Catholic Charities, or the facilities/staff of a Catholic hospital.
Almost every diocese has a person designated either officially or unofficially as the Diocesan NFP Coordinator. Often, the NFP "hat" is one of many worn by this person. For example, the Family Life Director (40%) may be tasked to coordinate NFP efforts as part of the Office of Family Life.
Most diocesan marriage programs provide some type of NFP information to engaged couples. The time allotted for NFP in 78% of pre-cana programs is less than 45 minutes. A more substantive inclusion of NFP in education programs about human sexuality and conjugal love remains a distant goal, not only in marriage preparation programs, but on every level of instruction. The inclusion of NFP in all educational programs on human sexuality and marriage needs to be emphasized in every diocese. Sometimes, NFP is barely mentioned in pre-cana programs or is covered by giving out literature to couples without discussion. One diocese strongly encourages couples to complete a full course of instruction in NFP as part of it comprehensive marriage preparation program.
The Ovulation Method (66%) and the Sympto-thermal Method (87%) are the most preferred methods of NFP. A variety of NFP national provider groups are used by dioceses.
Most diocesan NFP teachers are volunteers (28%). A few dioceses provide stipends to volunteer teachers (49%) to cover personal costs; e.g., transportation, baby sitter, materials, etc.
There are over 1,250+ NFP teachers scattered in dioceses across the nation. Some teachers act as a cohesive group working within a diocese, while others teach independently. Training new teachers and keeping seasoned instructors is a constant challenge in practically every diocesan program. These teachers have contributed over 100,000 hours in donated time and energy this past year toward NFP efforts across the nation, often at great personal sacrifice. They are a great resource for the teaching of human sexuality within a faith context, a resource to be more fully utilized.

Summary:

NFP efforts in dioceses, when viewed as a whole, remain varied and uneven. Some dioceses have robust educational programs that integrate NFP into all education efforts on human sexuality, marriage, and family life. By their dedicated efforts, some dioceses have made tremendous strides in improving the quality of their NFP programs by meeting the National Standards. Sadly, a few dioceses have experienced a reduction in program size either through teacher loss, budget cuts, and/or diocesan restructuring. With the exception of a handful of dioceses in the U.S., the Church's direct commitment to help couples understand the benefits of NFP over contraception is weak. Knowledge of NFP remains a much needed pastoral gift to offer to couples, who wish to be faithful to the Church's teaching on conjugal love.

Dioceses which have demonstrated a commendable long-term commitment to NFP ministry through funding, staffing, and program services include: Cleveland, OH; Harrisburg, PA; LaCrosse, WI; Phoenix, AZ; St. Cloud, MN; and Springfield, IL. These dioceses can serve as models and might be consulted by dioceses with less developed programs. Check the National Diocesan NFP Coordinators Directory or contact the NFP program at the NCCB for further information (202-541-3240).

In conclusion, the single most compelling pastoral question is: "Can couples who wish to be faithful to Church teaching on responsible parenthood get the NFP help they need within the diocese?" The answer to that question will determine how best to plan program development for local diocesan NFP ministry.

Gratitude is extended to the following dioceses which provided data for the 1998 Profile survey:

Altoona, PA; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Baker, OR; Baltimore, MD; Baton Rouge, LA; Beaumont, TX; Biloxi, MS; Bismarck, ND; Boston, MA; Bridgeport, MA; Brooklyn, NY; Buffalo, NY; Burlington, VT; Camden, NJ; Charleston, SC; Cheyenne, WY; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Corpus Christi, TX; Covington, KY; Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Detroit, MI; Duluth, MN; Erie, PA; Evansville, IN; Fall River, MA; Fargo, ND; Gaylord, MI; Grand Rapids, MI; Great Falls-Billings, MT; Greenburg, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Hartford, CT; Helena, MT; Houma-Thibadoux, LA; Jackson, MS; Jefferson City, MO; Joliet, IL; Kansas City- St. Joseph; Knoxville, TN; La Crosse, WI; Lafayette, LA; Lafayette, IN: Lake Charles, LA; Las Vegas, NV; Lexington, KY; Lincoln, NE; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Lubbock, TX; Manchester, NH; Marquette, MI; Memphis, TN; Metuchen, NJ; Miami, FL; Milwaukee, WI; Monterey,CA; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; New Orleans, LA; New Ulm, MN; New York, NY; Ogdensburg, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; Omaha, NE; Orange, CA; Orlando, FL; Owensboro, KY; Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Providence, RI; Pueblo, CO; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Rockford, IL; St. Augustine. FL; St. Cloud, MN; St. Louis, MO; St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN; St. Petersburg, FL; Salinas, KS; San Antonio, TX;; San Diego,CA; San Francisco, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Scranton, PA; Shreveport, LA; Sioux City, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; Spokane, WA; Springfield, IL; Springfield, MA; Springfield Cape Girardeau, MO; Superior, WI; Toledo, OH; Trenton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; Washington, DC; Wichita, KS; Yakima, WA.

*The DDP/NFP extends its appreciation to the Rev. Robert R. Cannon, M.A., M.Th., J.C.L. of the Diocese of Venice, FL. for the preparation of the 1998 Profile Report.

Program Management
1. Who is responsible for coordinating NFP ministry, (e.g. Family Life Director, NFP Coordinator, Respect Life Director, etc.)?
  
  40% Diocesan NFP Coordinator
  40% Family Life Director
  03% Director Catholic Charities
  04% Respect Life Coordinator
  10% Other
  03% No Response
2. For this position, NFP work is: (Check only one.)
  
  43% One aspect of other responsibilities
  10% Full-time, paid
  01% Full-time, volunteer
  20% Part-time, paid
  22% Part-time, volunteer
  03% No Response
3. Is the NFP coordinator trained in NFP methodology? (Check one.)
  
  79% Yes
  15% No
  06% No Response
4. If the answer to question (3) is "yes," for which of the following roles was the NFP coordinator trained? (Check all that apply.)
  
  58 Teacher
  63 User
  43 Promoter
  22 No Response (Frequency)
5. If the answer to question (4) is "yes," the NFP coordinator is trained in: (Check all that apply.)
  
  55 STM
  46 OM
  0 Other
  23 No Response (Frequency)
6. If you answered question (6), please indicate which school(s) of NFP trained the coordinator: (Check all that apply)
  
  (Frequency)
  24 Billings Ovulation Method Association (BOMA)
  27 Couple to Couple League (CCL)
  18 Creighton Model Ovulation Method Programs
  17 Diocesan NFP Teacher Training Program
  07 Family of the Americas Foundation
  09 Northwest Family Services
  08 Other
  23 No Response
7. How many NFP teachers are part of the (arch)diocesan program? (Count teaching couples as two.)
  
  Total: 1,250
8. Which statement best describes the NFP program policy regarding remuneration of its teachers? (Check one.)
  
  28% Most of our NFP instructors are volunteers.
  
  We give them a stipend.
  49% Most of our NFP instructors are volunteers.
  
  We do not give them a stipend.
  09% We pay or NFP instructors (part and/or full time).
  07% Salaries/stipends for instructors are provided by other sources
  
  (e.g., Catholic Hospital, Knights of Columbus, etc.).
  07% No Response
  
  The (arch)diocesan NFP program is: (Check one.)
  
  59% Part of the office of Marriage & Family Life
  07% Part of Catholic Charities
  11% Part of Pro-Life Activities
  07% A service of our Catholic hospital(s)
  12% Other: Office of Pastoral Planning, Volunteer Couples, etc.
  04% No Response
  
  10) Does the (arch)diocese have an NFP Advisory Committee?
  
  27% Yes
  66% No
  07% No Response
  
  Which organization trains the (arch)diocesan teachers? (Check all that apply.)
  
  (Frequency)
  36 Billings Ovulation Method Association (BOMA)
  49 Couple to Couple League (CCL)
  40 Creighton Model Ovulation Method Programs
  02 Family of the Americas Foundation
  15 Northwest Family Services
  08 Other: Various local sponsored settings
  12 No Response
Program Budget
1. How much money was spent on (arch)diocesan NFP programing last year? (Estimate should include salaries, stipends, postage, materials, etc.)
  
  09% $0
  23% $1-999
  24% $1,000 - 4,999
  13% $5 - 9,999
  07% $10 - 29,999
  07% $30 - 49,999
  04% $50 - 69,999
  07% $70,000+
  06% No Response
2. How much (arch)diocesan money was allocated for NFP programing last year?
  
  15% $0
  20% $1-999
  20% $1,000 - 4,999
  12% $5 - 9,999
  09% $10 - 29,999
  07% $30 - 49,999
  04% $50 - 69,999
  05% $70,000+
  08% No Response
3. How much is charged to clients/couples for a course in NFP? (If amounts vary, give average.)
  
  Average: $50
4. Please estimate the total number of hours donated by volunteers to the NFP program (Please give your best estimate.)
  
  Total: 76,793*
  
  27% No Response
  
  *If the average was 1,000 hrs., the number of donated hours would be in excess of 100,000 hours.
Program Service
1. Which NFP method(s) is currently taught in the (arch)diocesan program? (Check all that apply.)
  
  87 STM
  66 OM
  06 No Response
2. Does the (arch)diocese have guidelines for marriage preparation?
  
  93% Yes
  03% No
  4% No Response
3. If the answer to question (17) was "yes," is NFP included in the guidelines for marriage preparation?
  
  79% Yes
  14% No
  5% No Response
4. Does the (arch)diocese require an introduction (overview) to NFP for the engaged? (Check one.)
  
  53% Yes
  42% No
  5% No Response
5. Does the (arch)diocese require a NFP a course for engaged couples? (Check one.)
  
  1% Yes
  94% No
  5% No Response
6. On average how much time is allowed for NFP education in marriage preparation programs? (Give your best estimate.)
  
  24% 5 minutes - 15 minutes
  27% 20 minutes - 30 minutes
  27% 35 minutes - 45 minutes
  20% 1 hour - 2 hours+
  02% No Response
7. Does the (arch)diocese have guidelines on human sexuality? (Check one.)
  
  59% Yes
  26% No
  14% No Response
8. Continuing and out-reach education in NFP was provided in the (arch)diocese, during the last 12 months, for: (Check all that apply.)
  
  (Internal DDP/NFP office use only)
9. Please describe the greatest obstacles that hinder the growth/establishment of NFP services in the (arch)diocese.
  
  (In order of greatest frequency)
  
  1 Lack of public support by bishop and priests
  2 Insufficient funds
  3 Lack of teachers
  4 An uninformed medical community
  5 An uninformed laity (i.e., confusion with rhythm method)
10. Please include additional program information not covered by this questionnaire which you feel the DDP/NFP should know regarding the (arch)diocesan NFP program and/or how we can be of further assistance to you.