You and I were designed to give life. God, Who created all things and Who first gave us life, made us in His own image and likeness. The use of contraception goes against the very reason God made us the way we are, and devalues the sexual act, which is meant to renew marriage vows and one's com-mitment of total love. Not only that, but especially in our age of "organic" and "all-natural" food and products, there is nothing more unnatural that filling a woman's body with hormones or using devices to construct a barrier. By our natural design, we give life.

Natural Family Planning is NOT the "rhythm method," or some other questionable method for spacing the birth of children. When used correctly, it is 99% effective (See this link more information on the effectiveness of NFP).

The Society of Joyful Hope is an apostolate designed to bring families together in prayer and support in order to spread the beauty and truth expressed in the teachings of the Catholic Church on family life.

"Children are the supreme gift of marriage and contribute greatly to the good of the parents themselves." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1652) We must pray for openness to life and evangelize by truly living life by God's loving plan, thereby creating a Culture of Life. 

Living open to life can be challenging, too. Another aim of the Society is to provide a consolidated support network. Members will be refreshed by building friendships with those who live a culture of life. They will find and share good local resources. They can, in turn, gain momentum and support others beginning their voyage. 

To learn more about natural family planning online, visit the Society's website - https://sites.google.com/site/socofjoyfulhope/; or the Couple to Couple League - www.ccli.org

Also, for more information, please contact: Ben & Patti Daniel at 843.884.4635 or benandpatti@bellsouth.net.