New book aims to help clergy preach about natural family planning

By Catholic News Service

A new book published by the Billings Ovulation Method Association-USA is designed to help clergy preach about the sometimes difficult topic of natural family planning.

"A Preachable Message: The Dynamics of Preaching Natural Family Planning" features an introduction by Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago and offers ideas from bishops and priests throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Vatican.

"Clergy often simply don't know the words to say when talking about 'Humanae Vitae' and natural family planning," said Sue Ek, executive director of the St. Paul-based association, who said the book grew out of an audiotape project several years ago.

Thousands of copies of the audiotape have been distributed in the United States and abroad, she said in a news release.

"This book not only gives the personal experiences of clergy but adds a dozen homilies and a chapter called 'Scriptural Opportunities' which will assist priests in developing homilies throughout the three-year liturgical calendar," Ek added, calling it "a tangible tool that will help clergy get the word out that the church has a beautiful, courageous teaching that helps marriages."

- - -

Editors: The book "A Preachable Message" costs $9.95 plus $2.50 postage and handling for one copy. Discounts are available for bulk orders. To order, write: Billings Ovulation Method Association-USA, P.O. Box 16206, St. Paul, MN 55116; telephone: (651) 699-8139; or e-mail: boma-usa@msn.com.