Couple to Couple League of Colorado Springs

Welcome!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:12:42 -0700

Providing instruction in the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning

SPECIAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

August 17, 2pm: Membership Ice Cream Social at North Shooks Run Park (between Willamette and Boulder on North El Paso). Free! Bring a blanket and join us creek-side. Playground, basketball court, tennis courts. Bring your frisbees, balls, etc. and wear sandals if you want to tromp through the creek! Bishop Sheridan is joining us! Call Lisa at 719-487-3011 to let us know you are coming. Expired memberships can be renewed at the social or online ahead of time at Couple to Couple League.

Wedding Requirement FAQs

What is the Couple to Couple League?

The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international non-profit organization concerned with providing Natural Family Planning instruction to couples. For organizational purposes, CCL is broken into many local chapters. Currently, the Colorado Springs chapter spans from Highlands Ranch to Security, and from the Leadville/Buena Vista area to the Kansas border (the same as the Colorado Springs Catholic diocese).

What exactly do you teach?

We are a group of lay Christians providing instruction in the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (see CCL for specifics and advantages of the STM over other methods of NFP). This method allows couples to be thoroughly knowledgeable of their mutual fertility for the purpose of achieving or avoiding pregnancy by monitoring multiple signs. It also includes the natural spacing that results from continued breastfeeding (we'll teach you how). The Sympto-Thermal Method is 99.9% effective in postponing or preventing pregnancy. It is safe (all-natural), moral, and completely and immediately reversible when a pregnancy is desired. It is also a highly effective way for couples struggling with infertility to achieve pregnancy. All teachers have been professionally trained and certified by The Couple to Couple League.

What are the classes like?

All classes are taught by CCL trained and certified teachers. Class series consist of 3 classes (1 time per month for 3 months) and last about 2 1/2 hours. Classes are $135, which includes all materials (book, thermometer, charts, and Family Foundations subscription). Teaching couples always provide follow-up counseling, if needed, even after classes have ended. And, as CCL members you can always retake classes for free.If you previously took an NFP class with CCL, know that the current classes use a new, simplified book, as well as presentation materials. It is well worth re-taking the new class. (If you are a CCL member you can sit in the class for free. You may want to purchase the new book, however, and that costs about $25.) Click here for the schedule:NFP CLASSES Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, or Pastors! Come take a class for free! Or, if you are interested in an overview based on the new materials, please call Leilani and Dan Doyle at 719-638-9018. They plan to do a presentation for any clergy interested this fall.

Is NFP only for Catholics?

No! NFP is the only type of family planning approved by the Catholic Church, which is why a majority of CCL members are Catholic. But while the classes are taught from a Christian perspective, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. In fact, nearly every class we teach has couples of many faith backgrounds. This is a method that has many non-religious reasons for using it, including greater communication between spouses and a healthy alternative to chemical contraception. It is estimated that couples that use NFP have a less than 5% divorce rate!

Want to teach NFP?

If Natural Family Planning has blessed your marriage, consider becoming a teaching couple or promoter. With the Catholic marriage requirements, we need more teachers! This is a unique ministry in which you can volunteer with your spouse in an environment where children are warmly welcomed. All of our materials have been modernized and all training is online. Call Sherry or Pete at 719-472-9790 or read about it here.

Schedule of Classes

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:33:11 -0700

Please note that CCL class format has changed in 2008. There are 3 classes, with couples having the ability to take an extra supplemental postpartum or premenopausal class for free if desired (we will begin offering them in September, so check with your TC if you need help before then). The new class costs $135. If you have previously taken an NFP class but want to learn the updated course, look below for "update course"--you might prefer to take it over another full course. Of course, if it has been a long time and you don't remember much, we recommend the full course.

Also, don't forget to check Denver's schedule for NFP (see Wedding Requirement FAQs for info about skipping around)

2008

We have found that engaged couples always do better to sign up early, rather than later. That way, if anything happens and you have to skip a class and make it up you have time!

Thursdays 6:15 pm (updated dates and location as of 6-8)
July 17
August 14
Sept 11
Pete and Sherry Ohotnicky 719-472-9790
Corpus Christi Church, Colorado Springs

Saturdays 9am
August 9
Sept 13
Oct 11
Mike Vanek 303-838-4488
St. Mark, Highlands Ranch

Tuesdays
August 12
Sept 9
Oct 14
Limon, Our Lady of Victory
Mark and Michelle Linnebur--(303) 769-4333. NOTE: You must call ahead for this series (and you should for any series). Sometimes, classes in small towns are canceled.

UPDATE COURSE 7pm
August 26
Colorado Springs, Holy Apostles
Pete and Sherry Ohotnicky 719-472-9790
***this course is an update course for people who have taken the old series prior to 2008. It is free if you are a CCL member. You may want to buy the new book for $25, but it isn't required. You can become a member at the class or online at Couple to Couple League International. Babysitting provided. Tell number of children when registering.

Tuesdays 7pm
Sept. 9
Oct. 7
Nov. 11
Peter and Kristin Zimmer (719) 559-2834
St. Francis, Colorado Springs

POSTPARTUM COURSE 7pm
Sept 10
Colorado Springs, Holy Apostles
Pete and Sherry Ohotnicky 719-472-9790
***This is a course for couples who have taken the new CCL series and need special instruction on postpartum infertility. Free for CCL members. Babysitting provided. Tell number of children when registering.

PREMENOPAUSE COURSE 7pm
Sept 17
Pete and Sherry Ohotnicky 719-472-9790
***This is a course for couples who have taken the new CCL series and need special instruction on NFP during premenopause. Free for CCL members. Babysitting provided. Tell number of children when registering.

Thursday 7pm
Oct 16
Nov 20
Dec 18
Pete and Sherry Ohotnicky 719-472-9790
St. Peter's, Monument

2009

UPDATE COURSE 7pm
Feb 10
Peter and Kristin Zimmer (719) 559-2834
Location TBA, Colorado Springs
***this course is an update course for people who have taken the old series prior to 2008. It is free if you are a CCL member. You may want to buy the new book for $25, but it isn't required. You can become a member at the class or online at Couple to Couple League International.

POSTPARTUM COURSE 7pm
March 10
Peter and Kristin Zimmer (719) 559-2834
Location TBA, Colorado Springs
***This is a course for couples who have taken the new CCL series and need special instruction on postpartum infertility. Free for CCL members.

Saturdays 9am
March 14
April 11
May 9
Mike Vanek 303-838-4488
St. Mark, Highlands Ranch

PREMENOPAUSE COURSE 7pm
April 14
Peter and Kristin Zimmer (719) 559-2834
Location TBA, Colorado Springs
***This is a course for couples who have taken the new CCL series and need special instruction on NFP during premenopause. Free for CCL members.

FAQs for Wedding Requirement

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 11:14:46 -0700

What if I have to take NFP classes as a marriage requirement?

Please read ALL the FAQs below before you call a teaching couple with a question.

How do I sign up for a class?

Simply check the schedule: NFP CLASSES and find a series that works for you. Call the teaching couple listed to register.

What if I can't make all the classes?

If you can't make a whole series, simply "skip around." Each date corresponds to the class number; so, for example, if you can't make the 2nd class, look under other series for the second date listed. No matter what teacher you take from, the second date listed will be the second class of the series and so on. At your first class you will be given a little card. Take that around if you need to switch teachers and the teaching couples can sign your card. When all three classes are completed with signatures, you can give the card to your parish. (The Bishop has asked that this card be put in your file at the church where you will be married.) Also, there are many classes offered in northern Colorado. See Denver NFP Their classes are the same as ours. So just take your little card and you can utilize their many dates and locations, as well. For the first half of the year, make sure you ask if you are attending a new class or an old class. All Colo Spgs classes are new, Denver may still have some of the old series so it is good to check.

Should I call the teaching couple if I am "skipping" to their class?

It is a good idea to call the teaching couple to simply say, "I'm going to be at your class on such-and-such a day." That way, the teaching couple can get your number and call you in case of inclement weather or any emergency rescheduling.

What if only one of us can make it to a class?

We are not able to grant exceptions--we are simply the volunteers teaching the class. You should check with your priest, deacon, or marriage person at your parish if you feel you have a special circumstance where one person needs to miss. (Sometimes when one person is deployed, for instance, exceptions are made.) Otherwise, you need to skip around to find a class that will work for both of you. If that won't work, one person could attend a class taught by one couple and the other person could attend another class. You'll need to make sure each person takes the materials to the class he or she is attending alone. This is not ideal, however, as NFP is meant to be learned as a couple. You could also consider the Homestudy option (see below).

What if I have to leave early?

If you have to leave early, we are trusting that you are acting as responsible adults. Many of the teaching couples sign the cards at the end, however, so you should let a teaching couple know your reason for having to leave early so they can sign your card beforehand.

Can I do something online?

While we don't have NFP classes online, there is a Homestudy course. It is $159 (shipping included). This is a perfect option for couples who live in remote areas where classes are not offered. It would also work for couples who just can't make an in-person class work. You order the Homestudy course here:
Homestudy Course You will work through the course and check in with a teaching couple (probably over the phone). You are then required to take a test to show mastery. This is certainly the harder option to fulfill your marriage requirement. The test is designed to only be passed if you actually did the full homestudy course!

What if I can't complete all the classes before my wedding?

We are volunteers merely teaching the classes. You have to check with your priest, deacon, or whomever is in charge of such things at your parish.

What if I can't afford the classes?

Talk to the teaching couple of the series you are interested in. Someone can email or mail you a financial aid application. The application also has an option to pay monthly in smaller increments.

Chapter Downloads--Teacher Resources

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 12:16:53 -0700

Large Brochure Labels Avery 5160/8160 use these on all brochures that still have $10 off expired coupons

small labels Avery 5167/8167 use these for all other brochures

Bulletin announcements These are in Microsoft Word so you can change them for your personal classes

Parish email addresses for bulletins These are all the parish emails for bulletins. If you need to contact someone other than the bulletin person, this may not get there.

Phone registration form TEACHERS! Use this to take down registrations easily!

Diocesan survey slips TEACHERS! These are necessary for the first class of each series.

Financial Assistance Form

Little Cards for skipping

Useful Links

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 10:38:06 -0700

Online orders, information about classes in other states, Home Study, etc.: Couple to Couple League International

Engaged and Catholic? Truly prepare yourselves in a deep and meaningful way. This program is available online or with live classes:
Catholic Marriage Prep Online

Struggling with purity, intimacy, or an addiction to pornography? Imago Dei Counseling

A site from Steve Wood, just for fathers: Christian Fatherhood

Downloads

Sun, 29 May 2005 12:57:57 -0700

Feel free to use anything here to help promote NFP. (We are no longer publishing the downloadable brochure, as it could never stay as up-to-date as the website. We are in the process of ordering business cards, which will have the website and other info on it. Please check back or call Katy at 719-570-6837 if you want to be on the list of people to receive some cards.)

Birth Control Quiz (This is a good one to clear up misconceptions about NFP and Catholic Church teaching on birth control.)

All downloads require Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free program commonly found on many PCs. You can download it for free here at Adobe's website.

Contact Us!

Sun, 29 May 2005 10:56:02 -0700

For general questions about NFP that have not been answered on the Home page, or the Wedding FAQ page, check the Schedule page and choose an NFP teaching couple to call with your question.

If you would like more info on becoming a teacher or promoter, call Sherry or Pete at 719-472-9790 or read about it here. We need more teachers!