Family Planning and Parenthood

For some couples, having children is the last thing on their minds as they plan for their marriage. Other couples may be planning to start a family right away. In either case, it is important to talk about parenthood at this stage. By learning one another's expectations for having children and parental styles, you will grow in your understanding of your spouse and the mother/father of your children.

This segment explores the Catholic Church's teaching of marriage and procreation, including Natural Family Planning.

You will be challenged to discuss issues including:

  • How long do you plan to wait before having your first child? 
  • Are you in agreement with the number of children you would like to have?
  • When you become parents, would you like one of you to stay home, or will you both pursue careers?
  • What are your views, individually, on parenting techniques like discipline and choice of schooling?
  • More! 

Presenters

Mary Crombez holds a BS in Special Education and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Parent and Pre-School Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Infant Mental Health. She is a Family Education Consultant with certification as an Infant Massage Instructor and a Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training (NCAST) examiner.

Mary teaches and lectures nationally on topics relative to nurturing and purposeful parenting. She has also authored numerous articles and research protocols. Dale is her husband of nearly 20 years and they are raising three children. 

  

Presenters: Mary and Dale Crombez

Natural Family Planning is also included in this segment, presented by Faith Offman. She has served as the Associate Director at the Office for Family Ministry, Archdiocese of Detroit. Prior to this position, she was a Pastoral Associate at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish.

Mrs. Offman is a Licensed Social Worker. She earned her Master of Divinity (MDiv) through studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and SS Cyril & Methodius Seminary.

 

This presentation is part of Marriage Prep Class, a production of The Marriage Group.

To learn more, click here.