Family Formation
Natural Family Planning
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Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the all natural way of deciding how many children you will have and how far apart they will be spaced that is in keeping with the teaching of the Catholic Church. When done correctly, NFP can be as effective as artificial contraception. For many years, doctors and researchers have been studying a woman’s body to see how her hormones, temperature, and fluids respond to different stages of her monthly cycle. By knowing how a woman’s body works optimally, a couple use that information to determine their own fertility.
Ministry Contacts:
Dave & Jen Brunsman (818) 983-9901
NFP@saint-max.org
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We usually have two sessions, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. All classes will be held from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in Room 16.
The cost is $170 plus shipping, however this course is FREE for registered parishioners, contact the teaching couple for the promo code.
Free babysitting might be available. Please check with the teaching couple to confirm.
If you're interested in the Main Series, Perimenopause, or Postpartum NFP classes, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Dave and Jen at NFP@saint-max.org
*NFP is required for all couples going through marriage preparation at St. Max.
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Sympto-thermal - is the form of NFP that we will be teaching at St. Max. As with most forms, the woman’s body temperature and cervical mucus are charted each day to determine days of fertility and days of infertility. Each month, the husband and wife communicate to determine whether they will invite conception or whether they abstain until an infertile day. Each day, the wife takes her temperature and checks her cervical mucus. She reports her findings to her husband who notates them on the chart.
Creighton Method – is a system that uses the observation of a woman’s cervical mucous to determine times of fertility with the goal of attaining or avoiding a pregnancy. It is also used to identify if there are any hormonal imbalances shown in a woman’s cycle that could point toward medical issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, unexplained infertility and many others. Because of it’s diagnostic nature, it works hand in hand with NaPro technology to use effective and ethical means of treating, and in some cases curing, these hormonal imbalances. Learn more at www.creightonmodel.com and www.naprotechnology.com
Billings Ovulation Method - the consistency of cervical mucus is used to determine oncoming ovulation. Learn more at www.boma-usa.com
Marquette Method – this method uses the Clear Blue Easy fertility device and over the counter ovulation kits to determine fertility. In addition to a woman’s urine, cervical mucus and basal body temperature are also used to determine a woman’s fertile period during her monthly cycle.
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Watch this video to learn more about our NFP course and resources!
Family Holy Hours & Potlucks
Families are welcome to come for as much as or as little as they can! Resources such as coloring pages and journaling sheets will be provided. We’ll also have resources available for those new to Adoration.
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St. Gabriel Consolidated School, a 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, serves the parishes of St. Maximilian Kolbe (Liberty Township), St. John (West Chester) and St. Gabriel (Glendale). A consolidated elementary school in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 1993, St. Gabriel Consolidated School is operated, supported and directed by its school advisory board with lay and clergy representation from each of the three parishes. The school is dependent on the parishes for the partial financial support of its program in accordance with the policies of the archdiocese and the Archdiocesan Commission on Education (ACOE).
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St. Gabriel Consolidated School in collaboration with our three parishes, St. Gabriel, St. John, West Chester and St. Maximilian Kolbe, in partnership with the families of our diverse student body believe Christ is the center of all that we do.
We believe, as a Catholic school community, we are called to live Christ’s mission of service.
We believe a child best develops spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally when nurtured in a faith-based environment.
We believe through that Gospel teachings, all people are called to discipleship and an awareness of social justice issues.
We believe rigorous and relevant instruction with an emphasis on critical thinking will enable children to flourish in an ever-changing world.
We believe in the pursuit of academic excellence and the individual potential for every child to succeed.
We believe through the combined efforts of administration, faculty, parents and parishes that an environment of respect and responsibility exists at St. Gabriel Consolidated School.
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St. Gabriel Consolidated School, a Catholic elementary school, is dedicated to nurturing the faith, academic, and service lives of our students with an emphasis on enriching the whole child. Together, we share a partnership with parents and parishes to create a Catholic environment which empowers each individual to become a valuable member of church, school, and community.St. Gabriel Consolidated School, a Catholic elementary school, is dedicated to nurturing the faith, academic, and service lives of our students with an emphasis on enriching the whole child. Together, we share a partnership with parents and parishes to create a Catholic environment which empowers each individual to become a valuable member of church, school, and community.
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Registration is handled directly through the school. For further information, please contact the school office 771-5220, ext. #1 or visit their website www.stgabeschool.org.
Contact your local school district for information regarding bus transportation to St. Gabriel Consolidated School.
EdChoice Scholarship
Looking to send your child to a private school but not sure how?
St. Gabriel’s Consolidated School participates in the State of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship program. This system allows students from designated public schools the opportunity to attend private schools like St. Gabriel’s.
No matter your income level, EdChoice guarantees at least a partial scholarship to help each child attend school. Learn more using the links provided below.
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Parish-Affiliated Homeschool Group
The Sacred Heart of Jesus (SHoJ) home school group provides community and support to our Catholic home schooling community. Through various educational and social events our children and parents have the opportunity to grow in community, friendship, faith, and education. Contact Jackie Heath, jackiechybik@gmail.com, for information about our next activity.
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All homeschoolers are welcome to join us for our All Saints' Day Party on Friday, November 1 from 1-3 PM in the St. Max Gym. Come dressed as your favorite saint! Click here to RSVP.
FAMILY FAITH & THE MASS
Every Sunday, from 10:30 AM-10:50 AM, come to the St. Patrick’s Conference Room for an opportunity to learn more about the Mass and the treasures of our faith from our pastor, Fr. Jim. With a focus on young children, the entire family is welcome to participate together. Our time frame is a brief 20 minutes, from 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM. Consider staying with your family just after attending the 9:00 AM Mass, or coming at 10:30 AM then staying for the 11:00 AM Mass.
Ministry Contact
Mary Ella Wielgos
513-777-4322, ex.109
mwielgos@saint-max.org