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woman's body and encourages periods of sexual absti- nence between a couple when trying to avoid a preg- nancy. Because the use of artificial contraception is contrary to the Church's teachings, NFP is a way for couples to remain faithful to her teachings and ultimately experience a deeper and more fulfilling intimacy. As Deacon Coleman puts it, every- thing a couple learns throughout marriage prep is really to prepare for them for the successful and fruitful practice of NFP. "NFP is the glue that holds it all together, because you're living it out in a practical way," he explained. "Marriage is not a philosophical thing. Marriage is a lived and true experience. Being able to have a lived, true experience through managing your fertility is the best way. Ask the woman, do you want your husband to talk to you more? Well, this is a perfect way. And how do we strengthen our will as well? Natural family planning teaches us to strengthen our will if we are practic- ing periodic abstinence." The strengthening of the will is just one benefit of practicing NFP that couples can reap. In addition to its being a totally natural, chemi- cal-free and organic way of managing fertility, the best and most important benefit is the profound impact it will have on the couple's relationship with each other as spouses, and in turn, with Christ. "How do I live out my vocation? It's through my body, and being free, faithful, total and fruitful with my body," Deacon Coleman said. "NFP is allowing us to live a deeper rela- tionship with Christ because we're living it with our spouse. We're really respecting the fertility of the wife and the gift of what that fertility is and also growing in greater trust of God." 'O L D A N D W R I N K LY ' It's understandable for marriage prep to seem intimidating and maybe even a bit overbearing for a couple seeking to get married in the Church. But the Church, in her wisdom and prudence, desires married couples both to understand and live out the covenant they're entering into, and to do that, they need a firm foundation. "The Church has the most beauti- ful and superior teaching of marriage on the planet," Deacon Coleman said. "But if we're placing that teaching on sand, it'll just diffuse away. I've been in this ministry for a while, 18 years now, and I've seen couples, that when they receive it, that sand becomes rock." All of the elements of marriage prep — from the remote, proximate and immediate stages to the educa- tion and practice of NFP — are aimed toward one ultimate end: namely, the "'til death do us part" end. "Living out of the sacrament of marriage is until death," Deacon Cole- man said. "I like to use the term 'old and wrinkly.' We're preparing you for that, so that you can look back after 60 years of marriage and go, 'Wow. That's what they mean by good times and bad, and in sickness and in health.'" 37 DENVER CATHOLIC | FEB-MAR 2024 Questions about Marriage Prep and NFP? Scan to learn more!