Office of Family Life

Marriage & Family	Pastoral Services

NFP Methods

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD (STM)

The Sympto-Thermal Method involves learning and charting the primary signs of fertility (cervical mucus & Basal Body Temperature) on a daily basis providing the woman a cross-checking picture of her fertility. This method is based on the work of various scientists, including Billings, Doering, Keefe, Prem, Roetzer, and Vollman. Several variations of STM exist, of which the Diocese of Peoria currently offers one type.

Couple to Couple League

The classes are taught by certified instructors (typically a married couple) in a group setting and consist of three, two-hour classes over a 3 month period with private consultation when requested. Cost is $135 per couple plus shipping and handling of course materials. Online registration is required for classes in English at www.ccli.org. Please register early enough for the course materials to arrive before the class. A Home Study Course is also available, although this is not an option to fulfill the marriage preparation requirement. Available in Spanish in some locations. For a schedule of classes and contact information see the NFP Schedule or go to www.ccli.org, select Register for Class and follow the instructions to find a class.

OVULATION METHOD (OM)

The Ovulation Method (OM)* of Natural Family Planning makes use of the observation of cervical mucus to determine fertility and infertility. It does not require temperature observations. This method was first developed by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings of Australia. Several variations of OM exist, of which the Diocese of Peoria currently offers two types.

Billings Method

Taught by a certified instructor on an individual basis. To make an appointment contact: Maggie Schoonmaker, at Medical Arts Associates, Ltd. Moline, IL at (309) 783-1104 or Brenda DeLathouwer, at Cycle Solutions LLC, in Rock Island, IL at (309) 269-0797. Cost is $100 and includes three, one hour sessions and materials.

Creighton Model FertilityCare System

Also taught by certified instructors the Creighton Model is a more specialized and standardized form of the Ovulation Method, developed by Thomas Hilgers M. D., who has also developed the reproductive and gynecologic science called NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology), which focuses on a woman's reproductive and gynecologic health and is able to completely and thoroughly incorporate medical evaluation and treatment. This is of particular benefit to those with reproductive abnormalities and infertility. The Introductory Session, an overview of the method, is presented in a group setting. The follow up sessions are private.

For more information, contact:
Paul Kortz RN, BSN, CFCP Director
OSF Center for Health-Glen Park
5114 N. Glen Park Place, Ste. 220
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 683-5436

Or visit their website at OSF Saint Francis FertilityCare Center. Cost is $240 and includes the introductory session, 4 follow up appointments and materials.

For those outside the marriage preparation process or who are already married and would like to learn more about these programs or to register for NFP contact the providers above.

Click here for the latest NFP Schedule. (in PDF format)

Contact Information

Spalding Pastoral Center

419 NE Madison Ave.

Peoria, IL 61603-3719

Phone (309) 671-1550

Fax (309) 671-1581

Ms. Jeanne Whalen

Director, Pastoral Services

Mr. Tim Roder

Director, Marriage & Family

Mr. Craig Dyke