Posts by Francine & Byron Pirola
Marrying Young
Almost everyone has an opinion about the optimum age to marry but what does the data tell us? We had an interesting call recently from a priest who had just interviewed an engaged couple. He was looking for some marriage preparation as the couple were ‘very young’. As he went on, it became apparent that…
Read MoreVideo: Movies & Manhood
TED talk: When Colin Stokes’ 3-year-old son caught a glimpse of Star Wars, he was instantly obsessed. But what messages did he absorb from the sci-fi classic? Stokes asks for more movies that send positive messages to boys: that cooperation is heroic, and respecting women is as manly as defeating the villain. (Filmed at TEDxBeaconStreet.)…
Read MoreGrowing in Love
The popularity of St Valentine’s Day grew out of the joy of celebrating romantic married love. The celebration also encourages us to renew and develop that love. God is love and this year we focus on one particular aspect of deepening the love of a couple, whether they are engaged or married – that is,…
Read MoreVideo: What is Sex?
St Valentine for the Modern Church
For a number of years we have been involved in the St Valentine’s Day initiative of the Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council. It’s a simple project: provide an easily reproducible print kit to Catholic parishes, schools and family movements with content relevant to married and engaged couples. When talking about this resource we get…
Read MoreHold on to what you love!
As we fall across the ‘Christmas-NY’ line, we look back on the past month with a sigh of relief and a tinge of regret… yet another frantic Advent with barely time to think about Jesus or our loved ones except to curse the ones who obstinately remain difficult to buy for. Every year, we swear…
Read MoreRecommended Reading – Topic: Sex
There are a number of excellent resources available, however some lack the insight of the Christian perspective. In whatever you read, measure the content against the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of scripture before you adopt any practice. Sex Therapist Titles Passionate Marriage Dr David Schnarch, Scribe Publications, Australia, 1977, ISBN 0-908011-38-5. Rekindling…
Read MoreLearning Natural Fertility
Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)
Creighton Model FertilityCare System
Sympto-Thermal Method
Other Natural Fertility Methods & Support Sites…
Finding Mr or Mrs Right
Many people think that the key to a successful marriage is finding the right person. Clearly there is some common sense to this notion – after all, having someone who shares your beliefs and values, has similar interests and is a person of virtue and integrity all make marriage a whole lot easier. And in…
Read MoreThe Soul Mate Myth
Chasing ‘Happily Ever After’
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