Posts by Francine & Byron Pirola
Couple Projects
Couple Projects might seem indulgent and merely cute but perhaps they serve a deeper purpose. Counselors and educators often talk about the importance of fun in a marriage. For those of us raising families, often couple fun is one of the first casualties in the busy family schedule. A Couple Project is one way to…
Read MoreVideo: The Sexy Lie
“Caroline Heldman, the chair of the Politics department at Occidental College, explains to her audience what sexual objectification is and why girls are taught that it can be empowering when the reality is far from that. This video is meant for both men and women. We all need to be more informed in order for…
Read MoreMarrying 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…