I thought I had the perfect Catholic fairy tale: Meet and a date a former seminarian. Seven months after I got married, my world was utterly shattered.

Controversial decisions, such as Brown v. Board of Education (school desegregation), Roe v. Wade (abortion) and, most recently, Obergefell v. Hodges (same-sex marriage), often are challenged for decades by opponents seeking their reversal or limitation.

While certain myths continue to linger, advocates of NFP say there is plenty that the Catholic Church can do to inform and support those who wish to learn.

“Marriage preparation is a fantastic opportunity for evangelization, catechesis and pastoral care—our diocese dropped the ball on this opportunity.”

My father was a decorated New York City police officer, but he retired early to focus on his drinking.

Their invalid marriages put these Catholics on the margins of the church.