Re letter from Chris Beneteau (NFP) (C.I., Sept. 2004).

While this letter was quite informative about Natural Family Planning, I question the generalizations made concerning those whom he refers to as "contraceptive" couples.

First, I and many other Catholic couples (married 30 years) were counselled by the clergy regarding contraception, birth control, vasectomies and various other issues when we asked what we should do. Many of us found no help other than, "You should follow your conscience."

We should have been taught about what married life, and children in that marriage, really mean. Certainly, we understood that children are part of the family God envisions for us, but the teachings of the Church at that time did not come out very strongly either way. As a result, many of us became "contraceptive couples."

The insensitive way in which Mr. Beneteau dismisses and lumps us into a group that will "employ abortion" for "accidents", is totally distasteful to me. I may have prevented conception and also may have unknowingly aborted an embryo through the use of the contraceptive pill or IUD, but I have never supported abortion. Even the idea that I may have hurt an unborn child hurts me to the core. I am not alone in this.

We are all, as Catholics, becoming more aware of what the Church teaches especially through the publications of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The clergy are also becoming more aware as well as more responsible to their parishioners. I thank God for this enlightenment.

Understanding and education of all Catholics on many subjects should be the goals of all the organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church. Harmful generalizations on subjects the writer of this letter seems to know so much about may only serve to create a rift between those who know and those who are trying to learn how to be better.

High Prairie, AB