Explore life, marriage and family Oct. 7-8

IOWA CITY — A series of conferences focusing on fertility, sexuality and marriage will take place Oct. 7-8 at St. Patrick Parish.
The first conference, “Going Natural — A Healthy Choice,” will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 7 and finish around 3 p.m. It will focus on fertility awareness methods and how they can help with family planning, infertility issues and other gynecological issues. Natural Family Planning practitioners will share their expertise and perspective. Register at www.jcrtl.org or call (319) 855-8475 by Sept. 30. Cost is $25; students receive a discounted rate of $15. Lunch is included and CEU hours are available.
The second conference, “An invitation to love — God’s plan for sexuality and marriage” will take place Oct. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; continental breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. Speakers are Project Rachel founder Vicki Thorn and Father Corey Close of the Diocese of Davenport. Guests will learn about the biochemistry of sex, gender, bonding and attachment; how marriage and family is a reflection of the Trinity; and how couples can build a culture of life and love. Persons who have been positively affected by using Natural Family Planning will share testimony. A free will donation will be accepted at the door. Register at www.jcrtl.org or call (319) 855-8475 by Sept. 30.
The conferences are sponsored by Johnson County Right to Life, Dubuque County Right to Life, Coalition for Life of Iowa, Knights of Columbus and Mercy Medical Center- Cedar Rapids.