For nearly a decade, Amy Dyke has assisted the Office of Family Life in numerous supportive ways. She will now do so in an official capacity as the new Coordinator of Natural Family Planning in the newly merged Office of Evangelization and Family Life.

She described her mission in terms of being “a voice for those married and engaged couples that need the support in following God’s plan for a joy-filled marriage, especially in the area of the church’s teaching regarding NFP,” as well as an “open door” for those who would like to learn more.

Craig and Amy Dyke have been an NFP teaching couple for more than a decade, and say many couples tell them they wish they had been introduced to it years earlier.

“It’s simply life-changing for these couples when they finally come to understand the church’s teaching on NFP,” says Amy. “We are living in a culture that does not emphasize the value of selfless love, generosity toward life and cultivation of virtue. Rather, we find ourselves in a ‘me-centered'” culture, with contraception and sterilization being the acceptable norm.”

“AN EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATOR”
“Amy is an exceptional communicator of the church’s teaching on NFP,” said Craig Dyke, director of the Office of Evangelization and Family Life. While Craig will continue to oversee the ministry of NFP as department head, Amy will be the “ears” and the “heart” of Natural Family Planning efforts throughout the diocese.

“For years, people have come to Amy with questions regarding NFP,” said Craig, citing her evident joy and expertise in presenting its beauty.

“There’s a definite benefit to having a woman in this position,” said Craig, “as Amy can speak to the subject in a way that is academic and professional, while also bringing a feminine, authentic witness of what it means to live in accord with the church’s teaching, and in offering a sincere gift of self within marriage.”

Amy has a theology degree from Franciscan University and currently heads the NFP Fellowship and Discussion Group at St. Jude’s Parish in Peoria.

“We would like to see that kind of support network in place around the diocese,” said Craig.

The plan is to establish and support regional NFP communities. Efforts will be made to foster greater unity among those instructing and practicing the three major NFP methods currently taught in the diocese (Sympto-Thermal, Creighton, and Billings methods), and to coordinate class schedules regionally.

“The laity should know that NFP is within their reach and that we, as a diocese, are a resource in helping them get the proper support they need in identifying a variety of health issues, and ultimately to help build stronger, healthier marriages.”

The Dykes stressed that NFP has come a long way from what was once known as the “rhythm method.”

“Modern NFP is scientifically accurate and boasts a 99.6 percent effectiveness rate in postponing pregnancy,” said Amy. Additionally, NFP helps couples who have struggled with infertility issues to discover underlying problems — and in many cases, achieve pregnancy.

“We are gifted with excellent NFP instructors throughout the diocese, and are also blessed with excellent Catholic medical professionals who support women’s health in the fullest sense,” she said.

Amy has assisted Craig with many family life office events, including Engaged Couple Encounters, the Marriage Mass and Valentine Date Night, and the Mother-Daughter Tea in order to foster purity and strengthen families. She will continue in these supportive roles.

Amy and Craig are members of St. Jude’s Parish in Peoria, where they lead a marriage enrichment group called Marriage on Tap.