Blog

Practical wisdom, faith-filled insights, and real-world relationship advice for couples at every stage. Our blog offers practical tools and Catholic perspectives to help you love smarter. Explore topics including communication, fertility, forgiveness, spirituality, parenting, and more — authored by Francine & Byron Pirola and other guest contributers.

St Valentine for the Modern Church

By Francine & Byron Pirola | February 13, 2014

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…

Hold on to what you love!

By Francine & Byron Pirola | February 11, 2014

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…

Recommended Reading – Topic: Sex

By Francine & Byron Pirola | February 7, 2014

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…

Learning Natural Fertility

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 30, 2014

Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)
Creighton Model FertilityCare System
Sympto-Thermal Method
Other Natural Fertility Methods & Support Sites…

Finding Mr or Mrs Right

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 25, 2014

Many people think that the key to a successful marriage is finding the right person. Clearly there is some common sense to this notion –…

The Soul Mate Myth

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 24, 2014

    Chasing ‘Happily Ever After’     To Have and to Hold Embracing Hope in Our Marriage In Marriage, Big Boxes Can Be Trouble…

The 11 Differences Between Dating a Boy vs a Man

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 23, 2014

*Original article available here* When I was in my early twenties, if a guy acted aloof, called back only sometimes and showed minimal interest, I…

Natural Fertility Methods

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 21, 2014

There are a number of natural methods of fertility management, but only a few have been demonstrated to be consistently reliable in avoiding and also achieving a pregnancy…

Two of Us: Activities

By Christine | January 20, 2014

Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes and then share your answers more fully with your spouse.…

Two of Us: Negativity

By Christine | January 13, 2014

An exercise to help us grow in the area of ‘affirmation’ rather than ‘criticism’ to enrich our relationships rather than grid-lock them. Reflect Separately, say…

A How To Guide for Your Catholic Wedding

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 7, 2014

Your Catholic Wedding Ceremony will be a rich and wonderful celebration, based on universal traditions, and flavoured with your own unique personality. At least one…

Pornography and Infidelity

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 3, 2014

Another contribution to sexual problems is the use of pornography. Pornography has be shown to stimulate the same neural pathways which are associated with other…

Video: The Tutu Project’s Story

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 3, 2014

This guy traveled the country in a pink tutu just to make his wife laugh during chemo     Three Magic Words Forgiveness Is The…

Two of Us: Compliments and Criticisms

By Christine | December 30, 2013

An exercise to understand the impact compliments and criticisms have in our individual relationships. It can be quite easy to give someone either, but the…

Video: Contraception Impact

By Francine & Byron Pirola | December 27, 2013

What most women don’t know about hormonal contraception: a short video.     Five Myths About Marriage Sacrament Essentials – Reconciliation New Product: Sexuality as…