Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett explores the deeply personal and often overlooked experience of infertility with Anne Koshute, co-founder of the Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert. Anne shares her journey of dealing with infertility, its mental health implications, and the complex emotions of grief, shame, and identity it brings. The conversation highlights the importance of pastoral care in the church, the support needed from clergy, and the need for a deeper understanding of fruitfulness within marriage beyond biological children. Anne's story underscores the significance of mutual support in marriage and finding hope and purpose amidst suffering through faith.

Links: 

• Springs in the Desert | Catholic Infertility Ministry (Co-founded by Ann)
• Episode Patron: Venerable Mother Luisita
• Book Recommendation / Holding Space for Joy: A Prayer Companion for Women Struggling with Infertility by Mary Bruno (OSV Publishing)
• Blog: In a Church That Glorifies Motherhood, This Is How I Cope with Infertility by Julie Taylor

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine discusses the vital topic of attachment with Rebecca Schall, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from East Texas. Rebecca delves into the intricacies of attachment wounds—emotional injuries from unmet relational needs—and their impact on mental health and faith. She shares her personal journey of overcoming attachment wounds through God's relentless love and professional counseling. The discussion highlights the integration of clinical practices like EMDR with Christian anthropology to foster healing. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding our attachment styles, seeking healthy relationships, encountering Christ in our wounds, and striving for holiness in community.

Links: 

• More about Rebecca Schall
• How We Love Quiz
• How We Love Book
• What is attachment theory?
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Patron Saint for this Episode: Bl. Francisa de Paula de Jesus Isabel

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

In this episode, Chris Miller shares his personal journey battling depression and his extensive work in mental health education and advocacy. As a Silicon Valley resident, school teacher, and youth minister, Chris discusses the impact of depression on his life, the importance of hope, and the various coping mechanisms he's employed, including medication and therapy. Chris also discusses his involvement in legislative and pastoral efforts to improve mental health awareness and support. His story emphasizes the significance of a holistic and integrative approach to mental health, combining professional treatment with spiritual guidance.

Links: 

• St. Albert Chmielowski
• Various fact sheets on forms of depression
• What is Depression?
• USCCB Mental Health Coalition
• NFCYM Ministry Network for Pastoral Care and Mental Health
• National Catholic Partnership for Disability
• California Catholic Conference Statement on Mental Health
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• Saints who confronted suicidal thoughts
• National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

In this episode of 'Hope Stories,' the focus is on the complex and deeply spiritual reality of adoption. Guest Jess Echeverry shares her profound personal experiences with adoption, homelessness, and trauma. Through her testimony, Jess reveals the deep pain and eventual redemption found in her journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both suffering and resurrection in the context of adoption. Additionally, Jess discusses mental health realities, including postpartum depression, identity struggles, and the need for developmental awareness in adoptive families. This episode is a compelling exploration of the intertwining of personal suffering, spiritual growth, and the redemptive love of Christ.

This episode is placed into the care of St. Mbaaga Tuzinde, patron saint of victims of human trafficking abuse. St. Mbaaga Tuzinde, pray for us! 

Links: 

• Saint Mbaaga Tuzinde 
• Jess Echevery Website 
• Jess Echevery's Non-Profit (Supporting Families and those Experiencing with Homelessness)
• Resources for Adoption from Psychology Today 
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, shares a deeply personal account of his struggle with anxiety and depression, largely triggered by the clergy abuse scandal. Bishop Conley recounts how his overwhelming responsibilities and traumatic events led to a profound psychological crisis, resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder. Seeking healing, he took a leave of absence, during which he received medical, psychological, and spiritual support. Throughout his journey, key relationships played a vital role in his recovery. Bishop Conley's testimony emphasizes the importance of reaching out, the power of community and relationships, and finding hope through faith, even in the darkest times. 

Links: 

• USCCB Resource Page on How to Report Abuse
• PTSD: National Center for PTSD
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Blessed Rutilio Grande, SJ

This episode references the Catholic Church clergy abuse scandal in general terms. Please listen with care. 

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

• PTSD: National Center for PTSD
• What is EMDR therapy?
• St. Josephine Bakhita by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
• Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
• Saints who survived abuse
• “Painting the Faces of Holiness”: An Interview with Hope Acquilano
• Kitchen House Studio by Hope Acquilano
• Hope's Instagram CLICK HERE

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Sister Josephine welcomes her first guest of Season 2, Christian Bentley, to discuss his experience living with bipolar disorder. Christian shares his journey through the highs and lows of the illness, his struggles with suicidal thoughts, and the stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self acceptance, faith, and the sacrament of confession in managing his condition. With personal anecdotes and profound wisdom, Christian offers hope and encouragement to others living with mental health challenges.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. To learn more, click here.

Links: 

• Christian Bentley's Instagram
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
• Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
• Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
• From “Mean Girl” to Saint, the story of Hyacintha
• Saints who confronted suicidal thoughts
• National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA. Help Catholic Charities serve your neighbors in need by joining us at www.WeAreThere.US. 

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

Bishop Shelton Fabre, Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Louisville and former chair of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism (2018 to 2023), sits down with Sr. Josephine for the last episode of Hope Stories season one. 

Resources

• Archdiocese of Louisville
• Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

Sr. Josephine Garrett is joined by her parents, Aunt Dee and Uncle Billy, for a moving discussion about loving well, praying through struggle, seeing blessings, and recognizing the awesome gift of God's mercies.

NOTES

• What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States
• Sr. Thea Bowman’s June 1989 Address to U.S. Catholic Bishops
• Demystifying Catholic Terms, with Sr. Josephine

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. bishops' 9 Days for Life Novena
Join the U.S. bishops’ pro-life novena from January 16 through January 24
www.9daysforlife.com

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.

Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/