In this episode of Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett meets with Dan and Bethany Meola, the founders of Life Giving Wounds. They discuss the impact of growing up as adult children of divorce and the healing journey experienced by Dan. They share insights into their ministry, which seeks to support others facing similar wounds and reflect deeply on their faith and personal testimonies. Bethany provides an outside perspective on how Dan's past affected their relationship and marriage. Together, they offer hope and encouragement to both parents considering divorce and adults who have experienced it as children.

Links: 

• Dan and Bethany's Book: Life Giving Wounds
• Life Giving Wounds Ministry
• Difficulties Married Couples Face
• Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta

Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their first Christmas gift! Each box is filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and a story about Jesus. Donate a Box of Joy at boxofjoy.org.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach. 

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 Garrett welcomes her close friend Betsy Jenkins, a dedicated mother of two boys diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Betsy shares her heartfelt journey, from the early diagnosis of her sons to the struggles and triumphs of managing their conditions. She discusses how her background in child development prepared her to advocate for her children and how her faith in God has played a crucial role in her family's life. Betsy also reflects on the support and challenges she has faced within the educational system and the Catholic Church and how her husband's unwavering support has helped them navigate their path together. This episode is a touching exploration of resilience, faith, and the unyielding love of a mother.

Links:

• What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
• Parenting Students with Learning Differences
• Patron Saint for this Episode: Saint Thorlak of Iceland

This episode is sponsored by Box of Joy®. Donate a Box of Joy at boxofjoy.org.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach. 

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 Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett talks with Emily Dery, a multi-passionate mother of four, about the challenges of postpartum depression and anxiety. Emily shares her personal experiences with three of her pregnancies, the varied symptoms she faced, and how it impacted her family life. She reflects on her path to diagnosis, the support systems that helped her, and the role of her faith and family in her recovery. The conversation dives deep into the importance of mental health awareness, seeking help, and the transformative power of love and support in overcoming life's struggles.

Links: 

• Nothing Without God: Finding Faith and Healing Postpartum
• Rose Hawthorne Declared ‘Venerable’
• Pregnant and Postpartum Women
• Identifying Maternal Depression
• Emily Dery's Music YouTube Page

This episode is sponsored by Box of Joy.
Learn more by visiting boxofjoy.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/

In this episode of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, Amanda Smith, a Catholic therapist and executive director at NAMI, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the transformative potential of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They discuss the profound emotional pain and fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD, the societal and self-stigmatization of the disorder, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. Amanda emphasizes the intersection of faith and therapy, highlighting how internalizing God's unconditional love can aid in the healing process. The episode also explores Amanda's experiences with burnout and the emotional toll of working with underserved populations, calling for increased compassion and understanding towards those with personality disorders.

Blessed Eustochium Bellini, Pray for us. 

Links: 

• Amanda's Website Hope for BPD
• Amanda's Amazon Author Page
• Information on BPD
• Helpful therapy approach for personality disorders
• Learn all about Blessed Eustochium Bellin

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 Garrett welcomes her lifelong friend Maribel Laguna, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and founder of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. They discuss the unique experiences of first-generation Mexican American women and the mental health challenges they face navigating multiple cultural worlds. Maribel shares her personal journey towards integration and healing through therapy and EMDR, as well as her appreciation for her Latin American heritage and faith. The episode also touches on her role in counseling seminarians and clergy, emphasizing the importance of authentic human relationships. Maribel's story is one of self-acceptance, faith, and the journey towards finding home within one's cultural identity.

"Those who remain silent are responsible" Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) 

Links: 

• Maribel's Practice: Cor Sacrum Counseling & Consulting
• Catholic Psychotherapy Association 

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 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/