In The Middle-Divorce Healing For Catholic Women

Hey friends! In this episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, I'm continuing the conversation about the Jubilee Year of Hope, and I’ve invited my friend Joan Watson to share! Joan is an author, speaker, and pilgrimage leader, and she’s here to talk about her brand-new book, Opening the Holy Door. 

We’re diving into the Holy Doors of Rome—what they are, why they’re important, and how they symbolize a fresh start in our faith. Joan also shares the history of Jubilee years, what it means to go on a pilgrimage of hope, and how we can embrace God’s grace, even when we’re in a season of waiting. Plus, we talk about how trust and hope go hand in hand—and how patience (ugh, the hardest virtue!) often means suffering.

Can’t make it to Rome this year? No worries, Joan gives some great ideas for making a pilgrimage of hope right where you are. Click here to listen to my interview with Joan about the importance and power of going on a pilgrimage.

She also shares details about her book and study guide, which can help you pray through this Jubilee Year in a really meaningful way.

Order Joan's book here!

Click here for the study guide

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have a faith-filled guide by your side during childbirth?

In this episode, I dive into the incredible role of a Catholic doula—someone who provides not just physical and emotional support during labor, but also spiritual encouragement. Dawn Cerino, a seasoned birth doula, shares her journey of being called to this work after her own children were grown, and how she now helps mothers bring their babies into the world with peace, prayer, and confidence. Whether assisting with positioning techniques to ease labor or offering heartfelt prayers during delivery, she integrates her faith into every aspect of the birth experience.

You might be wondering, Why feature a doula on a podcast for midlife moms? Many of us are now looking toward the birth of our grandchildren or supporting our daughters and daughters-in-law through their motherhood journeys. This conversation opens the door to understanding the value of a doula, how birth experiences can be deeply spiritual, and why faith-centered support is so important.

Dawn also shares insights into hospital births versus home births, how to create a birth plan, and the crucial role of husbands in providing comfort and reassurance during labor.

Beyond just birth, this episode speaks to the heart of all women who desire to bring faith into every season of life.

Whether you've had your own children or are simply interested in how women can support each other through life’s transitions, you’ll be inspired by Dawn’s calling and the beautiful way she serves families. 

To learn more about Dawn and her doula services, click here.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

Feeling weighed down by the challenges of midlife? Struggling to find peace in uncertainty or suffering? The Church is inviting you into something truly special—2025 is the Jubilee Year of Hope!

In this episode, we explore why this year is set apart and how you can embrace hope in your daily life, no matter what season you're in. Join me as we dive into the biblical roots of Jubilee and how it applies to us as Catholic midlife moms today!

The Church celebrates a Jubilee Year every 25 years as a time of grace, renewal, and restoration. Rooted in Leviticus 25, the Jubilee in the Old Testament was a time when debts were forgiven, captives were set free, and the land was given rest. Today, it is a time for personal spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and reflection on God's mercy.

As Catholic moms in midlife, we experience many changes—our roles shift, our children grow, and our marriages evolve. This Jubilee Year reminds us that God is always calling us to deeper faith, healing, and trust in His plan. Hope is not just a distant concept, but it is a theological virtue that anchors us in God's promises.

In the midst of life’s transitions, we are called to trust that God is still writing our stories. Through intentional prayer, scripture reading, reconciliation, and surrender, we can cultivate hope and inspire those around us.

Let this be a time of renewal, where we release our anxieties and embrace the future with confidence in God's faithfulness. No matter what you are facing, hope is your anchor—choose to trust, surrender, and allow this Jubilee Year to transform your heart!

When Marisol and Garrett welcomed their second baby boy, Dominic, on August 13th, they had no idea the journey they were about to embark on. Diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition, their story has been one of faith, heartbreak, and God’s undeniable presence. Many in the Nashville Catholic community have followed their journey, and in this episode, Marisol shares the incredible ways God prepared their hearts and guided them through every moment. From a meaningful connection with a cloistered nun to unexpected signs pointing to a Catholic geneticist on the path to sainthood, this story will leave you in awe of divine providence.

Marisol’s pregnancy seemed completely normal, even after a routine genetic test raised concerns. She and Garrett continued preparing for a peaceful home birth, trusting in God’s plan. But looking back, she sees how He was planting little seeds along the way—dreams, names, and even a documentary recommendation that all pointed to St. Jerome Lejeune, the very scientist who discovered the genetic cause of Trisomy 18. When Dominic was born at home, things took a dramatic turn. He struggled to breathe, and in those crucial first moments, Garrett immediately baptized him, grounding their family in faith before calling 911. Those first 15 minutes, though filled with uncertainty, became some of the most sacred and beautiful moments of their lives.

Marisol reflects on how God’s hand was in every detail—allowing Dominic to go full-term, preparing them for what was to come, and surrounding them with peace even in the scariest moments. She emphasizes how deeply a mother’s intuition is connected to the Holy Spirit, guiding her through decisions that ultimately saved her baby’s life. This story isn’t just about a medical diagnosis—it’s about surrender, trust, and the overwhelming grace that comes when we lean into God’s plan, even when it looks nothing like we expected. If you’ve ever struggled with trusting God in the unknown, this episode will remind you that He is always at work, even in the hardest moments.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week’s episode, Father Luke Wilgenbusch and I are diving into the importance of the priesthood and why priests are such a vital gift to our Catholic faith. As midlife Catholic women, we often juggle family, work, and community, and it can be easy to overlook the powerful role of the priesthood in our spiritual lives. Yet, without the priesthood, we wouldn't have the Eucharist—the greatest gift God has given us!

Father Wilgenbusch shares his perspective on the sacredness and responsibility of being a priest, acknowledging the tension between the human flaws of each priest and the sacramental grace that flows through them. It’s a beautiful reminder that priests are human like us, but they also carry out an extraordinary mission to bring Christ to us in the sacraments.

We also discuss how we can support the priesthood, especially in the midst of all the negativity and criticism priests sometimes face. Prayer, encouragement, and loving constructive feedback are just some of the ways we can help lift up our priests, who carry a heavy spiritual burden for us all.

As Catholic moms, we are uniquely positioned to strengthen the priesthood by recognizing the importance of these men who serve in our parishes. Father also offers a thoughtful response to the question of why the priesthood is reserved for men, sharing the deeper theological and spiritual reasons behind the Church’s teaching.

Tune in for this heartwarming and insightful conversation, and learn how you can be a greater support to the priesthood in your own life. Let’s pray, uplift, and appreciate our priests for the incredible role they play in bringing us closer to Christ.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Fr. Fye to talk about the beautiful Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. As Catholic women in the middle of life, many of us have been married for years. The busyness of life can sometimes make us lose sight of the depth and meaning of our wedding vows. Fr. Fye helps us rediscover why marriage is not only a beautiful sacrament but a fulfilling and lifelong journey that we are called to embrace.

In this conversation, we dive into the reality that while discussing love at a wedding should be simple, it often means also facing struggles and sacrifice. The ultimate example of love comes from Jesus on the cross. In today’s world, the word "love" can be hijacked to mean something that only feels good, but marriage love runs much deeper. It doesn’t always come easy, but through sacramental graces and the covenant of marriage, couples are empowered with the strength to face challenges and grow together.

If you're a Catholic woman looking to reconnect with the true meaning of your vows, this episode is for you! Join us for an inspiring conversation on the power and beauty of sacramental love.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

As a Catholic life coach, I’ve had so many conversations with women in midlife who are carrying heavy burdens—anxiety, regret, past wounds that seem to linger no matter how much they pray. Maybe you’ve felt this way too. You want to move forward, to heal, but something keeps holding you back. What if I told you there’s a sacrament that offers profound grace, peace, and healing—one that many of us have overlooked?

In this week's show, I talk with Father Patrick Fitzsimons about the Sacrament of the Sick. Father Patrick served as a chaplain for the VA hospital for many years even during Covid. He knows first hand how important the Sacrament of the Sick is for those who are suffering and for their family. 

If you’re like most Catholics, you probably associate this sacrament with someone on their deathbed. I know I did for the longest time. But the truth is, this sacrament is so much more than that. It’s a gift of healing that the Church offers to anyone facing serious illness—whether it’s physical, emotional, or even spiritual. And for women in midlife, who have spent years taking care of everyone else, this could be exactly what your soul needs.

I’ve personally witnessed the incredible grace that flows through this sacrament. I’ve seen women find peace from the weight of past mistakes, relief from chronic pain, and renewed strength to face the challenges of life. In this episode, we’re going to unpack the beauty of this sacrament—where it comes from, how it works, and why it might be the missing piece in your healing journey.

Scripture tells us in James 5:14, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” This isn’t just about physical sickness—it’s about any affliction that weighs you down. The Sacrament of the Sick is a tangible way to receive God’s mercy, to invite His healing into your life, and to step into the freedom He desires for you.

If you’ve been struggling with emotional wounds, chronic illness, or even a deep spiritual dryness, I invite you to open your heart to this sacrament. You don’t have to carry these burdens alone. God is offering you His healing touch. So let’s dive into this conversation together—I truly believe it could change the way you see this powerful sacrament forever.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's show, I talk with Father Rhodes Bolster about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of your past mistakes, unable to fully embrace the joy and freedom God desires for you? As Catholic midlife women, we've lived through so many seasons—some filled with blessings, others with challenges that have left us feeling burdened and stuck. But here's the beautiful truth: God's mercy is always available, and the Sacrament of Confession is the key to unlocking the peace our hearts long for.

Confession isn't just about listing our sins; it's about experiencing God's boundless love and mercy in a way that renews and restores us. It's a fresh start, a chance to let go of the guilt and shame that can weigh us down and embrace the grace that transforms our hearts and lives.

If you've been avoiding confession, thinking it's too late or too hard, know this: God is always waiting with open arms. Through confession, we are invited to step into His loving embrace, receive His forgiveness, and move forward with renewed hope and joy.

Discover the beauty of this sacrament and allow it to bring healing and freedom to your life. Are you ready to experience the fullness of God's mercy? It's time to let go and step into the grace that awaits you.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

In this week's episode, I talk with Father Austin Gilstrap about the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Are you overlooking the power of your Confirmation? Many Catholics misunderstand this sacrament, seeing it as just another milestone rather than the incredible outpouring of grace that it truly is. In this episode, I explore why Confirmation is so much more than a rite of passage. Father Gilstrap shares insights into how this sacrament seals the grace received in baptism and empowers us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you've ever wondered about the real significance of Confirmation and how it shapes your faith journey, this episode is for you.

Have you ever questioned whether Confirmation is truly necessary? You're not alone. Many Catholics struggle to understand its purpose, especially when compared to the universally recognized importance of baptism. In our conversation, Father breaks down the beautiful way in which Confirmation strengthens our relationship with God, filling us with divine life and equipping us with supernatural virtues. Whether you're reflecting on your own Confirmation or considering the journey of your loved ones, this episode sheds light on why this sacrament is essential for our spiritual growth.

Do you feel like your faith needs a fresh spark? Confirmation isn't just a one-time event—it's a lifelong source of grace waiting to be rekindled. For midlife Catholic women, in particular, this sacrament offers an opportunity to rediscover their purpose and embrace God's calling with renewed strength. Learn practical ways to reconnect with the Holy Spirit, stir up the gifts received in Confirmation, and live out your faith more fully. This episode is packed with encouragement, wisdom, and hope for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual life.

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.

Do you ever find yourself going through the motions at Mass, wondering how to connect more deeply with what’s happening at the altar? In this episode, Father Nicholas Allen and I explore the profound mystery of the Eucharist—the greatest gift of God’s love. What looks like simple bread and wine is truly the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll uncover the biblical roots of this sacrament and how it can transform your spiritual life.

As midlife Catholic women, our days are full of distractions that can cloud our faith. But God meets us exactly where we are, inviting us into a deeper understanding of His presence in the Eucharist. We will share practical ways to make the Eucharist more meaningful, from adoration to mindful reception during Communion, and how these simple practices can reignite your relationship with Christ.

If you’re longing to feel closer to Jesus and rediscover the joy of your faith, this show is for you. Let’s embrace this season of life by leaning into the gift of the Eucharist, allowing it to strengthen and transform us from the inside out. Listen and take the first step toward a more intimate walk with God!

Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.