The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

The beginning of a New Year is a popular time to look at the year ahead and ask ourselves what are goals or dreams we'd like to achieve or realize. We suggest including your spouse in this practice by going on a  'Dream Date!'  Set some time aside for the two of you to connect where you can enter into one another's plans and hopes for the new year.

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Now that the busyness of the holidays is over, schedules have cleared and distractions have lessened, we are reminded again of the cross of infertility we carry.  Licensed counselor, Edward Luersman, joins team member Jillian to get back to the basics.  Let's challenge some of those inaccurate thoughts that maybe have returned.  Let's remember that our family started the day we were married and we don't have to wait to start living until our family 'looks' the way we thought it would.

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As is tradition at Springs, we like to start the New Year off with a podcast on the Saint and Word of the Year. There is a fun online tool that can inspire and enrich our prayer lives while offering another opportunity to grow in friendship with a certain Saint.  Let us know what word and Saint you received, we'd love to hear!

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Merry Christmas, Springs Community! We are blessed to have Fr. Paul join us for another episode, this time focusing on Christmas and how in our infertility journeys, we can ponder all of these things in our hearts like Mary did. 

Advent is a time of preparation, but what does that really mean and why are we preparing for Christ who has already come? Father Paul takes us through a beautiful Advent reflection and helps unpack questions like these as well as advising us on how to tailor our Advent plans when we are feeling burdened by the cross of infertility.  Even if it seems Advent took you by surprise this year, it's never too late to enter into the season!

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Advent may look differently this year than you imagined when struggling with the cross of infertility or loss., but Advent living doesn't isn't just for children; it's for you too! Team members Katie and Jillian share some of their favorite Advent traditions that you could begin in your home or with your spouse.  We'd also love to hear yours! Please share your ideas with the Springs community so we can benefit from your great ideas!

Amy Brooks from, 'Prayer, Wine, Chocolate' shares her infertility story with Jillian this week.  Amy has a real gift of networking and connecting with the Catholic community.  Amy explains how her life of prayer, friendship, and work all weave together, which may even inspire you to speak candidly with others during a season of infertility.  You never know what connections God will use!

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Our Lord tells us in the Gospel of Matthew 18:3 that, in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we need to become like children.  This advice also holds true for those of us grieving infertility or loss.  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bryan Hanan, joins the Durnan's on the podcast this week to unpack what it means to heal by connecting with our inner child.

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As we approach holiday gatherings, we wanted to air the second episode in a two-part series dedicated to boundary setting.  We welcome back our dear friend and licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, to answer the questions we ran out of time for on the first episode. For instance, how do we figure what our boundaries are? And what do we do when others don't respect the boundaries we set? 

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Knowing healthy relationship boundaries and setting them can be an invaluable strategy when carrying the cross of infertility or loss. Licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, sits down with Jillian and helps us unpack this. What are boundaries? Can Christians set boundaries? What do I do if it's uncomfortable to set them? All of these questions and more will be brought to the table.

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