The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

In this second minisode of a three part series on the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love, we'll explore the virtue of Hope. Ann and Stacey discuss what it is and what it is not. They will talk about practical ways to help you cultivate the virtue of Hope. Also, they'll discuss the accompaniment of the saints on our journeys of infertility. Let's aim to be like St. Peter advises, always at the ready with an answer for the reason for our hope!

In this first minisode of a three part series on the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love, we'll explore the virtue of Faith with psychotherapist and theologian, Clare Kane. Clare explains what Faith is and how it's lived out in our own personal prayer lives, but also in our marriages.  Listeners please let us know how you are putting your faith into action!

Resources:

If you are in Connecticut and seeking a counselor, connect with Clare at Harborlight Counseling.

Learn more about Faith in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Try Clare and Wade's "bookends of prayer" with 15 seconds to start the day - "Lord, bless my husband's/wife's day and fill him/her with peace."

- and 60 seconds at bedtime, asking each other, "What would you like prayer for?"

Let us know how you are "keeping the faith" in marriage!

If you missed our Lenten retreat titled, "Into the Garden", then this episode is especially for you. We will continue our recent meditations on a couple of the gardens in Scripture and how those encounters with God relate to infertility. May this discussion enrich your prayer time this Holy Week!

Resources:

Thoughts on Embers: A Lenten Reflection

A Holy Week Reflection on Infertility

Bright Sadness

Continuing the theme of work during the month of St. Joseph, we take a deeper dive into how to gracefully handle situations at work that may be difficult during a season of infertility. Ann invites Todd and Stacy Stephenson on the pod to explore ways we can be charitable to our coworkers while at the same time taking care of ourselves.

This episode will offer some tools so you can create your own “emergency self-care response toolkit,” to feel more equipped to handle sensitive situations at the office.

Resources:

Do you sometimes have negative thoughts and feelings around your job - especially in a season of infertility? In this Desert Reflection Ann and Cassandra take a look back at thoughts about work as shared by members of our community. They share with each other how even a "dry" work situation can be fertile ground for fruitfulness - for ourselves, our marriages, and those around us.

It's March, the month of St. Joseph.  Let us ask his intercession as we develop healthy attitudes regarding work.

Links: Memorare to St. Joseph: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/memorare-to-saint-joseph

Consecration to St. Joseph: https://consecrationtostjoseph.org/

We know the workplace can be another area of our lives where the cross of infertility can feel heavy. That's why we wanted to welcome licensed counselor, Edward Luersman, back on the podcast.  Edward shares practical ways we can feel seen yet safe at work while carrying the cross of infertility without feeling crushed by it. Please share with us any coping strategies you've found helpful for the workplace, because they might be helpful for someone else!

We've arrived at the fourth and final episode of our Examination of Conscience series in which we will reflect on our relationship with ourselves. As usual, Fr. Paul will take us through an examination but this time we'll think about the ways we've treated ourselves and the beliefs we've carried about ourselves in the past. May this final examination draw us even more into the heart of the season of Lent as we come and ask for healing from our Lord.

Links:

This week we air our third podcast in our miniseries on examining our consciences. The Springs in the Desert spiritual Father, Fr. Paul, takes us again into an examination as we look at our relationships with others. It's a gift to live in community yet sometimes it can be a real challenge. May this examination help us open ourselves up to the grace the Lord wants to give us this Lent! 

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We welcome back Fr. Paul to this second episode in a miniseries on examining our consciences. He and Jillian discuss why it's common to experience fear and discomfort surrounding the Sacrament of Confession, but why it's completely not necessary! To end the episode, we'll again dive right into another examination where we take some quiet time and individually examine our relationship with our spouse. May this short prayer time help us start our Lenten journey off on the right foot.

Links:

Welcome to the first podcast in a miniseries on examining our consciences. Father Paul, our Springs in the Desert spiritual Father, explains what an examination is and why it's healthy and beneficial to do regularly. Then we'll actually dive into one where we take some quiet time and individually examine our relationship with God.  This should be a prayerful and meditative time to help us prepare for the beginning of Lent! 

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