The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

In today's Desert Reflection, Ann and Fr. Paul explore the lives of Saints Joachim and Anna, the Virgin Mary's parents. Since these saints are the patrons of Springs in the Desert, it's only fitting we get to know them and learn from them, especially how they carried their cross of infertility. These saints are perfect role models of how to grow in holiness, even in times of great trial.

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Celebrate our Founding Day with a gift to help us create greater awareness and equip our pastors and family ministers to accompany those in a season of infertility. It's our honor to walk with you!

Jillian and Christina welcome Edward Luersman to today's episode. Edward is a Springs in the Desert contributor and licensed professional counselor whose focus includes infertility, miscarriage, and their associated grief. He begins by sharing about some of the common feelings and experiences he sees in his practice among people struggling with infertility or loss. Then he discusses how we might often see God the Father through the lens of our earthly father, which can lead to a misunderstanding about who God the Father really is. Our human relationships are imperfect, and our earthly fathers fall short and even disappoint us. But God is our eternal, loving Father, whose arms are always open to us.

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During a season of infertility, going to Confession can be difficult. Maybe we've been hurt by insensitive advice in the past from a confessor. Or maybe, we've never had a correct understanding of Confession. Father Paul West chats with Ann about how to reframe our understanding of Confession to more easily and frequently approach the Lord's Mercy. 

If you'd like to talk or receive spiritual direction, email Fr. Paul at [email protected]

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In the second of two episodes recorded with special guest Victoria Cerise, we dive into what marriage prep didn't prepare us for and how we can help enhance it for future couples. A lot of good comes from Catholic diocesan marriage prep courses, however, preparing a couple for the cross of infertility is most often not part of the discussion. Listen in for ways that dioceses and parishes can open up conversations around infertility in marriage prep, and consider offering these suggestions and the tools available from Springs in the Desert to your diocesan Family Life director or pastor! 

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Being active in parish life can be a struggle when you are longing for a child. Your parish is supposed to be your family, a place of rest in the Lord and fellowship, but when you are in a season of infertility, that same place can feel very isolating. This Desert Reflection reminds you that your parish needs you, because you have gifts that no one else has. Your marriage is essential to building up the Kingdom of Heaven, starting right in your parish. Stacey and Ann offer some practical suggestions for using your gifts, and we invite you to share with us any creative ways you have found to serve your parish. They may be helpful ideas for others to try! 

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Infertility Awareness Resources

What I've Learned From You About Fruitfulness (blog post)

Exploring Spiritual Motherhood (blog post)

5 Things I Wish My Pastor Knew About Infertility

This week Jillian and Ann welcome special guest Chris O'Neill, Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris not only speaks to the reality of the suffering of infertility, but the important role those struggling with it play in the Church. Chris draws from the wisdom he gained from his formation at the John Paul II Institute, his own personal experience, and his growing understanding of the struggle and potential fruitfulness of this cross through ministering in the Archdiocese. The path of infertility can feel like a lonely walk, but this conversation encourages those on the path to know that the Church sees them and is walking with them.

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Archdiocese of New Orleans

Chris's Email: [email protected]

The Springs in the Desert Team is on summer break - but we'll be back next week with another full length episode! Please enjoy this replay episode on focusing on Christ, not conception. This is an important reminder for all of us as we walk the path of infertility, but especially as we deal with decisions regarding treatment and charting our cycle (it is NFP Awareness Week, after all!)

Jillian and Christina discuss the idea of hope and how—even through ups and downs, and when the desires and dreams in life don't turn out the way we envisioned—we have the certainty of our "Great Hope" in Christ. Let's anchor our hope in Him today as we continue to walk this path together!

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Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi

In this first of two episodes, Jillian and Cassandra visit with special guest Mary Bruno. Mary shares her own personal infertility story, and the fruit that has come from that suffering.  She also talks about Twelve Stripes Deep, the book she wrote detailing her story, and her non-profit dedicated to fertility awareness. Mary's story is real and honest, and ultimately inspiring!

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Mary Bruno on Instagram

Mary's book Twelve Stripes Deep

FAbM Base

In this fun episode, Jillian hosts a returning guest, Natalie Blackford, to talk about her experiences with low-toxin living for overall better health. Natalie has a real passion for living more naturally and with great enthusiasm she shares some helpful tips and tricks to get rid of toxins in your life. This episode is not meant to be intimidating or cause stress (even small changes can often make us feel better!), but for those who want to learn more about this way of life, you won't be disappointed listening to Natalie's suggestions!

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Natalie's Wellness Group

Natalie's Instagram

Our special guest this week is Jamie Rathjen, founder of the Fiat Institute, a program which trains women across the U.S. to become hormone coaches. Her mission is to better help women understand their hormone health by offering suggestions for natural lifestyle changes that can help make a difference in their hormone health.  

For many of us on the path of infertility, charting feels like something we must do as a means to accomplish a goal. When charting feels forced—even exhausting—Jamie asks listeners to consider where we can find our "feminine genius" in the process. She reminds us that women are more than our "signs and symptoms," and that charting is a helpful tool, but it's just part of our health and infertility stories.

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The Hormone Genius Podcast

Fiat Institute

Discovering the Feminine Genius by Katrina Zeno