The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Here at Springs in the Desert, we wanted to clarify our mission. Jillian, Ann, and Cassandra reemphasize to our listeners that we are here to minister to you wherever you fall in the wide spectrum of seasons or types of infertility. Maybe you are actively trying to conceive, we are here for you!  Maybe you are beyond child bearing years, we are here for you! Maybe you already have children but are struggling with secondary infertility, we are here for you as well! Please don't deny yourself the support you need. You are welcome here!

We've all had it happen. A family member or friend asks us a sensitive question or gives advice regarding our struggle with infertility that comes across as unkind and hurtful. Jillian and Ann sit down and discuss practical and charitable ways to handle these situations. Most people don't realize their comments are insensitive—and really, they just care about us. Remember they are carrying a cross too, so just as we should be gentle with ourselves, let's be gentle with others.

Please let us know any tips or responses you've used when someone makes an unkind remark. We'd love to hear!

Resources:

Luke 23:34

The Lord's Prayer

This episode contains sensitive topics, so we invite you to listen with care. 

Becoming pregnant after losing one or more children to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss can be a very joyful yet anxious time. Jillian, Ann, and Cassandra talk about the various emotions that come along with a pregnancy after experiencing the trauma of loss in the past. They discuss the fact that a new baby doesn't remove all of the grief from the past nor replace other children who were not able to be carried to term. Also, they give advice on how to stay positive and hopeful during a new pregnancy.

Resources:

Podcast Episode: Pregnancy after Infertility

Blog Post: "Searching for God in the Darkness of Loss"

Catholic Child Loss Ministry: Red Bird Ministries

After Miscarriage: A Catholic Woman's Companion to Healing & Hope by Karen Edmisten

Grieving Together-A Couples Journey Through Miscarriage by Laura and Franco Fanucci

Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss In the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents by Cassie Everts

In this Desert Reflection, Jillian and Christina sit down to discuss the importance of keeping our focus on Christ as we travel the path of infertility. They 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!

Resources:

Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi  

With the Solemnity of St. Joseph occurring during the month of March, we ponder the life of this holy man and what he teaches us about being a holy spouse. He has much to show us during a season of infertility, given the unique ways men and women were created and their unique ways of grieving and problem solving. We also discuss some of the history of St. Joseph and ways to celebrate and venerate him. St. Joseph, Comfort of the Sorrowing, pray for us!

A Man's Take: St. Joseph w/Fr. Paul West

Matthew, Chapter 1 & Chapter 2

Luke, Chapter 2

Book recommendation: Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by: Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC

Litany of St. Joseph

Visit our website to learn more about Springs in the Desert, and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you don't miss a thing! We are walking with you on the path of infertility through our retreats and events, blog, podcast, resources, and more. Also, feel free to check out our sister ministry, Springs of Love, which encourages, educates, and equips Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt. God bless you!

In the third of a three-part Lenten miniseries, Jillian and Ann discuss the third pillar of Lent, almsgiving. Many people give money or material goods to the poor.  Jillian and Ann discuss other ways of doing justice pleasing to God.  Some examples include gifts of our time, skills, kind words, or prayers.  Tune in as they dig deeper into each one with concrete examples you may want to try!

Resources: 

Visit our website to learn more about Springs in the Desert, and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you don't miss a thing! We are walking with you on the path of infertility through our retreats and events, blog, podcast, resources, and more. Also, feel free to check out our sister ministry, Springs of Love, which encourages, educates, and equips Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt. God bless you! It is our honor to walk with you!

This podcast episode features practical ideas on how to help ease the burden of those suffering from infertility.  Ann, Jillian, and Christina share personal stories of people ministering to them and how they've helped others who are struggling.  

This is a great episode for any family members or friends of someone carrying the burden of infertility who want some concrete advice on how they can help.  Or, if you are in a place where you feel called and able to lend a helping hand, please listen in and let us know what you think!

Resources:

Navigating Infertility Treatment with Your Healthcare Provider

The Gift of Suffering 

Bridget 

Visit our website to learn more about Springs in the Desert, and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you don't miss a thing! We are walking with you on the path of infertility through our retreats and events, blog, podcast, resources, and more. Also, feel free to check out our sister ministry, Springs of Love, which encourages, educates, and equips Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt. God bless you!

In the second of a three part Lenten miniseries, Jillian and Ann discuss the second pillar of Lent, fasting.  Besides fasting from food, there are additional things you may want to try fasting from.  Some examples include fasting from negative thoughts, television, or social media.  Again, let's first come to the Lord and hear what His beautiful Lenten plan is for us!Resources: Link to the first Lenten minisode: https://anchor.fm/springsinthedesert/episodes/Desert-Reflections-03-Preparing-for-Lent-A-Focus-on-Prayer-e1v0l4e

It's Ash Wednesday and Lent has begun!  Do you every ask yourself why we do what we do during Lent?  Father Paul speaks with Ann and Jillian and explains where some of our Lenten penitential practices come from and the reason behind why we partake of them during this season.  This episode will surely give you a great start to these next 40 days!

Resources: Invitation to Encounter (Lenten Virtual Retreat) https://springsinthedesert.org/encounter/

https://springsinthedesert.org/thoughts-on-embers-a-lenten-reflection/

In the first of a three part Lenten miniseries, Jillian and Ann sit down and discuss their prayer preparations for this penitential season. Sometimes the most fruitful prayer plans aren't complicated, rather simple, heartfelt and deeply sincere. But the first and most important step is to ask God what He desires of our prayer life this Lent.  Let us know what your prayer plans are!

Resources:Catholic Apostolate Center https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/lent-and-easter-resources.html