The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

In case you missed it, Springs recently made a HUGE announcement! We've teamed up with Ascension to release "Scripture and Saints for the Path of Infertility," a fifteen-episode series free to all users in the Ascension app.

In this episode, we're hosting Monica Amery, Content Manager for the Ascension app, on the podcast to talk about what it was like to create this series and why this type of content is so important. We'll talk about:

• Ascension's mission and content offerings, including these new resources for couples on the path of infertility
• Why the "Scripture and Saints" series is such a valuable addition to the Ascension app
• How working at Ascension gives Monica life and helps her give life to others!

It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:

• Scripture and Saints for the Path of Infertility Audio Series

What is the theology of the body? Where did it come from? Why was it written? How can it help us on the path of infertility?

Today we're welcoming Chris O'Neill, Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Trey Weaver, Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, to the first episode in a podcast series on the theology of the body. With Jillian, they'll dig into what the theology of the body is, what it isn't, and where it came from. Listen to Part 1 and stay tuned for the next episode in this series coming to you soon!

It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:

1. Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
2. John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body
3. Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility
4. Edward Sri, Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility

Wouldn't you love to be friends with other Catholics in your area who are walking the path of infertility? Enter Springs in the Desert Small Groups!

Today we're welcoming Galicia and Anna from our St. Louis, MO small group to the podcast! These wonderful ladies share with Cassandra about what it's like to participate in a Springs group. They'll talk about:

1. How Galicia stepped out in faith to start the small group, and God provided!

2. What fruits Galicia and Anna have seen come from the small group.

3. What advice they would give to those who are nervous about coming to an infertility-focused group or event.

For anyone interested in facilitating or participating in a Springs group, visit https://springsinthedesert.org/small-groups/ to learn more!

Why is infertility such a big deal? Today the Springs team define the many kinds of infertility, discuss the many areas of our lives that are impacted by infertility, and talk about those difficult parts of the path of infertility that are often missing from the larger conversation. They'll reflect on:

• Particular experiences of infertility that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
• How infertility impacts us emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually.
• Why Catholics may have an especially hard time carrying this heavy cross.

No matter where you are on the path of infertility, we are here with you!

Announcing "Scripture and Saints for the Path of Infertility," available exclusively in the Ascension app!

In this series, Ascension and Springs in the Desert Catholic Infertility Ministry bring you stories from Scripture and the lives of the Saints, to help you grow closer to Christ and deeper in faith while walking the path of infertility and loss.

Each of the fifteen episodes begins with a reflection on men and women from the Bible or from the lives of the Saints, Venerables, and Servants of God, some of whom walked a similar path before us, and others who answered God’s call to faithfulness and fruitfulness in the midst of trials and grief. There is also a nine-episode Novena to Our Lady for couples experiencing seasons of infertility, loss, and grief.

Through our reflections and prayers, we hope you’ll discover the many ways that God is working in your life, showing His love for you, and leading you to a deeper understanding of fruitfulness through this cross.

It is our honor to take this prayerful journey together with you, and always remember that God loves you so much and so do we.

Discover the series: https://link.ascension-app.com/springsinthedesert

If you work in a diocesan family life office or parish, this episode is for you! It is so important to acknowledge infertility on your website, but what if you don't know where to start? That's where Springs comes in!

Today on the podcast, Jillian and Ann will talk about:

• How to add a simple webpage to your site, and what to put on it.
• How to incorporate infertility awareness into your social media postings and bulletins.
• What to do when you're ready to take the next step in your parish or diocese and accompany people "on the ground"!

For all the pastoral ministers out there, it is our honor to walk with you!

Links:

• Digital Infertility Toolkit
• How to Increase Infertility Awareness

Christ is risen, glorify Him!

Happy Easter to all in the Springs community. In today's episode, Fr. Paul sits down with Jillian to offer a word of comfort to those who still feel in need of renewal even though Lent is over.

They'll reflect on:

–Bible verses to walk with as we enter the Easter season.

–Peaceful reconciliation with God.

–Asking God for renewal in our lives and marriages – even during a season of infertility.

It is our honor to walk with you this Easter season!

Links:

Spiritual direction with Fr. Paul: [email protected]

Support the Podcast

Blessed Holy Week to all! As we turn our eyes toward Calvary, Jillian and Ann will talk about one of the ways that we describe Springs' mission: "Christ, not conception."

They'll share about:

• What "Christ, not conception" means to our ministry.
• Avoiding the trap of hyper-focusing on conception, especially when it affects our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
• How to talk about infertility with those who are not familiar with the experience.
• Seeing Christ, not just the cross carried.

To the Springs community, we wish you a blessed Holy Week. We'll see you on the other side!

Jillian is back on the podcast with a life update and her testimony with how God has been carrying her and her family through a tough season. Providentially, "Carried" is also the theme of our Lenten devotional, so she and Cassandra reflect on letting the Lord bring us through the uncertainties of work and family life.

Cassandra and Jillian share about:

• What it means to be "carried" – through Lent and other seasons.
• Experiencing the power of prayer and trust in God's presence and providence.
• What last message they would leave listeners with as we prepare to enter into Holy Week together.

Links:

• Carried Devotional Bundle
• Support Springs in the Desert

Our good friend Leigh Snead is back on the pod to talk about her new book, Infertile But Fruitful, Finding Fulfillment When You Can’t Conceive. She and Ann dig into some of the big themes in the book:

• Why was this the right time to write a book on infertility
• What it was like revisiting the memories – and emotions – of that time when she and her husband were “in the thick of it”
• The value of sharing our infertility struggles with others and asking for prayers
• And a lot more!

Leigh’s book is engaging, funny, encouraging, and real. She’s “our people,” and her book, and this conversation, feels like a heart-to-heart with a friend.

Links:

• Pick up Leigh’s book at Sophia Press, or your favorite bookseller.
• Read more about why Leigh wrote this book on The Catholic Association’s Substack.
• If you missed it the first time, catch Cassandra and Leigh’s pre-book release conversation.