The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

This week we welcome Fr. Elias Dorham back to the podcast with a unique take on marriage and the vows. Ann and Fr. Elias discuss their shared Eastern Catholic tradition with a look into the Byzantine Catholic marriage ceremony, and the Rite of Crowning. Fr. Elias shares the symbolism of the crowns, their connection to the vows, and how their meaning can be lived out practically through the love of all spouses for each other. The tradition of “Crowning” may be new to you, but it offers a beautiful lens through which to view your marriage and live out the call to serve your spouse and the world!

Links:

• Listen to Fr. Elias' previous appearance on the Podcast!
• Learn more about Fr. Elias’ work on marriage enrichment and mutual forgiveness with Mt. Tabor Counseling
• Infertility is Martyrdom Blog Post
• Doors and Windows Blog Post

This week, Jillian turns the microphone over to our Theological Editor, Stacey. In this episode, you get a front-row seat to a talk Stacey gave about finding her identity in Christ on her path of infertility. She shares the important role seeing a counselor played for her amidst many appointments, surgeries, and diagnoses. Her honest and intentional talk encourages us to look to Christ as the source of our identity and the supplier of hope. If you desire to place your identity and suffering in Christ's hands, hit play on this episode!

Links:

• The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur

Our special guest today is Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Coach, Shalini Blubaugh.  Moved with honesty and the Holy Spirit, Shal comes on to share her story about coming to know the Lord and how her relationship with Him is the foundation of health. She reminds us to follow the peace and to focus less on what we are doing, and more on who we are becoming. You won't want to miss this one!

Links:

• Pray. Train. Grow. Website
• Pray. Train. Grow. Instagram

Sometimes going to the best place where we can be, Sunday Mass, can feel like a struggle in a season of loss or infertility.  There can be so many triggers to our grief, like the big family sitting in front of us, or someone's prodding questions after Mass.  Father Paul and licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, give us some practical tips on how to be more present during Mass so we can receive all of the comfort and blessings the Lord wants to pour down on us.

Links:

• Changing Your Mindset with Eileen Tully
• Digital Toolkit

On this week's episode, we welcome Eileen Tully back to the podcast, this time to talk about how a mindset coach might be helpful to someone on the path of infertility and loss. What is the difference between a therapist and mindset coach? How do our circumstances, thoughts, and emotions interact? What does St. Paul mean by taking all thoughts captive? Listen to today's episode to find out!

Links:

• Eileen's Website
• Metanoia Catholic
• Podcast: Journeying Through the Tough Stuff

Join podcast host, Jillian Kubik, as we pray for an increase in awareness around the cross of infertility and in gratitude for all the Simons and Veronicas who are walking with us physically, mentally, and spiritually on this path. We are so honored to walk with you!

During National Infertility Awareness Week, we invited Family Nurse Practitioner, Rachael Marshall, to join the conversation and share what a holistic approach to the practice of medicine looks like, especially when working with couples experiencing infertility or loss. Feel free to forward this epiosde on to any providers you know, and if you are a provider desiring to increase your awareness, we are here to walk with you, too!

Links:

• Connect Medical Clinic
• Pursuing Treatment Options w/ Caroline Gindhart and Clare Kane
• Entering into Treatment with Surrender w/ Caroline Gindhart
• Early Pregnancy Loss Association

What does good support from the Diocesan level look like for those suffering from infertility or loss? From her own experience, Deanna Johnston, Director of Family Life for the Diocese of Tyler, shares tips for what dioceses can do to accompany those struggling. It's not necessarily providing a solution to their problems, but acknowledging them and loving them through it.

Links:

• How to create an Infertility webpage on your Diocesan or parish website
• Liturgical Digital Toolkit

This week, Jillian welcomes back Founding Mama, Ann, to talk all about what it means to be a Simon. If you know someone in your life who is experiencing infertility or loss, it can be challenging to figure out the best ways to show up for them. To that end, Ann and Jillian give practical step-by-step suggestions for accompaniment in todays's episode. And if you are walking with someone on the path of infertility, please know we are here for you, too!!

Links:

• Infertility Awareness Page
• Our Website jam-packed full of resources!

National Infertility Awareness Week is in just a few weeks, but here at Springs, we like to increase awareness all month long! This week, Jillian and Fr. Paul kick off this awareness series by discussing simple ways new and seasoned pastors can implement support for those carrying the cross of infertility in their parishes. And because each parish is a family unit, Fr. Paul gives some great suggestions on how each pastor can nurture marriages and affirm that each marriage has a mission! Did you know your marriage has a mission? Listen to find out what that is, and send this episode to your pastor!

Links:

• Fr. Paul's Email: [email protected]