How are you dealing with infertility grief? Have you been able to come to a place where that grief can be acknowledged?
In this episode, Ann and Cassandra explore the unique grief of infertility. We'll talk about:
Springs in the Desert offers peer-based support to those struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. It does not provide medical services, psychological counseling, or therapy. This information should not replace professional medical and psychological services. Find trusted grief coaches, counselors, and spiritual directors on our website.
As we wrap up Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we're bringing Margalita Poletunow, LPC on the podcast for an encouraging episode that will touch your heart.
No matter where you are on the path of infertility/loss, you'll take away from this episode:
Please share this episode with anyone who needs that reminder on the path of infertility!
Links:
Where Grief Meets Grace: Grief Coaching w/ Margalita Poletunow, LPC
Happy feast day of Pope St. John Paul II!
To celebrate, we have two very special guests on the podcast today: Peter and Theresa Martin of the Wojtyła Community & Institute, authors of The Rule: St. John Paul II's Rule for a Joy-filled Marriage of Divine Love.
In this episode, we'll chat about:
Links:
Starting a Married Couple Group
The Rule: St. John Paul II's Rule for a Joy-filled Marriage of Divine Love
Jocelyn and Pat, the mom & daughter team behind We Carry You Still, join us on the podcast today to talk about:
It is our honor to walk with you this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Links:
It is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and so today we're having a tough but important conversation with Chaney from Heaven's Gain Ministries.
We'll be talking about:
If you have suffered the traumatic loss of your baby during pregnancy: "Your grief is valid, your story is valid, and we want to be here for you."
God loves you, and so do we.
Links:
Happy feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux! This episode is a "rose" to take with you today as we reflect on this great saint and her "little way" of growing closer to Jesus.
St. Thérèse received particular graces from God in her life that helped her reach an incredible level of holiness. Even though she lived within the walls of a Carmelite convent, she is the patron saint of missionaries and is even a Doctor of the Church. Her sanctity, sweetness, simplicity, virginity, and vocation to the religious life may make it hard to relate to St. Thérèse at first – especially when we're feeling the weight of the cross of infertility and its effect on our marriages. But there is so much we can learn from this saint even though our lives may look very different from hers.
Will you let St. Thérèse send you a "rose" today?
Links:
"The Hidden Gift of Hidden Suffering" blog post
I Believe in Love (personal retreat book)
Aleteia article on married saints
Have you ever felt called to be a homemaker, but feel like you can't because of your family size, financial situation, or concern about judgment from others? This episode is for you!
Two old and dear friends of the ministry, Andrea and Allie, join Cassandra on the podcast today to talk about:
Links:
Visitation of Hearts Spiritual Direction (with Andrea)
Embracing Homemaking in Infertility (by Allie)
Participating (Sharing) in Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood and Spiritual Children
Have you ever wished that there was a Catholic small group for infertility accompaniment in your area? Well, this podcast episode is for you!
Our Small Groups Coordinator, Cadie Krivoniak, joins Cassandra on the pod to talk about her experience participating in Springs' very first pilot small group.
Cadie talks about how you can start a small group in your area, and what to do if you would love to participate in a small group but don't feel up to facilitating yourself.
It is our honor to walk with our small groups facilitators and participants!
Links:
Happy Birthday Springs! Our founders Ann and Kimberly join Cassandra on the podcast today to tell the story of how Springs came to be and how much it has grown.
God has blessed this ministry so abundantly! By His grace, here are the resources we are able to offer today:
If you would like to support our work with a Founding Day gift, please visit our website!
Kenn Cramer, Director of Family and Respect Life for the Diocese of Manchester, NH, joins Cassandra on the pod this week.
Kenn shares about the experience of planning a clergy workshop focused on the sensitive topics of infertility and loss.
He also gives an impactful overview of the importance of ministering to men, and what priests – and wives – should know about how husbands experience infertility grief.
If you are a diocesan family life director, Springs in the Desert is here for you! Contact us about scheduling a workshop for priests, deacons, and/or seminarians today.
Links:
Ministries, Counseling, & Spiritual Direction
"What do we do if we don't have children?"
If this is a question you've wondered about in a season of infertility, this episode is for you! Springs contributors Ellie and Trey Weaver join Cassandra for another great episode on our theme, "Your Marriage Has a Mission."
The Weavers used to feel like they weren't sure about the mission of their marriage – but today they have come to embrace the abundant opportunities that God has put in their path!
This episode is filled with encouragement on embracing God's invitation to give life in a season of infertility. Infertility is not the mission of your marriage, and it does not define you! Your gifts are necessary for the Church. How will you use them to give life today?
Links:
This week Ann welcomes very special guest Keith, her bestfriend and husband of 14 years. Ann and Keith talk about their experience of infertility early in marriage, how things have changed since then, and the ways God is calling them to be fruitful in surprising and fulfilling ways.
Keith is the “behind-the-scenes” support for Ann in ministry, but this isn’t his first appearance on the podcast! Dive into the archives and go way back to 2020 to hear how Keith, Ann, and the Springs Team shared about navigating infertility in all of our relationships.
Links:
Today on the podcast, Cassandra is joined by Katie (our blog manager!) and Matthew Summers. We talk about how important it is for couples to discern their mission, and for husbands and wives to support each other in their careers and goals. Listen in for Katie's beautiful witness of praying for Matthew in a special way during the workday.
Links:
Even on the path of infertility and loss, your marriage has a mission! Join Cassandra for a quick prayer break where we offer to God our petitions. It is our honor to walk with you!
Links:
Some episodes are just so good we have to air them twice! Tune in to this week's episode, a replay with one of our favorite guests!
During National NFP Awareness Week, we thought it a great idea to welcome back a close friend of this ministry, Chris O'Neill, the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris helps articulate why those carrying the cross of infertility may have mixed feelings about NFP, charting, etc., then helps us refocus on how to build deep, strong relationships with our spouse.
Links
During NFP Awareness Week, Jillian is joined by her groom, Jesse for a Desert Reflection! They discuss ways to connect with your spouse — mind, body, and soul — when charting feels like a chore. They share ideas about how to incorporate prayer, physical movement, and interesting discussions into your daily routines to ensure moments of intimacy are the foundation of your marriage. Whether you are feeling reinvigorated to refocus on charting or needing to set the chart or conversations around NFP to the side, we hope this conversation gives you a few ideas about how to reconnect with your spouse in this season!
If you are an NFP Instructor, on a Marriage Prep Team, or serving engaged and married couples at the diocesan level, this one is for you! In preparation for National NFP Awareness Week, Jillian shares a resource that the Springs in the Desert Team created to help equip you to serve the 1 in 5 couples who may also be struggling to conceive or may experience infertility or loss during their NFP journey. Thank you for your yes in serving the Body of Christ, and it is an honor to walk alongside you!
P.S. If you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please forward this to them and connect them to our team!
Links:
Eileen Tully joins Jillian to discuss how to navigate reapproaching intimacy and NFP after experiencing pregnancy loss. They share tips about how to take every thought captive and encouragement to recognize and reframe our understanding of God after such a devastating event. From temptations and repentance, to healing and grieving, Eileen and Jillian have an honest conversation about the many challenges faced after loss. Biggest takeaway? God is not disappointed in you; God loves you, and so do we!
Links:
If you are needing a refresh to your day, a minute to recalibrate, or a guided prayer for your morning devotions, listen to this episode! Whether you are in your prayer corner, on the drive to work, or on an evening walk, join Jillian in praying a summertime litany!
Links:
The desire for healing is often part of conversations on the path of infertility. Your podcast host, Jillian, is joined by Lisa Martinez from Little With Great Love for a discussion about the topic of healing. What does healing mean? Where does healing begin? What does it look like to be healed? What if I feel God is withholding healing from me? Listen to this episode to explore the answers to these questions and more!
Links: