The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

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:
Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body
Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility
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:
How Galicia stepped out in faith to start the small group, and God provided!

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

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