The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Are you ready to learn more about the theology of the body? Where to even begin? Who is the theology of the body actually for? What terms do we need to know in order to understand it?
Today's episode is part IV of a series on the theology of the body with guests 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. With Jillian, they'll suggest some resources, texts, and videos to start with or use on your journey of diving deeper into the theology of the body!

And don't forget to email your questions to info@springsinthedesert.org!

Links:
Part I: Getting Started With Theology of the Body
Part II: What does "Theology of the Body" even mean?
Part III: What Jesus' Body Teaches Us About Our Suffering
John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body
Theology of the Body Explained
Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility
John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio
John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem
John Paul II, Dives in Misericordia
Paul VI, Gaudium et Spes
Paul VI, Lumen Gentium
Edward Sri, Men, Women, & The Mystery of Love
Patricia Polacco, Luba and The Wren
Michael O'Brien, Island of the World
Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter
Sheldon Vanauken, A Severe Mercy
Other resources:
The Passion of Christ in the Gospels
Moana (2016)
Lion King
Life is Beautiful (1997)
Babette's Feast (1987)

Father's Day is coming up, so we're having Kenn Cramer back on the podcast to talk about ministering to men and our personal relationships with God the Father. Jillian and Kenn will reflect on:
The importance of ministering specifically to men in a season of infertility/loss
How parishes can observe Father's Day and Mother's Day in a way that honors the varied experiences of people in the pews
Growing in relationship with God the Father

Links:
How Can We Educate Our Priests About Infertility? w/ Kenn Cramer
Infertility Awareness
Mother's Day resource for pastors

Have you ever felt like your body is an obstacle, or that it's working against you? If so, this podcast episode is for you!
Today Jillian welcomes Sister M. Emmanuel Kurtzweg, OSF, RN and teammate, Stacey, to the podcast to talk about what it means to be "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps 139:14). Listen to hear more about:
FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management) and how it's different from other fertility awareness methods.
Why part of Sr. Emmanuel's mission is to teach her Franciscan sisters about their fertility, and what we, as married women, can learn from that.
What advice Sr. Emmanuel would give to couples who are having a hard time with fertility treatments and are discerning taking a break.
It is our honor to walk with you!

Links:
Sr. Emmanuel's FEMM Info Page
Submit Your Intentions to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration!

What does the theology of the body have to teach us about bodily suffering? What do Jesus' wounds have to do with our wounds? What can we learn from the theology of the body about abandoning ourselves to the will of God?
Today's episode is part III of a series on the theology of the body with guests 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. With Jillian, they'll explore what theology of the body has to teach us as we walk the path of infertility.

Links:
Part I: Getting Started With The Theology of The Body

Part II: What Does Theology of the Body Even Mean?

John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body

Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility

What is hope really? Are there different ways to understand hope? How should we think about hope when we are also dealing with the reality of childlessness?

Today Jillian welcomes Cassi to the podcast to think about these important questions. They'll discuss:
What natural and supernatural hope feel like on the path of infertility

What hope has looked like for Cassi at different places on the path of infertility

Encouragement for those who feel that they will never be happy or fulfilled without a baby

It is our honor to walk with you on the path of infertility!

Links:
The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur
Fr. Paul's Email: fr.paul@springsinthedesert.org
Searching For and Maintaining Peace
Interior Freedom
Blog Post: The Seeds and Your Inner Fertility
Blog Post: Hospitality of the Heart
Blog Post: The Former Things are Passed Away