The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

What does the theology of the body even mean? From it, what can we learn about Christ's body, and about God Himself? What does Christ's body tell us about who we are, and about our own capacity to love? What do our bodies tell us about what we were created for?
Today's episode is part II 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

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

Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility

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:
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!