Explore every episode of the podcast 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:

1. Part I: Getting Started With Theology of the Body
2. Part II: What does "Theology of the Body" even mean?
3. Part III: What Jesus' Body Teaches Us About Our Suffering
4. John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body
5. Theology of the Body Explained
6. Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
7. Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility
8. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio
9. John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem
10. John Paul II, Dives in Misericordia
11. Paul VI, Gaudium et Spes
12. Paul VI, Lumen Gentium
13. Edward Sri, Men, Women, & The Mystery of Love
14. Patricia Polacco, Luba and The Wren
15. Michael O'Brien, Island of the World
16. Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter
17. 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:

1. The importance of ministering specifically to men in a season of infertility/loss
2. How parishes can observe Father's Day and Mother's Day in a way that honors the varied experiences of people in the pews
3. 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:

1. Part I: Getting Started With The Theology of The Body

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

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

4. 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:

1. What natural and supernatural hope feel like on the path of infertility

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

3. 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

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:

1. Part I: Getting Started With The Theology of The Body

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

3. 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:

1. Paul VI, Humanae Vitae
2. John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body
3. Karol Wojtyła, Love and Responsibility
4. 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:

1. How Galicia stepped out in faith to start the small group, and God provided!

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

3. 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

Christ is risen, glorify Him!

Happy Easter to all in the Springs community. In today's episode, Fr. Paul sits down with Jillian to offer a word of comfort to those who still feel in need of renewal even though Lent is over.

They'll reflect on:

–Bible verses to walk with as we enter the Easter season.

–Peaceful reconciliation with God.

–Asking God for renewal in our lives and marriages – even during a season of infertility.

It is our honor to walk with you this Easter season!

Links:

Spiritual direction with Fr. Paul: fr.paul@springsinthedesert.org

Support the Podcast

Blessed Holy Week to all! As we turn our eyes toward Calvary, Jillian and Ann will talk about one of the ways that we describe Springs' mission: "Christ, not conception."

They'll share about:

• What "Christ, not conception" means to our ministry.
• Avoiding the trap of hyper-focusing on conception, especially when it affects our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
• How to talk about infertility with those who are not familiar with the experience.
• Seeing Christ, not just the cross carried.

To the Springs community, we wish you a blessed Holy Week. We'll see you on the other side!

Jillian is back on the podcast with a life update and her testimony with how God has been carrying her and her family through a tough season. Providentially, "Carried" is also the theme of our Lenten devotional, so she and Cassandra reflect on letting the Lord bring us through the uncertainties of work and family life.

Cassandra and Jillian share about:

• What it means to be "carried" – through Lent and other seasons.
• Experiencing the power of prayer and trust in God's presence and providence.
• What last message they would leave listeners with as we prepare to enter into Holy Week together.

Links:

• Carried Devotional Bundle
• Support Springs in the Desert

Our good friend Leigh Snead is back on the pod to talk about her new book, Infertile But Fruitful, Finding Fulfillment When You Can’t Conceive. She and Ann dig into some of the big themes in the book:

• Why was this the right time to write a book on infertility
• What it was like revisiting the memories – and emotions – of that time when she and her husband were “in the thick of it”
• The value of sharing our infertility struggles with others and asking for prayers
• And a lot more!

Leigh’s book is engaging, funny, encouraging, and real. She’s “our people,” and her book, and this conversation, feels like a heart-to-heart with a friend.

Links:

• Pick up Leigh’s book at Sophia Press, or your favorite bookseller.
• Read more about why Leigh wrote this book on The Catholic Association’s Substack.
• If you missed it the first time, catch Cassandra and Leigh’s pre-book release conversation.

Cassandra welcomes her husband Michael to the podcast to talk about all things pilgrimage! The Taylors share about:

1. Walking the Camino together last year with a group of students.

2. How pilgrimages help you open up space for God in your life.

3. The witness that couples without children give to the Church.

By focusing on just the next kilometer instead of being overwhelmed by the entire journey, we can approach all of life like a pilgrimage, and let God lead us through it.

Links:

• Camino de Santiago – Pilgrim's Office
• Support Springs in the Desert!

We often talk about infertility being a "path," and sometimes we can walk that path literally! Today we're welcoming community members Mark and Carissa to the podcast to share about their life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land and beyond. They'll share about:

• What it was like to walk where Jesus Himself had walked.
• What insights and healing they received regarding living through a season of infertility.
• The advice that they would give to couples who would like to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land themselves.

It is our honor to walk this path with you!

Links:

• Mark and Carissa's YouTube Channel

In this week’s episode, we discuss infertility and past experience of abortion. Please take care of yourself and tune in next week if this conversation hits a too-tender spot in your heart.

Today Ann welcomes Sisters of Life Sr. Veronica Mary and Sr. Mariana Benedicta to talk about experiencing infertility when one or both spouses has suffered from an abortion in the past. They discuss the importance of communication, prayer, and spouses carrying this cross together. The most important message the Sisters offer is that God loves you, and infertility is never His punishment for past sins and actions.

If you are struggling with infertility or loss and have abortion in your past, don’t be afraid to reach out for help and God’s healing. 

Links:

• The Sisters of Life
• Hope and Healing After Abortion
• You can also contact your diocese for local resources!

A note from Sr. Veronica Mary and Sr. Mariana Benedicta:

“It isn't always in the couple's best interest - especially in this fragile culture - for the spouse who has suffered abortion to share it. It is a great discernment that would need to take into consideration multiple factors, and the timing would also be one of those factors.  

Even if the 'abortion' is shared, there is no guarantee it will be processed as hoped by the other, and may create an even greater sense of divide and mistrust between them (" What else did you not tell me?"). 

Ideally, couples would be open and honest from the start, and continue this openness throughout their marriage, but in most marriages we encounter, this is not usually the case. Ministries like yours are therefore so very helpful in beginning the conversation and giving couples permission.”

On today's episode, we welcome back our friend and author, Liz Kelly to talk about the most fitting Ash Wednesday topic: Jesus' last words.

Cassandra and Liz discuss how Jesus' last 7 utterances on the cross - said in His greatest moments of suffering - teach us about the meaning of our own suffering.

Since Jesus taught us to pray, His last words on the cross can become our own words in prayer and shed light on the fruit that is being born from our own suffering.

Links:

• A Place Called Golgatha: Meditations on the Last Words of Christ
• Word on Fire Women's Formation Community
• Anchored by Hope: Meditations to Calm the Anxious Soul
• Liz Kelly Website

We’re deep into winter, and now on the cusp of Lent as well, so it’s a great time to dig into the winter blues on the podcast. Lauren Braun, LPC, LMHC of Marigold & Iris Mental Health and Wellness joins us to talk about:

– an infertility grief workshop Lauren hosted at her practice during Advent

– living and waiting through tough seasons like winter and Lent

– what Lauren wishes people knew about how therapy can help in a season of infertility/loss

Links:

Marigold & Iris Mental Health and Wellness (WI & IA)

Lauren's Substack & Podcast

Carried: A Desert Pilgrimage bundle

Monk Manual

Springs in the Desert - Ministries, Counselors, & Spiritual Direction

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 cannot replace professional medical and psychological services. 

How should we think about the infertility stories in the Bible, all but one of which end with a baby? How can we see God’s providence and care for our lives as we walk this path?

Today we’re welcoming Elizabeth Kirk back to the podcast to continue our conversation about her book chapter on Humanae Vitae.

We’ll talk about:

– The natural and good desire to have children.

– How we can appreciate spiritual parenthood, especially in the context of marriage.

– How a faithfully lived out conjugal life is always fruitful!

Links:

Humanae Vitae: 50 Years Later

Elizabeth Kirk

Center for Law & the Human Person

If you love to read, this episode is for you!

Today we’re welcoming author Veronica Simon to the pod. Veronica recently released a children’s book, Who Do You Think I Am? We welcome Veronica to the podcast to celebrate this work of creativity and get into all things literature.

We’ll talk about:

– How Veronica's book came out of an "exploration of identity, truth, and growing up."

– What Veronica looks for when choosing her next book to read, particularly in a season of infertility/loss.

– Her advice for women who have a child-centric dream on their heart – like writing a children’s book – but don’t feel qualified to pursue it because they are “not a mom.”

Links:

Follow Veronica on Instagram

Who Do You Think I Am? by Veronica Simon

Book Announcement from Pennyworth Publishing

Interview with Veronica

Springs Blog Post by Veronica: Is There Space for Me?

Springs Blog Post by Veronica: Finding Solace in the Good News

Digital Toolkit

Your Inner Child and Infertility w/ Brya Hanan

This week, Ann and Julie Dumalet, the Director of the Office of Prolife Activities in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston have an important discussion about how the pro-life movement includes support for those in a season of infertility. While it can be easy to compare crosses, Ann and Julie remind us that it is crucial to acknowledge your feelings and give feedback to those ministering to or supporting you so that they can love you better. They also discuss creative and practical gestures of charity that can help us see, love, and serve the Body of Christ in a pro-life way.

You may have heard of the papal document Humanae Vitae, but have you ever read it? Today we’re welcoming Elizabeth Kirk to the podcast to reflect a little on this important text. We’ll talk about:

– why couples struggling with infertility might want to sit down and read Humanae Vitae

– how we can understand the ideas of emptiness and privation on the path of infertility

– living out hope in a season of infertility - even when “‘not yet’ is ‘not ever’”

Links:

Humanae Vitae, 50 Years Later

Elizabeth Kirk

Center for Law & the Human Person

It’s the first episode of a new year, so you know what that means – it’s time for the Word and Saint of the Year!

Ann and Cassandra are back for round four of this Springs tradition. We’re not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions around here, but we love to meet new saints and get inspiration from these fun tools!

Do you participate? We want to hear from you – find us on social media and let us know about your Word and Saint of the Year!

Links:

Word of the Year Generator

Saint of the Year Generator

TinySaints Saint Generator

St. Wolfgang - Catholic Encyclopedia

As we prepare to step into the New Year, Ann and Cassandra take a look back on our theme for 2025, “Your Marriage has a Mission,” and dig into our new theme for 2026, “Take It to Heart.”

We’ll talk about:

– the witness of our marriages on the path of infertility

– how we can embrace big missions, but also those smaller, everyday, but still beautiful missions in this season

– how we’re inviting this community to take God’s infinite love to heart in the New Year

Thank you so much for listening and for your continuing support. It is an honor to walk with you!

Links

Support Springs and this podcast!

Blessed Christmas Eve to all! As we await our Savior’s birth this Christmas, we’re welcoming Fr. Joseph Aytona, CPM of the Fathers of Mercy to the podcast.

Fr. Aytona shares about the Spiritual Motherhood Sodality and helps us to better understand a topic that, while so important, can also be hard to wrestle with on the path of infertility. 

We’ll talk to Fr. Aytona about:

• woman’s longing for her maternal mission, and how we are all called to help others grow in grace.

• how our Blessed Mother truly understands what we’re going through!

• the importance of praying for priests, and how it can be a beautiful expression of spiritual motherhood.

We hope you’ll find Fr. Aytona’s message of grace, hope and mercy to be a comfort to you this Christmas!

Links:

Fathers of Mercy

Spiritual Motherhood Sodality

How can we find fulfillment when we can’t conceive? Today we’re welcoming Leigh Snead, Fellow of the Catholic Association and co-host of Conversations with Consequences, back to the pod to preview her upcoming book, Infertile but Fruitful: Finding Fulfillment When You Can't Conceive (Sophia Institute Press, 2026).

We’ll talk with Leigh about:

– why it was important to include different infertility perspectives in her book.

– the continually changing infertility conversation.

– her advice for Catholic brides who are really struggling with the experience of infertility.

Links:

Infertile but Fruitful (Sophia Institute Press)

Have you ever felt tired of waiting in a season of infertility or loss?

Today we welcome our dear friend Lisa Martinez back to the podcast for an honest talk that is perfect for Advent. She shares from the heart about:

–How we should think about frustrations and obstacles on the path of infertility.

–The parallels we can draw between waiting for Christ's birth and waiting for a baby.

–Why we should make an offering to God of everything that we're going through.

This Advent, remember that God loves you so much, and so do we!

Links:

Little with Great Love

Seven Sorrows Chaplet Gift Set

Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence

At the Altar | Elevation Rhythm

How can we live this Advent with purpose so that God can bring about conversion and transformation in our lives? How is God asking us to say “yes” to Him today?

Today we’re welcoming Lindy Wynne from Mamas in Spirit to the podcast as we enter, as a Church, into the “season of waiting” of Advent. Lindy tells her story of marriage, adoption, and the ways she has been given the grace to say “yes” to God in different seasons.

We’ll talk about:

• Holding onto God because there’s nothing else to hold onto.
• Encouragement for when we feel like we want “more” than “just” spiritual motherhood and fatherhood.
• How God is redeeming the sense of emptiness that we may feel, especially around the holidays.

Links:

Mamas in Spirit

Sometimes in a season of infertility/loss, we find ourselves dealing with insensitive comments or needing to establish a boundary with family members or friends.

Balancing self-care and charity can be difficult, so we wanted to have this conversation with Edward before the holidays!

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Advice for those on the receiving end of an insensitive comment or prying question.
• How we can draw boundaries and defend ourselves in these situations while also defusing the conflict.
• How couples can take steps to charitably address these issues so that relationships can be salvaged.

Remember, we are here with you this holiday season!

Links:

Blessed Are They Counseling

Why is it important for us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas? How can we experience the “fullness of time” of this season as we prepare for the incarnate Lord to come into the world?

In this episode, Ann speaks with Fr. Paul about the Psalms as we get ready to pray the Psalter together this Advent as a community. They’ll discuss:

• The origin of the Psalms and their spiritual importance.
• How the Psalms can be both personal and communal prayers.
• Why praying the Psalter can be so good for us on the path of infertility and loss.

Psalter Links:

Fr. Paul's pick: The Psalter (Pocket Edition)

Alissa's pick: A Psalter for Prayer

Ann's pick: Songs of Praise: A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women

Krissy Hamilton, director of Calvary Cemetery in Tulsa, OK, joins us on the podcast today to tell us about Calvary’s Infant Burial Ministry.

For couples in eastern Oklahoma, this beautiful ministry is able to donate the burial space and opening and closing the grave to grieving parents who are burying their child.

In this episode, Krissy gives us:

• advice for parents who need to find a place to bury their baby.
• reassurance that those working at Catholic cemeteries are there to help grieving parents.
• steps for cemetery directors to take to establish Infant Burial Ministries of their own.

As we remember the souls of the faithful departed this November, we are here with you.

Links:

Calvary Cemetery Infant Burial Ministry

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:

• How emotions like jealousy and anger can come under the umbrella of grief
• The value of learning from other people's experiences of infertility, including primary/secondary infertility and miscarriage
• The beautiful fruit that can be drawn out of grief

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:

• The difference between grief coaching and therapy
• The fact that "God sees you whole" – even when you're struggling with infertility/loss
• The message that you are a beloved daughter (or son!) of the Most High

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:

• How infertility has informed the Wojtyła Community's married couple groups from the very beginning
• How Theresa and Peter "found" JPII's rule for married couples and how their groups are living it out
• How your marriage is complete, no matter the size of your family

Links:

Wojtyła Community & Institute

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:

• The experience of miscarriage grief
• Why it can be helpful to share stories of loss
• How to accompany your daughter (or daughter-in-law) and her husband when suffering through a miscarriage
• Their miscarriage and infant loss ministry, We Carry You Still

It is our honor to walk with you this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Links:

We Carry You Still

Heaven's Gain Ministries

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:

• The disenfranchised grief of infant loss during pregnancy
• Collection options at home and at the hospital for burial
• Memorializing babies who have passed away
• How parishes can help couples experiencing a miscarriage
• Encouragement for couples who were not able to bury their baby

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:

Heaven's Gain Ministries

Heaven's Gain Hotline: 513-888-4200

Ministries, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction 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

Just for TodayCompiled and translated from the writings of Saint Thérèse with selections from the Imitation of Christ

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:

• What homemaking looks like for a family of two
• How to discern the decision to stay home
• How Andrea and Allie have found healing of infertility grief through homemaking, and
• How to bring a little more homemaking into the home—even if you are not currently in a place to leave your job!

Links:

Visitation of Hearts Spiritual Direction (with Andrea)

Embracing Homemaking in Infertility (by Allie)

SpiritualMaternity.org

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:

Springs in the Desert Small Groups

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:

• Weekly podcast episodes (on two separate podcasts!)
• Blog posts
• In-person retreats
• In-person and virtual small groups
• Weekly Well prayer email
• Monthly encouraging email newsletter
• Resources for couples, pastoral ministers, and healthcare providers
• Women at the Well virtual prayer meetings
• ... and more!

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:

Eileen Tully | Sursum Corda

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:

Broken Arrow OK retreat registration

Richmond VA retreat registration

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:

• Infertility is Martyrdom blog post
• Infertility is Martyrdom Blogcast episode
• Holding Gabriel blog post
• Holding Gabriel Blogcast episode
• Communicating with our Spouses, Family, and Friends through Infertility

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:

Blog

Blogcast

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:

• Subscribe to the Weekly Well
• Submit a Prayer Request

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

• ⁠What's the Issue with IVF? podcast episode

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!