Springs in the Desert
The cross is a fruitful tree.
Hey guys! Welcome to the Monday Morning Men’s Conference Post! Thanks for subscribing!
Just wanted to let you all know about an amazing work that is happening in the Archdiocese. Maybe it’s something that can help you or someone you know.
Springs in the Desert is a Catholic peer ministry accompanying those carrying the cross of infertility. It is estimated that infertility effects 1 in 5 couples. For Catholics who take the call to be open to life seriously, infertility is a particularly difficult burden. The desire for children is much more deeply rooted in our nature that we often realize, and the struggle with infertility effects a person’s relationship with themselves, their spouse, the Church, and God in ways that we may not expect. It is difficult burden that many even well meaning people in the life of the Church struggle to fully understand or appreciate, leaving those carrying this burden in the Church feeling especially isolated and alone.
Springs in the Desert gets it. They understand what it means to carry this burden, and what it takes to carry it with grace and purpose. These faithful Catholic men and women have come to understand that the cross, faithfully and courageously carried, is a fruitful tree. They know, understand, and live the Churches teachings about life and love in an exemplary way and have big hearts for those who are on the same path. Their experience and wisdom have a lot to teach us about the true meaning of hope; about how the suffering and brokenness of the world is no obstacle to God’s divine plan; about how the cross leads to the resurrection.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Marriage and Family Life will be hosting Springs in the Desert for “Encounter: a retreat for those in a season in infertility”, February 14-15 at St. Joseph Abbey Retreat Center in St. Benedict, LA. Learn more and register at Springsinthedesert.org/nola.
I know that this is something that is part of many of your own stories, either you personally or someone close to you. Springs in the Desert are the best in the country on this issue. Whether this is something your family is dealing with now or have in the past, please consider attending and/or let folks know about the opportunity.
This is the kind of mature and serious ministry for adults that we need to see more of in our Church - the kind of thing the Men’s Conference is trying to encourage. Don’t think that infertility is an exclusively women’s issue, or merely a biological/medical one. All men are called to Fatherhood: to become the source of life, safety, and provision for others. Infertility is a genuine spiritual battle that many men must face with their spouses, one that leaves real scars that need to be healed and strengthened. Those who go through it, faithfully embracing the cross and trusting God’s grace, learn something profound about what fatherhood really means - something that the rest of the Church needs to know.
Please share this opportunity and help these men and women find the healing and grace they need to discover and become who God is calling them to be.
See you all next week!