Infertility Awareness Week is this week, April 24-30. Let us keep all those struggling with infertility in our prayers. For more information on how to support those in your life bearing the cross of infertility checkout the Fruitful Hollow, a Catholic resource for couples experiencing infertility, and see the below article published in Nativity of Mary's April 24th bulletin.
The Fruitful Hollow is a great Catholic resource for those facing infertility. Check out the inspiring blog posts, free resources and free mentoring services.
Website: www.thefruitfulhollow.com
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Article from the April 24th bulletin, Fr. Nathan LaLiberte
Extending God’s Love and Mercy
One of the greatest surprises to me, throughout my eleven years of ministry, has been the hidden and deeply painful cross of infertility that many couples in our world bear. In my ignorance as a new priest, I would often find myself seated on my idealistic and judgmental throne looking at couples who had been married for many years and with no children and think, “why are they not open to life?” However, what I didn’t realize, is that many of these couples that I judged would have done anything to receive the gift of a child, but they had to bear the cross of infertility.
This week (April 24th-30th) is set aside as National Infertility Awareness week. I wanted to dedicate this bulletin article to those couples who have born, or are just starting to bare, the cross of infertility. Below are some amazing resources to help us, as a community, to become aware of those who are suffering among us and know how to speak with them and assist with genuine compassion. The below information is from The Fruitful Hollow Ministry website (www.thefruitfulhollow.com), hopefully it will be as helpful to you as it was to me in ministering to the least of our brothers and sisters (Matthew 25:34-40).
“If you know a couple struggling with infertility, you might be wondering what you can do or say to support your friends or family who find themselves on this difficult journey. Having compassionate support from loved ones can make a world of difference in this situation. Thank you for being here for them! Since all couples have different personalities and preferences, it is always best to ask them if they would appreciate a particular gesture of support that you have in mind. If you are wondering where to start, asking your loved ones what type of verbal or physical support would be best for them will give you some great insight as to what they need.
What can you do
·Pray for them and let them know you are doing so.
·Request a Mass be said for their intentions
·Text or call to let them know you are thinking of them. Ask “How are you feeling today?”
·If they have shared with you that they are concerned or stressed about upcoming appointments, bloodwork etc, follow up to see how they are doing. You can preface your message with “no need to share if you would rather not, but I just wanted to follow up with you and let you know I have been thinking about you.”
·Send a card or a small care package.
·Enquire about and show interest in other areas of their life that are important to them - their jobs, ministries, hobbies, vacations, family members, dreams and aspirations outside of children.
·Invite them to spend time with you for a meal or activity.
·Use active listening skills when they share with you, and validate their feelings.
What you need to know to support them:
Studies on the psychological impact of infertility have revealed that depression and anxiety levels among women facing infertility are comparable to those of people with cancer and heart disease. Please keep in mind that if your loved ones are being vulnerable enough to share with you their emotions regarding infertility, they are looking for validation of their feelings, to be understood and for you to enter into their pain with them. Using active listening to learn more about where they are coming from and letting them know you are there for them are some of the best things you can do.
What not to say vs. what to say:
Please see attached image.