Most couples don’t anticipate carrying the burden of infertility, and it can feel like an overwhelming and isolating experience. If you or a loved one is struggling with infertility, you are not alone.
Below you will find information about ministries and resources for those who experience infertility, as well as guidance provided by the Church about how to understand and approach infertility in a way that reverences and protects the dignity of the human person and respects God’s divine plan for married love.
Information is also included about resources for women’s health that reverence your whole person in accord with Catholic teaching.
We hope these resources will provide you with accompaniment in the midst of the difficulties of infertility, as well as help you more deeply understand and care for your body, with attentiveness to the wonder that you are. Know of our prayers for you as you walk this path.
Gospel of Life Week
Gospel of Life Week
Teachers and Parents
– Adoption
– Loving Our Neighbors
– Knowing My Value
– Life is a Gift
– Learning to Forgive
– Respecting Others
– Caring for Those in Need
– The Beginning of Life
– Celebrating Special Needs
– Overcoming Differences
– Receiving Mercy
– Immigration
– Life is Precious
– Dignity at Every Age
– Marriage
– Caring for Creation
DREs and Catechists
– Grades PK-3
– Grades 4-6
– Grades 7-9
– Grades 10-12
Topics
– The Beginning of Life
– Knowing My Value
– Adoption
– Respecting Others
– Receiving Mercy
– Immigration
– Loving Our Neighbors
– Life is a Gift
– Life is Precious
– Dignity at Every Age
– Learning to Forgive
– Caring for Those in Need
– Marriage
– Caring for Creation
– Celebrating Special Needs
– Overcoming Differences
High School Resources
Youth Ministry Resources
Service Opportunities
Springs in the Desert
Springs in the Desert is a Catholic ministry that provides spiritual and emotional support and accompaniment to those struggling with infertility. They offer a place of respite and solidarity where couples can experience God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness. For more information, visit: www.springsinthedesert.org.
The Gianna Center for Women’s Health & Fertility
The Gianna Center provides comprehensive gynecologic primary care and specialized fertility and family planning techniques to uncover the causes of infertility for all women. They offer a natural alternative to assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization, in accordance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
FEMM – Fertility Education and Medical Management
FEMM is a comprehensive women’s health and wellness program for optimal reproductive health. This natural, breakthrough, science-based program helps women learn more about their bodies, and how to identify daily hormonal shifts to achieve their health and fertility goals. Download the FEMM App for free to get started!
Why FEMM?
- A Science-Based Approach that Works: Benefit from a health-conscious, science-based program to manage hormonal cycles and overall health. Backed by the Reproductive Health Research Institute and a global team of OBGYNs.
- Comprehensive Support: A network of certified FEMM teachers and medical professionals can provide 1-on-1 support, coaching and group classes to help you understand and treat underlying health and fertility conditions.
- Learn More: An IVF Alternative for Infertility That’s Holistic and Ethical: Read more about FEMM from the National Catholic Register.
The Infertility Companion for Catholics: Spiritual and Practical Support for Couples, by Angelique Ruhi-Lopez and Carmen Santamaria
Dealing With Infertility: A Guide for Catholics, by Julie Kelemen
Infertility Journey Booklet by Jeannie & Bruce Hannemann
Waiting for Gabriel: Learning to Pray through Infertility: an article by Timothy O’Malley
“Embracing the Cross of Infertility” by Dr. Marie Meaney
Humanae Vitae and the Cross of Infertility: a video featuring Elizabeth Kirk
The Fruitful Hollow is a Catholic resource and community for those who struggle with infertility. Their Sisters of Hannah mentorship ministry offers personalized support and prayerful companionship from women who have walked this road before.
CanaVox is a movement offering reading groups that discuss and explore the truth and beauty of marriage and the various issues affecting marriage.
Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) seeks to educate women toward a more profound understanding of their God-given dignity through study in small groups of faith and friendship.
Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, are powerful intercessors for all married couples, expectant mothers, married couples who are having difficulty conceiving, as well as all who have grown old. The novena to Saints Anne and Joachim includes more information about the story of their marriage.
St. Gerard Majella is often invoked by couples who are struggling to conceive a child. A prayer for his intercession is:
Good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before the throne of God, wonder-worker of our day, we call upon you and seek your aid. You know that this marriage has not as yet been blessed with a child and how much [husband’s name] and [wife’s name] desire this gift. Please present these fervent pleas to the Creator of life from whom all parenthood proceeds and beseech Him to bless this couple with a child whom they may raise as His child and heir of heaven. Amen.
Infertility: Church Teaching and Resources: “Struggling with infertility and miscarriage is a great burden for couples, especially when they so deeply desire to live out their vocation to welcome the gift of children from God… In moments such as these, remember that despite infertility, couples ‘can have a married life that is filled with love and meaning.’”
Seven Considerations While Navigating Infertility: “If you experience difficulty bringing a child into your family, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and his Church desires to walk with you. These suggestions may be helpful to you on this journey.”
A Catholic Primer on In Vitro Fertilization: This three-page handout available in English and Spanish addresses common questions about IVF from the Catholic perspective.
Parish Leader Kit: IVF & Other Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Resources to help Catholics understand the Church’s teaching on marriage and the procreation of children and to provide support and guidance for married couples who are experiencing difficulty having children.
The Christian Family, In Vitro Fertilization, and Heroic Witness to True Love: A Pastoral Letter by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
Addressing Infertility with Compassion and Clarity: A pamphlet by Rev. J. Daniel Mindling, OFM Cap.
Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology: In a question-and-answer format, the U.S. Catholic Bishops provide guidance on what the Church teaches regarding assisted reproductive technology.