Hope for the Journey

Welcome to Hope for the Journey, a ministry of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend that offers spiritual, emotional and practical support rooted in the Catholic faith for couples who are experiencing infertility or secondary infertility.

Through this ministry, we want to provide a space where we can encourage each other as we walk through this unexpected journey. A space where we can safely open our hearts to others experiencing infertility. A space where we can make sense of this cross, be sustained in hope, and find peace in knowing that we are God’s beloved and that he wants to walk with us every step of the way.

Carrying this cross has unique challenges. Many of us going through infertility struggle with isolation and maintaining hope. We also struggle with our core identities as individuals and couples who have been called to be fruitful and yet haven’t been able to bear children.

We would love to have you with us at our next meeting or event. We host regular support group meetings for women at members’ homes which feature prayer, reflection and discussion.  We also host an annual Evening of Hope & Healing in South Bend during Advent and an annual Afternoon of Hope & Healing in Fort Wayne during Lent, which are open to both individuals and couples.

“Searching for and Maintaining Peace” book study

Starting May 7
Every other Thursday, 7-8:30pm
Location: St. Charles Borromeo, Fort Wayne

We will be reading one of Springs in the Deserts’ recommended spiritual readings, “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Fr. Jacques Philippe. The book will be provided.

Contact Rachel Bennett at [email protected] for more information and to sign up.

front cover of "Arise" resource from Springs in the Desert

Arise: a Fort Wayne small group series for women in a season of infertility (including secondary infertility)

Location: St. Charles Borromeo, Fort Wayne

Cost: $20/person (to cover cost of materials), due at first meeting

Our introductory meeting will be September 18th, 7-8:30pm, followed by meetings every other Thursday from 7 pm-8:30 pm for 10 sessions. We will be using the materials from Arise, produced by Springs in the Desert, a national Catholic infertility ministry. Learn more about them at springsinthedesert.org. 

 
Please contact Rachel Bennett at [email protected] or Olivia Isch at [email protected] if you have any questions.
 
Space is limited so please email [email protected] if you would like to be put on a waiting list.
 

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Evening of Hope and Healing for those struggling with infertility Mass and Social

Mother’s Day weekend can be very difficult for those in a season of infertility. If this is your experience, you are invited to attend a special vigil Mass on Saturday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Center chapel, located at the edge of Notre Dame’s campus (the parking lot for the parish center is located on Moreau Drive). Father Ed Dolphin, CSC will be the celebrant, and the Mass will be followed by a social in the community hall. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Lisa Everett at [email protected] or 574-968-2439.

Find Support

You are not alone. Currently, women’s support groups meet in the Fort Wayne and South Bend areas. For more information and to participate, contact a group moderator:

Join a women’s support group
Find Medical Support
Additional support