How Coping with Infertility Changed My Life | Ann M. Koshute & Fr. Paul Varchola West | Dr. J Show

We look at the hidden emotional and spiritual challenges of infertility and how Springs in the Desert accompanies couples carrying this cross. The guests share the ministry's origins, the grief and identity struggles many couples face, the different ways men and women process infertility, and the need for compassionate pastoral care. They also explain how community, faith, and a focus on Christ—not just conception—help couples find hope, healing, and a sense of fruitfulness in their marriages. Ann M. Koshute, MTS, is co-founder and Executive Director of Springs in the Desert, a Catholic ministry offering spiritual and emotional support to women and couples carrying the cross of infertility and loss. A graduate of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, she and her husband Keith are Byzantine Catholics living in Central Pennsylvania. Ann speaks at conferences and retreats, contributes regularly to Eastern Catholic Life, and has written for Ascension Press's Catechism in a Year Companion and daily Scripture reflections; in 2021 she was appointed to the USCCB's Advisory Council. Fr. Paul Varchola West, Spiritual Father for Springs in the Desert, was ordained a Byzantine Catholic priest in 2020 and serves as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Levittown, Pennsylvania. A columnist for Eastern Catholic Life, he was appointed Director of Deacons for the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic in 2025. He and his wife Alissa, married in 2009, enjoy music, the outdoors, and life with their two children—blessings that came after many years of prayers and infertility treatments. http://www.springsinthedesert.org Facebook: @Springs in the Desert Instagram: @springsinthedesert_ ​The Springs in the Desert Podcast: https://springsinthedesert.org/podcast/  00:00 Introduction to Springs in the Desert 05:24 The Journey of Infertility and Founding the Ministry 08:33 Understanding Byzantine Catholicism and Spiritual Leadership 11:22 The Role of Spiritual Support in Infertility 14:11 Navigating Medical and Spiritual Aspects of Infertility 17:16 The Emotional Landscape of Infertility 20:23 Programs and Resources Offered by Springs in the Desert 23:25 The Importance of Community and Shared Experiences 26:30 Addressing Grief and Loss in Infertility 29:19 The Unique Perspectives of Men and Women in Infertility 32:46 Navigating Emotional Responses in Marriage 38:56 The Role of the Church in Supporting Infertility 49:51 Addressing Pregnancy Loss and Grief 54:24 Understanding Identity Beyond Infertility 01:02:01 The Temptation of Objectification in Relationships 01:04:54 The Struggle with Self-Absorption and Spirituality 01:08:37 The Urgency of Infertility Ministry Today 01:11:53 Changing the Conversation Around Infertility 01:16:33 Normalizing Infertility in Young Education 01:21:58 The Importance of Connection and Community 01:25:18 Action Items for Supporting Couples Facing Infertility 01:35:23 Real Estate Commercial  Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Watch the full episode, uncensored, on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Theruthinstitute Subscribe to our YouTube playlist:  @RuthInstitute   Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Buy Dr. Morse's Books: The Sexual State: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/the-sexual-state-2/ Love and Economics: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/love-and-economics-it-takes-a-family-to-raise-a-village/ Smart Sex: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/smart-sex-finding-life-long-love-in-a-hook-up-world/ 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage/ 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person/ Listen to our podcast:  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1 Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Get the full interview by joining us for exclusive, uncensored content on Locals: https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/support