Catholic Infertility Resources

How can I bring an infertility ministry or support group to my parish?

Why not you? If you see the need, then maybe you’re the person to fill that need!

Leading an infertility support group mostly requires the willingness to organize it, communicate with participants, and facilitate the meetings. You’re not there to solve all the problems, but to create a space where women going through similar painful experiences can find community and understanding.

The first step is to make a plan for what you want the support group to look like. How often will you meet? What will the meetings look like? What kind of budget will you need? For example, our parish’s group meets once a month. We do a fun craft (flower arranging, watercolors, etc.) or activity (facials), and spend a couple of hours talking and sharing what is going on in our lives. We end with a prayer and an inspirational Bible verse. And of course there are snacks! The meeting details really can be up to what the group wants/needs as the key part is just connecting women who are suffering the same way and having a place where they can talk about it.

Next, reach out to your parish priest with your plans to propose the ministry and get it approved. You can find an example email below. You will likely need to meet with him in person to set all the details, reserve a spot in the church facilities, get on the parish schedule, and hash out any budget questions. Our parish group originally met in one of the church hall rooms, but we relocated to my house as it was more comfortable and gave us more flexibility.

Now you’ll need to spread the word! You can get the word out by advertising this new ministry in the parish bulletin, adding it to the announcements at the end of Mass, and possibly even giving a little announcement/invitation from the pulpit yourself. Examples of a bulletin entry and a pulpit announcement are below. If you do make the announcement in person at Mass, then plan to stay after for a few minutes to talk to any women who want more information or to join. I waited in the lobby across from the main doors and tried to smile and look welcoming at everyone – you never know who might need this kind of support group!

Collect the contact information of the women who reach out to you. Make sure to send an email in advance of the first meeting to everyone. Welcome them, remind them of the date/time of the meeting, and what to expect. I recommend asking everyone to briefly share their infertility journey at the first meeting. It will be helpful for you as the leader and for everyone participating to know the experiences of the women around them. (Don’t forget to bring a box of tissues!)

Invite your fellow participants to take on some of the responsibility of the meeting. Invite someone to lead the closing prayer next month, or ask if someone can bring a snack. Maybe someone has a ton of craft supplies (and ideas!) that they would be willing to share at a meeting.

Honestly, leading a parish-level infertility ministry isn’t that hard or even that time consuming. It just requires someone having the courage and the willingness to take charge and make it happen.

The Fruitful Hollow also has several different kinds of outreach resources if you want more examples or inspiration.

Example Email to Your Parish Priest

You should be able to copy and paste into a new document or email so you can edit it for your personal situation.

Hello Father,

I would like to start an infertility ministry at our parish. This ministry would serve women who are struggling with infertility or miscarriages. As a Catholic woman with unexplained infertility who has been trying to conceive for 11 years (ADD YOUR HISTORY/EXPERIENCE), while following Church teaching on marriage, sexuality, and reproductive technology, I have personal knowledge and firsthand experience of what women like me are going through – emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially, and in their marriage and their community. I am a parish member and in good standing with the Church.

Many couples who struggle to conceive can suffer from the judgment and assumptions of their fellow Catholics. They might also struggle to find medical assistance that aligns with Church teaching or not know what to say to family or friends who ask less-than-tactful questions. There is a need to provide empathetic and knowledgeable support and mentorship to both men and women who long for children but can’t seem to have them. I would like to begin a ministry specifically for these women.

My idea is to meet one evening a month at our parish to provide fellowship and empathetic support. If this ministry is approved, what are the next steps? Is there a room I can reserve and use each month? Does the parish provide any budget for ministries, or would I need to fundraise? Could I get added to the bulletin as the contact for this ministry? Is there anyone else in the parish office I need to talk to? I’m happy to meet with you at your convenience as well.

Sincerely, YOUR NAME

Example Pulpit Announcement

Copy, paste, and personalize to your situation.

Thank you, Father.

Good morning! My name is Paula Gallagher. My husband and I have been parishioners here for 6 years, and we are foster parents. I’m here to invite you to our parish’s new women’s infertility ministry. Over the past 11 years of my infertility journey, I’ve struggled to overcome endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid and hormonal issues, while following the Church’s teachings on reproductive technology. I have firsthand experience of what women like me are going through – emotionally, physically, spiritually, and in their marriage and their community. 

This ministry will serve women who are struggling to conceive or are suffering miscarriages. 

You are invited to join us the second Wednesday of every month from 7-9pm for an evening of crafts, cookies, and fellowship, starting January 11th.

To sign up or for more information, you can talk to me after Mass or see the bulletin. Thank you.

Example Bulletin Entry

Copy, paste, and personalize to your situation. Give to whoever in the parish office handles the bulletin. You might have to modify it depending on their size/length requirements. Please note that it will need to be submitted in advance so it has time to be designed and printed.

OUR PARISH’S Women’s Infertility Ministry

Are you struggling to conceive or suffering miscarriages? You don’t have to suffer alone! You are invited to join us the second Wednesday of every month from 7-9pm for an evening of crafts, cookies, and fellowship.

To sign up or for more information, please email NAME at abc123@gmail.com. You can also find more resources at https://catholicinfertilityresources.com.