Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Latest Episodes:

Season Three Introduction: To stand in the Church and hurt Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

***This podcast deals with mature topics such as personal struggles, abuse, or trauma. Certain episodes may not be appropriate for sensitive ears.***

Welcome to Season 3 of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine. In this Season 3 opening episode, Sister Josephine Garrett shares how the mission of this podcast is shifting into even deeper territory: what it means to hurt in the Church and still hope. Inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope and Isaiah 61, Sister Josephine invites us to walk with witnesses who’ve experienced pain, silence, and loss within the Body of Christ, but who chose to return or remain. This season promises to be deeply honest, deeply Catholic, and deeply healing.

Season 3 theme: Finding hope in the many dimensions of "gift," while hurting in the Church.

Guiding Question:
“Have you left the Catholic Church and returned, or been pushed to the edge but chose to stay?”

Links:

Scripture Foundation: Isaiah 61:1–4 “The Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted…”
Hurting in the Church by Fr. Thomas Berg (OSV Books) – Our first guest for Season 3 and spiritual anchor.

Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/

The paradox of healing: Life-giving wounds and adult children of divorce with Daniel and Bethany Meola Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett meets with Dan and Bethany Meola, the founders of Life Giving Wounds. They discuss the impact of growing up as adult children of divorce and the healing journey experienced by Dan. They share insights into their ministry, which seeks to support others facing similar wounds and reflect deeply on their faith and personal testimonies. Bethany provides an outside perspective on how Dan's past affected their relationship and marriage. Together, they offer hope and encouragement to both parents considering divorce and adults who have experienced it as children.
Links:

Dan and Bethany's Book: Life Giving Wounds
Life Giving Wounds Ministry
Difficulties Married Couples Face
Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta

Make this the best Christmas ever for children growing up in poverty around the world by donating a Box of Joy®. Your gift will surprise a child with what could be their first Christmas gift! Each box is filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and a story about Jesus. Donate a Box of Joy at boxofjoy.org.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach.

Not Your Plan but His: Autism and ADHD with Betsy Jenkins Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett welcomes her close friend Betsy Jenkins, a dedicated mother of two boys diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Betsy shares her heartfelt journey, from the early diagnosis of her sons to the struggles and triumphs of managing their conditions. She discusses how her background in child development prepared her to advocate for her children and how her faith in God has played a crucial role in her family's life. Betsy also reflects on the support and challenges she has faced within the educational system and the Catholic Church and how her husband's unwavering support has helped them navigate their path together. This episode is a touching exploration of resilience, faith, and the unyielding love of a mother.
Links:

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Parenting Students with Learning Differences
Patron Saint for this Episode: Saint Thorlak of Iceland

This episode is sponsored by Box of Joy®. Donate a Box of Joy at boxofjoy.org.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach.

From Darkness to Light: Postpartum Depression with Emily Dery Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett talks with Emily Dery, a multi-passionate mother of four, about the challenges of postpartum depression and anxiety. Emily shares her personal experiences with three of her pregnancies, the varied symptoms she faced, and how it impacted her family life. She reflects on her path to diagnosis, the support systems that helped her, and the role of her faith and family in her recovery. The conversation dives deep into the importance of mental health awareness, seeking help, and the transformative power of love and support in overcoming life's struggles.
Links:

This episode is sponsored by Box of Joy.
Learn more by visiting boxofjoy.org

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder with Amanda L. Smith, LCSW Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, Amanda Smith, a Catholic therapist and executive director at NAMI, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the transformative potential of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They discuss the profound emotional pain and fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD, the societal and self-stigmatization of the disorder, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. Amanda emphasizes the intersection of faith and therapy, highlighting how internalizing God's unconditional love can aid in the healing process. The episode also explores Amanda's experiences with burnout and the emotional toll of working with underserved populations, calling for increased compassion and understanding towards those with personality disorders.
Blessed Eustochium Bellini, Pray for us.
Links:

In the Middle: The First Generation American Experience with Maribel Laguna, LPC-S Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett welcomes her lifelong friend Maribel Laguna, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and founder of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. They discuss the unique experiences of first-generation Mexican American women and the mental health challenges they face navigating multiple cultural worlds. Maribel shares her personal journey towards integration and healing through therapy and EMDR, as well as her appreciation for her Latin American heritage and faith. The episode also touches on her role in counseling seminarians and clergy, emphasizing the importance of authentic human relationships. Maribel's story is one of self-acceptance, faith, and the journey towards finding home within one's cultural identity.
"Those who remain silent are responsible" Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Links:

Desert Springs: Infertility with Ann Koshute Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett explores the deeply personal and often overlooked experience of infertility with Anne Koshute, co-founder of the Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert. Anne shares her journey of dealing with infertility, its mental health implications, and the complex emotions of grief, shame, and identity it brings. The conversation highlights the importance of pastoral care in the church, the support needed from clergy, and the need for a deeper understanding of fruitfulness within marriage beyond biological children. Anne's story underscores the significance of mutual support in marriage and finding hope and purpose amidst suffering through faith.

Links:

Designed for Relationship: Attachment Wounds with Rebecca Schall, LPC Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine discusses the vital topic of attachment with Rebecca Schall, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from East Texas. Rebecca delves into the intricacies of attachment wounds—emotional injuries from unmet relational needs—and their impact on mental health and faith. She shares her personal journey of overcoming attachment wounds through God's relentless love and professional counseling. The discussion highlights the integration of clinical practices like EMDR with Christian anthropology to foster healing. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding our attachment styles, seeking healthy relationships, encountering Christ in our wounds, and striving for holiness in community.
Links:

Hope and Healing: Depression and Advocacy with Chris Miller Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Miller shares his personal journey battling depression and his extensive work in mental health education and advocacy. As a Silicon Valley resident, school teacher, and youth minister, Chris discusses the impact of depression on his life, the importance of hope, and the various coping mechanisms he's employed, including medication and therapy. Chris also discusses his involvement in legislative and pastoral efforts to improve mental health awareness and support. His story emphasizes the significance of a holistic and integrative approach to mental health, combining professional treatment with spiritual guidance.

Links:

St. Albert Chmielowski
Various fact sheets on forms of depression
What is Depression?
USCCB Mental Health Coalition
NFCYM Ministry Network for Pastoral Care and Mental Health
National Catholic Partnership for Disability
California Catholic Conference Statement on Mental Health
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
Saints who confronted suicidal thoughts
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

The Cross, Glory & Salvation: Adoption with Jess Echeverry Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
In this episode of 'Hope Stories,' the focus is on the complex and deeply spiritual reality of adoption. Guest Jess Echeverry shares her profound personal experiences with adoption, homelessness, and trauma. Through her testimony, Jess reveals the deep pain and eventual redemption found in her journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both suffering and resurrection in the context of adoption. Additionally, Jess discusses mental health realities, including postpartum depression, identity struggles, and the need for developmental awareness in adoptive families. This episode is a compelling exploration of the intertwining of personal suffering, spiritual growth, and the redemptive love of Christ.
This episode is placed into the care of St. Mbaaga Tuzinde, patron saint of victims of human trafficking abuse. St. Mbaaga Tuzinde, pray for us!
Links:

Saint Mbaaga Tuzinde
Jess Echevery Website
Jess Echevery's Non-Profit (Supporting Families and those Experiencing with Homelessness)
Resources for Adoption from Psychology Today
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HELLO" to 741741 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line (USA): Text "HELLO" to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

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