Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Latest Episodes:

Living in the Wound: Anxiety and Depression with Bishop James Conley Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, shares a deeply personal account of his struggle with anxiety and depression, largely triggered by the clergy abuse scandal. Bishop Conley recounts how his overwhelming responsibilities and traumatic events led to a profound psychological crisis, resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder. Seeking healing, he took a leave of absence, during which he received medical, psychological, and spiritual support. Throughout his journey, key relationships played a vital role in his recovery. Bishop Conley's testimony emphasizes the importance of reaching out, the power of community and relationships, and finding hope through faith, even in the darkest times.
Links:

This episode references the Catholic Church clergy abuse scandal in general terms. Please listen with care.

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 Love that Heals: Trauma & PTSD with Hope Acquilano Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Sister Josephine welcomes guest Hope Acquilano, a childhood sexual abuse survivor. Hope shares deeply moving testimony of trauma and healing, revealing her struggles with PTSD, flashbacks, and shame. She discusses the crucial role of trauma-informed therapy and EMDR in her recovery and God's presence in her journey. The episode emphasizes the importance of bringing trauma into the light for healing and to encourage survivors to seek help.
This episode is placed into the care of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of human trafficking abuse. St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us!
Links:

This episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major Seminary
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Study "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CLICK HERE

God Is Working It Out: Bipolar Disorder with Christian Bentley Jul 01, 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.

Sister Josephine welcomes her first guest of Season 2, Christian Bentley, to discuss his experience living with bipolar disorder. Christian shares his journey through the highs and lows of the illness, his struggles with suicidal thoughts, and the stigma surrounding mental health. He emphasizes the importance of self acceptance, faith, and the sacrament of confession in managing his condition. With personal anecdotes and profound wisdom, Christian offers hope and encouragement to others living with mental health challenges.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. To learn more, click here.
Links:

Christian Bentley's Instagram
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness
From “Mean Girl” to Saint, the story of Hyacintha
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/

This episode is sponsored by Catholic Charities USA. Help Catholic Charities serve your neighbors in need by joining us at www.WeAreThere.US.

Season 2 Introduction: Mental Health as Gift Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN, welcomes listeners to season 2 of Hope Stories, which will explore both the challenges and hope found in a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of mental health topics and conditions. Sister Josephine shares her journey, the challenges faced, and the insights gained while intertwining her spiritual and professional experiences as a mental health counselor. The conclusion is that every part of one's self, including mental health struggles, can be offered as a gift to the Church, fostering hope, resilience, and even joy in the face of suffering.
NOTES
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:16 Reflecting on Season One
06:46 The Need for Mental Health Awareness
09:22 Challenges in Mental Health Ministry
14:02 Vision for the New Season
14:59 Personal Reflections and Conclusion
Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclical
National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory Statements

Rooted in Jesus: Bringing Your Gifts, Awaiting the Kingdom with Archbishop Shelton Fabre Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Bishop Shelton Fabre, Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Louisville and former chair of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism (2018 to 2023), sits down with Sr. Josephine for the last episode of Hope Stories season one.
Resources

Archdiocese of Louisville
Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Loved So Well, with the Garretts Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Sr. Josephine Garrett is joined by her parents, Aunt Dee and Uncle Billy, for a moving discussion about loving well, praying through struggle, seeing blessings, and recognizing the awesome gift of God's mercies.
NOTES

This episode is sponsored by the U.S. bishops' 9 Days for Life Novena
Join the U.S. bishops’ pro-life novena from January 16 through January 24
www.9daysforlife.com

Relationship and Renewal, with Chika Anyanwu Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Sister Josephine is joined by her friend and fellow Catholic speaker Chika Anyanwu to talk about life as a missionary, staying authentic while preaching the Gospel, and how her Nigerian roots and immigrant perspective shapes her faith and role within the Church.
Resources:

Chika's website
My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer by Chika Anyanwu

This episode is sponsored by GIA Publications
The Fire This Time: A Black Catholic Sourcebook
Promo Code: HOPE10
CLICK HERE

Motherhood at the Feet of Jesus, with Jennifer Monette Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Sister Josephine shares an intimate, moving conversation with Jennifer Monette about the struggles and hope found through single parenting as a faithful Catholic.
This episode is sponsored by GIA Publications
The Fire This Time: A Black Catholic Sourcebook
Promo Code: HOPE10
CLICK HERE

Knowing God’s Presence, with Deacon Chip and Anne Marie Jones Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Sr. Josephine sits down with the parents of Deanna Johnston (previous episode), Deacon Chip and Anne Marie Jones, about their faith journeys to and within the Catholic Church, from the perspective of individuals and as a married couple raising children in the faith. And they share the beautiful witness and steadfast faith of Anne Marie during a period of illness.
Follow Deacon Chip on his blog Tall, Bald, and Called.
Deacon Chip currently serves at The Catholic Church of the Nativity in Bartlett, TN.
This episode is sponsored by GIA Publications
The Fire This Time: A Black Catholic Sourcebook
Promo Code: HOPE10
CLICK HERE

God Wants My Mess Too, with Deanna Johnston Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Busy mom of four and Director of Marriage and Family Life in the Diocese of Tyler, Deanna Johnston, reminds us all how God invites us all to give everything to Him, even our messes. Sr. Josephine and Deanna share an honest, enlightening conversation about what it feels like to navigate not "feeling Black enough" and belonging to the Body of Christ.
Deanna's ministry connections:
St. Philip Institute of Catechesis and Evangelization, Diocese of Tyler, TX
Witness to Love
Follow Deanna on X @deannamj131.
This episode is sponsored by The Catholic Theology Show with Dr. Michael Dauphinais, https://catholic-theology-show.castos.com/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected