Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

A new initiative to support women dealing with infertility is being launched by the Diocese of Orlando. The program, called "Alive," is a 10-week course aimed at providing spiritual healing for those struggling with infertility. Jo Ann Elder, the family life coordinator at Nativity Parish, will facilitate the group alongside co-facilitator Suze Madigan.

Elder's personal experience with infertility in the 1980s and her encounters with other couples facing similar challenges led her to collaborate with Edna Cedano, diocesan Marriage and Family Ministry coordinator. Cedano highlighted the global prevalence of infertility, stating: “Given that the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by infertility, it became clear that many couples in our diocese are navigating this difficult journey with minimal support.”

The "Alive" program is one of two pilot initiatives in the United States. Cedano expressed hope for its expansion to additional parishes so that more women can receive support from the Church during their journey.

Partnering with Springs in the Desert, a Catholic organization dedicated to supporting infertile couples, "Alive" will commence on October 3 at Nativity Parish. Elder emphasized that the program focuses on emotional and spiritual support rather than resources: “It is a support group to heal your soul, to heal your relationship with God.”

Elder reflected on her own struggle to conceive and how it impacted her life decisions and emotional well-being. She noted that many women face significant grief when they cannot start families as they had envisioned: “To surround these women with love and support and show them that God has a plan for their life, that there is hope.”

Her personal journey eventually led her and her husband David to adopt four children and foster 27 more. Elder hopes participants can learn to trust in God's plan: “Our objective is to bring them closer to God and help them heal and bring hope for the future.”

Deacon David Baker from Nativity Parish will serve as the group's spiritual advisor. Father David Scotchie, pastor at Nativity Parish, expressed his satisfaction with offering this new ministry: “I have met a number of couples who desperately wanted children... I hope Springs in the Desert will help husbands and wives bear the cross of infertility. They are not alone."

For further information or registration details, interested individuals can contact Jo Ann Elder at Nativity Parish or Edna Cedano.