We should also remember in our prayers those who have had some children but can have no more because of a bad miscarriage or some damage in a previous pregnancy. Jennifer speaks of the temptation to envy when couples are rejoicing in the birth of a new child. There is also something rather bitter in observing a couple who were contracepting and did not want a child, worrying about a "problem pregnancy."
Among those that I know, I have seen two very positive responses to infertility. One is to adopt children: this can be a gruelling process in politically correct England. Another is for husband and wife to support each other in various apostolates that are possible because of the freedom from parental responsibility that is accepted in the spirit of sacrifice.
I do take the point that infertile couples sometimes experience a lack of support at parish and diocesan levels. Those of us who preach about and promote the apostolate of the family do need to bear in mind the suffering of those who cannot have children. We also need to publicise the excellent work of NaPro and other agencies who work to help couples using natural methods of maximising fertility. I am glad for the opportunity to mention this again here: London Centre for NaPro Technology. If you have any other helpful links, please put them in the combox. (Preferably using these instructions.)
4 comments:
It is good to be reminded of this Fr Tim..especially those of us who have had "super" fertility!
I have experienced this very cross, Father - although God blessed us with two precious children through adoption. Now a family member is enduring a similar journey. I think fertility issues as a Catholic are harder than before I converted, as I feel people look at my two and believe we are preventing more children joining our family and we would love a "big Catholic family"! Both our children were adopted despite us being committed Christians - and we were converting when the second little one came to us, so it is definitely possible to adopt despite honouring and upholding Church teaching on controversial issues.
May God bless you, Lucy, for your generosity in providing a loving home for your two adopted children.
Thanks for this post Father.
It is a difficult road, perhaps more at this time in history than in the past: all manner of 'birth control' on one side (and the sad reality of judgement on those lines of those suffering infertility) and the glitter of 'assisted reproductive technologies' on the other.
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