Jerome's Hope
A support ministry for miscarriage, early infant death, prenatal diagnosis or infertility.
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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
Isaiah 41:10
The loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth is a deeply difficult experience for any parent, as is learning that your unborn child has a health condition. You may feel scared or confused, angry or alone, deeply sad or resentful. Our Jerome’s Hope team is here to accompany you and your family through this time. We are a resource for parents made up of clergy, medical and counseling professionals and other parents who can offer peer support based on their own experiences of loss.
Because every family’s needs are different, Jerome’s Hope offers a variety of assistance based on your personal needs. Ways we can help include:
- Providing peer support from other parents who’ve walked the same journey
- Emotional and spiritual support, including chaplain and clergy referrals
- Healing retreats with other parents who’ve experienced loss
- Assistance arranging burial and memorial services
- Explanation of medical terminology and suggested questions for your medical team
- Help creating a birth plan for your baby’s arrival
Retreats
In times of grief, the chance to meet and pray with others who’ve had similar experiences can be a great source of healing.
The Archdiocese offers a single-day retreat, Pierced by Sorrow, Released into Joy, in collaboration with the Rabboni Institute in Austin, Texas.
This retreat is for couples and individuals who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant loss. It is led by peer ministers who understand what you are feeling and have themselves traveled on this journey. The retreats feature opportunities for reflection, facilitated group sharing, and clergy-led prayer.
Our next retreat is February 11, 2023.
Visit our Upcoming Events page for more details.
For more information contact Julie Fritsch at (713)741-8782 or jkfritsch@archgh.org
Videos
Additional Resources
Ministry for Persons with Disabilities (OEC)
The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis offers parish based resources for individuals with disabilities.
National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC)
The NCBC employs professional bioethicists who are available to provide individual consultations for specific questions relating to ethical treatment plans and decisions.
National Catholic Partnership on Disability
The NCPD partners with the USCCB and other national Catholic organizations to ensure meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities in the life of the Church and society.
American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists
AAPLOG provides a network of pro-life obstetricians and gynecologists.
Be Not Afraid
Be Not Afraid is a North Carolina-based apostolate. Like Jerome’s Hope, the Be Not Afraid team employs peer ministers and other professionals with the aim of supporting families who have received a prenatal diagnosis.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a confidential website allowing parents to share health information and receive support from family and friends.
News Item
National Catholic Register (NCRegister)
Infertility Support
Infertility is defined as 6 months to 1 year or more of trying to conceive unsuccessfully or multiple miscarriages. Troubles conceiving again after the birth of a child is called secondary infertility. Infertility impacts 10-15% of couples in the United States and can be temporary or permanent.
Catholics have a responsibility to learn the Church's teaching on reproductive technology and the prohibition of IVF. Catholics are not prohibited from ALL help with infertility, tracking of cycles (NFP) is encouraged, and medication or corrective surgery when needed is acceptable. You can learn more about what the Catholic Church teaches on reproductive technology by visiting our Educational Programs page.
Infertility Support Group
Loving Embrace is a Catholic peer-to-peer support group for couples who are enduring the pain and suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with infertility and explores resources, methods, and options that are morally faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Loving Embrace tries to meet monthly, generally on the 3rd Monday of each month. Some meetings are "ladies only", some are welcome to husbands, and some are educational. We have an email list to keep members up to date on group meetings and other areas of interest in Houston or online. We have a secret / private Facebook page where members can share their struggles without publicizing those struggles. Please see our public facebook page for more information on group activities and information on how to join the private group.
For more information, please email Erin at infertilitysupporthouston@gmail.com
