Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

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: PTSD: National Center for PTSDWhat is EMDR therapy?St. Josephine Bakhita by Meg Hunter-KilmerGaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclicalSaints who survived abuse“Painting the Faces of Holiness”: An Interview with Hope AcquilanoKitchen House Studio by Hope AcquilanoHope's Instagram CLICK HEREThis episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major SeminaryUNLEASHING THE POWER OF THE EARLY CHURCHStudy "Acts of the Apostles" with Dr. Mary Healy online at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. CLICK HEREJourney 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/

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 InstagramPastoral Response to Persons with Mental IllnessDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)Gaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclicalPastoral Response to Persons with Mental IllnessFrom “Mean Girl” to Saint, the story of HyacinthaSaints who confronted suicidal thoughtsNational Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory StatementsNational 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. 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/

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.NOTES00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:16 Reflecting on Season One06:46 The Need for Mental Health Awareness09:22 Challenges in Mental Health Ministry14:02 Vision for the New Season14:59 Personal Reflections and ConclusionGaudium et spes, "On the Church in the Modern World" encyclicalNational Catholic Mental Health Campaign, USCCB Introductory StatementsJourney 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/

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. ResourcesArchdiocese of LouisvilleAd Hoc Committee Against Racism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)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/

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. NOTESWhat We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United StatesSr. Thea Bowman’s June 1989 Address to U.S. Catholic BishopsDemystifying Catholic Terms, with Sr. JosephineThis episode is sponsored by the U.S. bishops' 9 Days for Life NovenaJoin the U.S. bishops’ pro-life novena from January 16 through January 24www.9daysforlife.comJourney 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/

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 websiteMy Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer by Chika AnyanwuThis episode is sponsored by GIA PublicationsThe Fire This Time:  A Black Catholic SourcebookPromo Code:  HOPE10CLICK HEREJourney 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/

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 PublicationsThe Fire This Time:  A Black Catholic SourcebookPromo Code:  HOPE10CLICK HEREJourney 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/

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 PublicationsThe Fire This Time:  A Black Catholic SourcebookPromo Code:  HOPE10CLICK HEREJourney 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/

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, TXWitness to LoveFollow Deanna on X @deannamj131.This episode is sponsored by The Catholic Theology Show with Dr. Michael Dauphinais, https://catholic-theology-show.castos.com/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/

In this episode Sr. Josephine sits down with fellow Catholic podcaster and speaker Gloria Purvis to learn about the deep hope that has guided and inspired Gloria's life. This conversation is a treat -- an intimate, tender conversation between dear friends. Follow Gloria on instagram @iamgloriapurvis. This episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Visit shms.edu/online to learn more. 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/