Welcome to Springs in the Desert

Infertility is a burden most couples don’t expect to carry. It can affect your marriage, your relationship with family and friends, and your relationship with God. Infertility often feels like a long and lonely path. But you are not alone! As a Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert is more than just a ministry; we are a place of respite, solidarity, and encouragement – wherever you are on the path of infertility, or in the experience of pregnancy loss. We’ve created a community here, and it’s built on faith in Christ and His good plan of fruitfulness for each one of us.

We’re so glad that you found us, and we hope that you will find encouragement from our blog posts, podcast episodes, resources, and virtual and in-person events. If you need to talk or have a prayer request, let us know. You’re not alone anymore. It is our honor to walk with you!

Walking with You Through Our:

Reflections for walking the path of infertility with people who understand. While all of our experiences are different, our faith in Christ is what unites us.

Join our team and guests for conversations as we dig into various aspects of infertility. Our podcast is that friend you can take with you, no matter where you are!

Our in-person and virtual events bring our community together in person for retreats and small groups. Click below to find out what’s coming up.

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Get Involved

Springs in the Desert is a Catholic infertility ministry that accompanies many women and couples struggling with infertility and loss by offering a place of respite and solidarity

As a Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert accompanies many women and couples struggling with infertility and loss by offering a place of respite and solidarity, where they come to know God’s love for them and discover that He is transforming their suffering into fruitfulness. Our team members are honored to walk with these couples, but without the contributions of our community members and volunteers, our work would not be possible!

If you have a heart for ministry and have been blessed through Springs in the Desert, we invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved! The needs of our ministry are evolving, so we invite you to contact us if you have specific skills and talents you would like to contribute.

Testimonials

I wholeheartedly support the works of Springs in the Desert, and invite couples carrying the heavy burdens of infertility to feel welcome in coming to this apostolate for a deepening of faith and community, as we embrace the healing power of Jesus’ Most Holy Name.

Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, Diocese of Allentown

Springs in the Desert provides sound spiritual, and emotional guidance rooted in the riches of our Catholic faith. This beautiful apostolate exists to serve the sanctity and fruitfulness of marriage as expressed in the gift of self of the spouses. Thus, Springs in the Desert empowers couples to recover the meaning and dignity of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony as witness to faith and fidelity in the midst of great suffering.

Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, Diocese of Harrisburg

I recommend Springs in the Desert and its much-needed mission of providing concrete spiritual and emotional support to individuals and couples who struggle with infertility. I pray that [they] will continue to encourage those who struggle with infertility to unite their suffering with the suffering of Christ. May our lady intercede for all who participate in this apostolate, that they might experience the spiritual fruitfulness which never fails to flow from the cross of her Son!

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

The presentations from the Springs team were beautifully prepared and remarkable for their sensitivity, their deep understanding, and their honest clarity.  They showed in a very practical way how the teachings of the Church are not in conflict with our complex human experience, but call us to a deeper understanding of who we are as beloved daughters and sons of God.

Chris O'Neill, Director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, Archdiocese of New Orleans

The team at Springs in the Desert was wonderful to work with in planning and putting on our Mother’s Day weekend retreat for those struggling with infertility. Their passion for ministering to women and couples who carry this cross was beautiful to behold…. I highly recommend partnering with Springs in the Desert.

Lisa Everett, Director for Marriage & Family Ministry, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Having touched loneliness myself, I recognized immediately the gift of Springs in the Desert. This apostolate stands out as a prophetic voice in the wilderness of barrenness, where one’s feelings of abnormality and inadequacy also stand to drive them further into isolation or despair.

Deacon Gregory Amarante, Secretary, Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, Diocese of Harrisburg

I am so grateful to have Springs in the Desert as a resource. As someone who carries the cross of infertility and is a mother of three through adoption, I have talked to many couples over the past twenty years that also carry the cross of infertility. After all these years in ministry, it’s a wonderful gift to finally have a place to send people that need support that is rooted in Catholic teaching and the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your ministry!

Maria Malone, Director of Adult Faith Formation at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, North Wales, PA

You are the only organization looking to unmask who God has actually called us to be through our infertility and not seeing it as a “fixable problem”, but actually identifying the nature of the call. You help bring us together to see it, and encourage the fostering of bringing forth the fruits from this form of suffering and grief. In this way, we can recognize our importance to God and our place within the body of Christ as a whole.

Karen
Thank you so much for everything that you do to bring awareness to the cross of infertility and to support those of us bearing this cross. It has been at times a very isolating experience for me within my own family and within my local Catholic community, and it means so much to know that there are other Catholic women (and men) striving to live a life of holiness while carrying this cross.
Elizabeth

I pray that more women dealing with the struggle of infertility will attend this retreat. I’ve found in my journey that infertility struggles are more prevalent than I thought. The more I open up about it, the more others do too. I’ve felt that talking about it helps. This retreat has brought an important aspect of God and His love and blessings for me into my heart and reflection. Thank you for helping me see that.

Nicole

This retreat was everything I didn’t know I needed and all I hoped for. Thank you all so much for the hard work, both emotional and spiritual that you all have put into this amazing retreat. Thank you for putting a new and different hope in my heart.

Lydia

It was such a profound experience to be with other infertility warriors in the flesh. We have never had that opportunity before and it was so powerful just to be in each other’s presence. Thank you for the way you made non-Catholic brothers and sisters feel welcome. Very intentional, sensitive, and well-thought out.

Sarah

This [event] was absolutely a “Spring in the Desert.” Thank you for being obedient to God and ministering to us when there is seemingly no other ministry for infertility. 

Colby

I thought this [event] was incredible! I only hope your reach continues to grow bigger and bigger so we can meet more couples like us.

Kendall

I loved this retreat! It was nice to be together with my husband. Much of our infertility journey has been separate. I have a girls group I go to, but having something like this has been amazing.

Ellen

Thank you. I just lost my first pregnancy 2 weeks ago and this retreat gave me a lot of peace and hope for my future – no matter what that looks like.

Kate

Thank you for being all-inclusive to all types of infertility. At first, I was worried about feeling judged, but that was not the case at all and felt great to be with so many others going through the same journey.

MK
@springsinthedesert_
  • Jillian welcomes back licensed counselor Edward Luersman to the podcast this week. They discuss grief and how it can manifest itself during infertility. It is completely acceptable and healthy to grieve your infertility, and Edward gives our listeners some practical tips on how to process that grief. 

If your grief, sadness, and anger ever feel like they are too much to bear, please seek out professional therapy or counseling. Infertility is a heavy cross, and there is no shame in asking for help. Visit the Links page on our website for a list of counselors if you need a place to start.

You can find The Springs in the Desert Podcast wherever you like to listen: https://springsinthedesert.org/podcast/ (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #Catholic #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife  #infertilitypodcast #grief #griefjourney #griefsupport #pregnancyloss #pregnancylossawareness #miscarriage #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness #secondaryinfertility #CatholicCounselor #secondaryinfertilityawareness #secondaryinfertilitysupport
  • "In our infertility, we can still be generous, even if the gift of life is not necessarily ours to give," writes Delsonora on the blog today. "We can give our time as my Granny did, and we can give of ourselves as Mary does. It is in our power to let others feel safe, valued, and loved. 

Who in your own life has been a model of generosity?

How can we emulate these people in our own lives, so that we can be called models of this virtue?

What aspects of generosity speak to you?"

Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/steel-magnolias-part-one (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #OurLady #BVM
  • Infertility is a burden most couples don’t expect to carry. It can affect your marriage, your relationship with family and friends, and your relationship with God. Infertility often feels like a long and lonely path. If this is the path you’re walking, you are not alone!

The Diocese of Steubenville’s Office of Marriage and Family Life and Springs in the Desert are partnering to present “Infertility: Finding Fruitfulness in the Desert” on Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm EDT. In this webinar, the Springs in the Desert Team will identify and acknowledge the grief and complex emotions associated with infertility and pregnancy loss, address their impact on our relationships and spiritual life, and offer practical suggestions for finding fruitfulness in our marriages and beyond. There will be time for questions, sharing, and prayer. Come on your own or as a couple!

This event is FREE, but we kindly ask you to register: https://springsinthedesert.org/webinar/ (link in bio)

It is our honor to walk with you! ✨

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC
  • Sunday journal prompt ✨

Holy Archangels, pray for us! This week, we celebrate the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. Through their intercession, how is God protecting you during this time? Speaking to you? Healing you? 🙏

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #journalprompt #Catholic #Angels #CatholicSaints
  • "Whatever season of life you are in now," writes Caroline on the blog today, "know that your body and femininity are very good (God Himself said so). He is speaking truths to you and to those entrusted to your care through your body and femininity and He is making His love visible through you."

How do you feel God working through you today? 

Through your body? 

Through your unique femininity?

Even though the path of infertility can be painful, and can complicate our relationships with our bodies, God is still working through the brokenness. Where do you see Him working today? 💛 

Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/femininity-making-visible-the-invisible (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #feminine #brokenness #graceofGod #femininity
  • How do you get back into your routine after summer, or even just after a particularly busy season of your life?

Today on the podcast, Ann and Jillian discuss the traps we can fall into during the busy seasons of the year. As the summer comes to a close, they share ways to reset your personal calendar, your marriage, and your prayer life. By learning to say “no,” entrusting our unfinished tasks to God, and inviting Him into your calendar planning, you can reset when you need it most. The best part? You can reset every day, because His grace is new every morning! ✨

You can find The Springs in the Desert Podcast wherever you like to listen: https://springsinthedesert.org/podcast/ (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #Catholic #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife  #infertilitypodcast #liturgicalliving #Catholictradition #Catholichome #Catholiccouple #endofsummer #fall2023
Jillian welcomes back licensed counselor Edward Luersman to the podcast this week. They discuss grief and how it can manifest itself during infertility. It is completely acceptable and healthy to grieve your infertility, and Edward gives our listeners some practical tips on how to process that grief. If your grief, sadness, and anger ever feel like they are too much to bear, please seek out professional therapy or counseling. Infertility is a heavy cross, and there is no shame in asking for help. Visit the Links page on our website for a list of counselors if you need a place to start. You can find The Springs in the Desert Podcast wherever you like to listen: https://springsinthedesert.org/podcast/ (link in bio) . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #Catholic #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #infertilitypodcast #grief #griefjourney #griefsupport #pregnancyloss #pregnancylossawareness #miscarriage #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness #secondaryinfertility #CatholicCounselor #secondaryinfertilityawareness #secondaryinfertilitysupport
1 hour ago
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1/6
"In our infertility, we can still be generous, even if the gift of life is not necessarily ours to give," writes Delsonora on the blog today. "We can give our time as my Granny did, and we can give of ourselves as Mary does. It is in our power to let others feel safe, valued, and loved. 

Who in your own life has been a model of generosity?

How can we emulate these people in our own lives, so that we can be called models of this virtue?

What aspects of generosity speak to you?"

Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/steel-magnolias-part-one (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #OurLady #BVM
"In our infertility, we can still be generous, even if the gift of life is not necessarily ours to give," writes Delsonora on the blog today. "We can give our time as my Granny did, and we can give of ourselves as Mary does. It is in our power to let others feel safe, valued, and loved. Who in your own life has been a model of generosity? How can we emulate these people in our own lives, so that we can be called models of this virtue? What aspects of generosity speak to you?" Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/steel-magnolias-part-one (link in bio) . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #OurLady #BVM
6 days ago
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2/6
Infertility is a burden most couples don’t expect to carry. It can affect your marriage, your relationship with family and friends, and your relationship with God. Infertility often feels like a long and lonely path. If this is the path you’re walking, you are not alone!

The Diocese of Steubenville’s Office of Marriage and Family Life and Springs in the Desert are partnering to present “Infertility: Finding Fruitfulness in the Desert” on Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm EDT. In this webinar, the Springs in the Desert Team will identify and acknowledge the grief and complex emotions associated with infertility and pregnancy loss, address their impact on our relationships and spiritual life, and offer practical suggestions for finding fruitfulness in our marriages and beyond. There will be time for questions, sharing, and prayer. Come on your own or as a couple!

This event is FREE, but we kindly ask you to register: https://springsinthedesert.org/webinar/ (link in bio)

It is our honor to walk with you! ✨

.

.

.

#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC
Infertility is a burden most couples don’t expect to carry. It can affect your marriage, your relationship with family and friends, and your relationship with God. Infertility often feels like a long and lonely path. If this is the path you’re walking, you are not alone! The Diocese of Steubenville’s Office of Marriage and Family Life and Springs in the Desert are partnering to present “Infertility: Finding Fruitfulness in the Desert” on Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm EDT. In this webinar, the Springs in the Desert Team will identify and acknowledge the grief and complex emotions associated with infertility and pregnancy loss, address their impact on our relationships and spiritual life, and offer practical suggestions for finding fruitfulness in our marriages and beyond. There will be time for questions, sharing, and prayer. Come on your own or as a couple! This event is FREE, but we kindly ask you to register: https://springsinthedesert.org/webinar/ (link in bio) It is our honor to walk with you! ✨ . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC
1 week ago
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3/6
Sunday journal prompt ✨

Holy Archangels, pray for us! This week, we celebrate the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. Through their intercession, how is God protecting you during this time? Speaking to you? Healing you? 🙏

.

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #journalprompt #Catholic #Angels #CatholicSaints
Sunday journal prompt ✨ Holy Archangels, pray for us! This week, we celebrate the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. Through their intercession, how is God protecting you during this time? Speaking to you? Healing you? 🙏 . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #journalprompt #Catholic #Angels #CatholicSaints
1 week ago
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4/6
"Whatever season of life you are in now," writes Caroline on the blog today, "know that your body and femininity are very good (God Himself said so). He is speaking truths to you and to those entrusted to your care through your body and femininity and He is making His love visible through you."

How do you feel God working through you today? 

Through your body? 

Through your unique femininity?

Even though the path of infertility can be painful, and can complicate our relationships with our bodies, God is still working through the brokenness. Where do you see Him working today? 💛 

Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/femininity-making-visible-the-invisible (link in bio)

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#SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #feminine #brokenness #graceofGod #femininity
"Whatever season of life you are in now," writes Caroline on the blog today, "know that your body and femininity are very good (God Himself said so). He is speaking truths to you and to those entrusted to your care through your body and femininity and He is making His love visible through you." How do you feel God working through you today? Through your body? Through your unique femininity? Even though the path of infertility can be painful, and can complicate our relationships with our bodies, God is still working through the brokenness. Where do you see Him working today? 💛 Read more on the blog: https://springsinthedesert.org/femininity-making-visible-the-invisible (link in bio) . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #infertilityblog #infertilityblogger #Catholic #CatholicChurch #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #CatholicFamily #Catholics #CatholicMarriage #feminine #brokenness #graceofGod #femininity
2 weeks ago
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5/6
How do you get back into your routine after summer, or even just after a particularly busy season of your life? Today on the podcast, Ann and Jillian discuss the traps we can fall into during the busy seasons of the year. As the summer comes to a close, they share ways to reset your personal calendar, your marriage, and your prayer life. By learning to say “no,” entrusting our unfinished tasks to God, and inviting Him into your calendar planning, you can reset when you need it most. The best part? You can reset every day, because His grace is new every morning! ✨ You can find The Springs in the Desert Podcast wherever you like to listen: https://springsinthedesert.org/podcast/ (link in bio) . . . #SpringsintheDesert #CatholicInfertility #CatholicInfertilitySupport #CatholicInfertilityCommunity #infertilityandfaith #CatholicWivesTTC #CatholicTTC #ChristianInfertility #ChristianInfertilitySupport #ChristianInfertilityCommunity #infertilitysupport #infertilitycommunity #infertilityjourney #infertility #Catholic #CatholicMinistry #CatholicLife #infertilitypodcast #liturgicalliving #Catholictradition #Catholichome #Catholiccouple #endofsummer #fall2023
2 weeks ago
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6/6