Springs in the Desert accompanies those struggling with infertility by offering a place of respite and solidarity where they can know God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness.

Firmly rooted in the anthropology, ethics and spirituality of the Catholic Church, and our shared experiences of infertility, Springs in the Desert affirms the goodness of marriage, upholds the giftedness of the child, and advocates for a broader understanding of what it means to be life-giving. By keeping our focus on Christ, not on conception, we give witness to His Divine love and mercy and the goodness of His plan for our lives. 

Springs in the Desert forms our community with unique offerings for women, men and couples, meeting them wherever they are on the path of infertility. Through these encounters, we make space for deeper renewal in our relationships with ourselves, our spouses, and God. 

Our ministry also raises awareness about the experience and unique grief of infertility to pastors, diocesan offices, and healthcare professionals, helping them to understand the needs of a couple struggling with infertility, and providing tools and resources to help them minister more effectively to hurting couples. Among pastoral ministers and healthcare professionals, Springs in the Desert is recognized as a trusted resource for couples experiencing infertility.

Kimberly Henkel, PhD and Ann M. Koshute, MTS, met while studying at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Years later they met again and discovered not only their common struggle with infertility, but found that many pastors and family life ministers expressed feeling ill-equipped to deal with an issue as sensitive and nuanced as infertility.  Even friends and family members often didn’t know what to say or how to offer their support. Kimberly and Ann soon discovered that the isolation and sense of not belonging they experienced as a result of infertility were not unique to them. In 2019, they officially founded Springs in the Desert as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to offer spiritual and emotional accompaniment and solidarity to those carrying the cross of infertility. Our team is here to meet you wherever you are on this path, to walk with you with hope in Christ, and to create a safe place for your story to be heard and understood.

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Springs in the Desert places itself under the patronage of Saints Anna and Joachim, parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. They experienced the grief of infertility, suffered isolation from their community and, for a time, even separation from each other. Yet God blessed them in a way that was unexpected, brought them closer together and made them sharers in His plan of salvation. We pray that they will walk with us as we move from grief and isolation to knowing that God has chosen us for a particular mission that He is fulfilling in unexpected but life-giving ways.

Saints Anna and Joachim, pray to God for us!