Testimonials
Has Walking with Purpose transformed your life? Tell us how!
I joined our parish WWP program not too long after it was first started about 2 years ago. I had just spoken with the priest at the parish and he recommended starting. He thought it would be something I could greatly benefit from, and he was right. I attended WWP the first night and was a little apprehensive, as I had been disconnected from my faith for quite some time. I sat at a table full of women I had never met, not knowing the impact they were about to have on my life. Something happened that night and I told the Co-Coordinator I wanted to sign up, went home and ordered my book. Opening Your Heart and the group of women in our parish group were exactly what I needed at that point in my life. I immediately felt a bond with them and was not ashamed to share details of my life. The first night I met them I told them I was not Catholic and that I chose to be baptized in my early twenties. I was raised in a home where my mom is Christian and my biological father is Jewish. My siblings and I were exposed to both religions and allowed to make the decision on our own. I knew my heart belonged with the Church. I struggled with the questions as to whether I would go through RCIA and join the Catholic Church. I participated in a six-week retreat at our parish, 33 Days to Morning Glory. On the night we made our consecration to Mary I knew what was in my heart. I prayed about it and committed to RICA. I made my first Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil in 2018. I look back on the beginning of this journey and know that WWP and the women I met have played such a pivotal role. I am now on the leadership team and we just began our third study and a small group of us did Fearless and Free over the summer together. I am looking forward to the other studies with WWP. I do not think I will ever be able to fully express my gratitude for WWP. It has truly changed my life for the better.
– Bethany F., Small Group Leader at SS. Robert and William Parish in Euclid, Ohio
I was a cradle Catholic, but I really never felt any connection to God's word and didn't feel that I had a true relationship with him. I went through the motions of going to Mass, but my faith was an hour-a-week type of thing. During Mass one Sunday, there was an invitation to join WWP. I tentatively signed up. Throughout that first year I met the most incredible women - women who supported me, prayed for me, and never had a comment if I didn't know something. I loved the WWP format. It was always applicable to my life. It "forced" me to develop a quiet time to reflect each day. This program has truly transformed my faith. Now I feel Jesus in every moment of every day. I don't fear, because I know that He is in control. Going to Mass on Sunday is just a small part of the greater relationship He has built with me. I have continued with my Bible study for four years now, even serving as a leader one year, something I would NEVER have thought I would do. WWP opened my heart and made me realize there is a void that only God can fill, and now that I know that, I seek each day to know Him more, or at least ask Him to give me that desire. Looking back, I wish I had found this program earlier, as it has brought such a sense of peace to my life. Thank you for developing it and thank you for continuing the ministry. It has truly changed my life.
– Abigail C., Small Group Leader at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria, VA
I'm so grateful to share my story with you! Six years ago I was pregnant with our third (now middle) child, and was invited by my mom to attend a WWP coffee connect. At the time, I was a faith-filled Catholic, in love with my faith and practicing all the Commandments, following the rules like a good Catholic wife should. I attended the coffee connect looking for a social outlet with like-minded women. What I experienced rocked my world and transformed my prayer life! Suddenly the rules were not just acts of will - they began to flow from my heart, out of love. And following rules out of love is nothing like following them from a sense of duty. Just a few bullet points to skim the surface of the changes in my soul:
+ I began to fight for and fiercely protect a daily time of prayer. The ebb and flow changes with the seasons of life, but I've created a gold standard of prayer that has transformed my walk with Jesus.
+ I fell in LOVE with Scripture! Sometimes now I'll just hold my Bible the way I hold my Husband or one of our kiddos. This especially serves me in times of anxiety. Thank you so much for kindling this fire in my heart.
+ I came away with deep, lasting, Christ-centered friendships. The relationships that formed with my WWP sisters are like nothing I've ever experienced; we support each other, love each other unconditionally, and create sacred space for each other. There is no substitute for womanly sisterhood like this.
+ Slowly but surely, I've cultivated the ability to quote Scripture and use it practically every day, I could share so much more on this topic, suffice to say that my children are being raised with this habit. Really, is there anything more powerful than Word and Sacrament from such a tender age?
Next year I hope to bring WWP to my own parish. May God bless the work done by the amazing Walking With Purpose team,
– Tara S. Independent Study
WWP has kept me grounded in my own personal study of the Bible. I've always been involved in my faith, but I rarely read the Bible outside of the Sunday Mass readings. The WWP books help me read the Word without feeling overwhelmed. The length of lessons are very approachable, while still being absolutely filled with Scripture and reflection. Even when I can't do the lessons as often as I like, I can pick back up right where I left off. The message of the Young Adult series -- to trust in God and trust in myself, because he created me to be me -- is just what I need to hear at this turning point in my 20's, as I try to figure out what I want to do with my life. Thank you, Lisa, for this wonderful resource!
– Mary D., independent study of WWP young adult series
At WWP, I am learning a lot about things in the Bible I have wondered about and learning a great deal more about things I have never thought about. When I initially signed up, I thought that it might be a little boring or dry. But I love the enthusiasm that my small group leaders bring to each meeting.
– Participant at Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY
I loved the readings and the inspiration, the practical advice, and suggestions from the group. I do not think that Keeping in Balance applies just to women. It is universal and should be shared by all. I had so many ‘aha’ moments in the readings.
– Participant at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD
WWP gives me a place to talk to women and feel safe sharing things. I am thankful to have a place where I can get things off my chest and not feel alone.
– Participant at Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Augustine, FL.
WWP has been a blessing in my life. It is wonderful to have a community of support from women in all walks of life. The Bible study is so well-organized and laid out. It is definitely filling a need in our parish community.
– Participant at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria, VA
Diving into God’s word has been such a powerful and exciting experience! Studying at home and then sharing in the group really enhances and adds to what I learn. I look forward to each and every lesson. So beautifully laid out and easy to use and follow! Thank you so much!
– Participant at St. Therese Parish in San Diego, CA
It is simply a great time to get away and meet with women on the same journey as me. Every single one of them is unique and has something to contribute and I enjoy being in the class. My leaders are fantastic ladies with fantastic abilities in prayer life and leadership.
– Participant at Holy Trinity in Peachtree City, GA