An Overview of the Parish-Based Program Walking With Purpose is a women’s Catholic Bible study that aims to bring women to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ by offering personal study and small group discussion that link our everyday challenges and struggles with the solutions given to us through the teachings of Christ and the Roman Catholic Church. Founded by Lisa Brenninkmeyer, a Catholic mother of seven children, and inspired by the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux, Walking with Purpose is an independent 501(c) 3 organization.
Why Walking with Purpose in your parish? • Reaches women who desire to grow in their faith using a Scripture-based program that is fresh, relevant and focused on growing in knowledge and wisdom without being overly academic. Participants begin with the basics, knowing there is always greater depth to explore. • Weekly program with three elements: at-home study, weekly small group meetings, and a monthly talk on relevant course material. • Meets women where they are, giving them practical Biblical teaching that is consistent with Church doctrine and uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church as an additional resource. • Pastor-approved, parish-based program. Participants meet in parish facilities and the program is promoted to all women of the parish. • Run by lay women - organized/facilitated by a trained leadership team of WWP participants. • Encourages locations to offer age-appropriate child care that is fun and helps children to grow in faith and virtue. • Obtained the Imprimatur on all course materials through the Archdiocese of Baltimore, MD from 2012 - 2016.
Our Reach Walking with Purpose (WWP) is currently offered at 69 dioceses in 34 states throughout ● the U.S. as well as Canada and Switzerland. From 2015 – 2016, over 9,000 women participated (73% growth per year since 2008). ● From 2015 - 2016, over 12,000 Walking with Purpose™ Bible studies were purchased for ● parish program, small group or individual study. Parish-based program meeting locations vary from cathedrals to mission churches. ● Many locations offer weeknight and day time meeting times to reach out to all women. ● Find all locations on our website: http://walkingwithpurpose.com/locations/
Unique Leadership Support • Walking with Purpose gives women the tools they need to bring the program to their parish. • Designed to be run by a leadership team made up of dedicated women who organize the program on behalf of women in their parish. • Equips women to draw others to a relationship with Christ – effectively evangelizing those in the pews and beyond. • Teaches women that leading with love is the most powerful way to draw others to Christ. • Gives women confidence to launch program without depleting scarce parish resources/ http://walkingwithpurpose.com/leadershipdevelopment/
Walking with Purpose works! Annual Survey Results 96% of respondents believe that their Catholic faith is stronger* ● 96% shared that their prayer life has improved* ● 92% expressed that their appreciation for the Sacraments has grown* ● What Catholic Leaders Say “The Rapid growth of Walking with Purpose bears witness to the power of missionary discipleship lived out ● in a beautiful ‘culture of encounter.’ May the Lord continue to bless this ministry as it fosters a personal encounter with Christ, the Word of God, and with one another.” - Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore “There is an incredible need to engage Catholic women in a life-giving conversation about spirituality. Lisa ● Brenninkmeyer is the visionary in this field. Unleashing the genius of womanhood in our homes, parishes, and schools is essential if we are going to thrive. I believe that Walking with Purpose is one of the most significant ministries of our time.” - Matthew Kelly, founder of Dynamic Catholic What Participants Say “My prayer life as well as confidence in communicating my prayer and spiritual life/self is so much greater, ● stronger, consistent and present. This is definitely a game changer for me!”* “I found it empowering to be surrounded by faithful women. I needed the structure of the program to ● continue my journey.”* *Taken from WWP annual participant survey, February 2016
WWP Study Components Bible studies consist of three elements: 1. At-home study intended to encourage daily Scripture reading. 2. Weekly small group discussions in a parish setting facilitated by WWP leadership team members. 3. Monthly Connect Coffees for fellowship and to watch an inspiring video presented by Lisa Brenninkmeyer. Participants are encouraged to invite friends to these events.
Bible Study Details Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point This is the foundational 22-week Bible study and the ideal place to begin. Leads women to experience Christ personally within the context of the Church. Keeping in Balance This 22-week Bible Study focuses on creating balance within. Touching the Divine This 22-week Bible study draws women into a deeper relationship with Christ through a study of the Gospel of John. Discovering Our Dignity This 22-week Bible study gives modern-day advice from women of the Bible.
Course Details (continued) Beholding His Glory Part one of a two-part series, this 9-week Bible Study shows us how all Scripture points us to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Beholding Your King The second in a two-part series, this 9-week Bible study picks up where Beholding His Glory ends as we look at ways in which the Old Testament books all point to the coming King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Living in the Father’s Love This 6-week Bible study reveals how deeply relevant the Gospels are to our relationships, both with God and with those we love. Perfect for the season of Advent or Lent. Visit our website www.walkingwithpurpose.com/bible studies/ for free downloads of sample lessons.
What Parish Support is needed? 1. Pastor approves application shared with him by prospective parish program coordinator, who has received support and guidance from WWP expansion team. 2. Parish provides space for small group discussion, childcare, and space and equipment to play a monthly Connect Coffee video. 3. Parish agrees to advertise (ready-to-use-templates): • Bulletin notices and inserts • Pulpit announcement • Posters, flyers • Outreach to families in Religious Education and Baptism preparation • Promotion to existing parish groups, especially moms’ groups • Outreach to adult faith formation participants • Outreach to all registered parishioners 4. As a parish-based program, revenues and expenses are run through the parish accounting system. A WWP volunteer bookkeeper will track WWP related funds and provide details as needed.
Bring WWP to your parish! Discern interest and gather a team of women with a: • Personal commitment to Christ • Desire to share the love of Christ • Belief in the power of authentic, transparent community Walking with Purpose will support your leaders every step of the way, offering: • Leadership training • Ongoing mentoring • Course and promotional materials Submit the WWP inquiry form found at www.walkingwithpurpose.com/start-a-parish-program/.
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