But the greatest of these is . . . less stress?

Happiness, patience, and gratefulness: survey shows these three things abound for women who partake in Bible study GREENWICH, Conn. — Bible studies have long been a source of inspiration and a tool to bring the faithful closer to God. But according to a recent survey of women’s Bible study participants in Catholic parishes throughout the […]

Happiness, patience, and gratefulness: survey shows these three things abound
for women who partake in Bible study

GREENWICH, Conn. — Bible studies have long been a source of inspiration and a tool to bring the faithful closer to God. But according to a recent survey of women’s Bible study participants in Catholic parishes throughout the U.S. one program, in particular, offers a number of personal and lifestyle impacts as well. Increased patience, reduced stress, and improved relationships with family and friends were cited as benefits by parish program participants enrolled in Walking with Purpose Bible study courses.

When asked about ways that participation in the Bible study has impacted their lives, 91 percent of women surveyed reported they are either somewhat or significantly able to better manage stress, and 94 percent indicated that they are somewhat or significantly more patient with others.


According to one survey respondent, “The Walking with Purpose Bible study has taught me that God wants me to live a joyful life, to live strengthened, to not be stressed. That has greatly impacted my personal life; I am a happier, more grateful person and I can keep the stress in my life in perspective.”

Walking with Purpose was founded in 2002 by Lisa Brenninkmeyer, a convert to Catholicism who saw a lack of fresh, relevant Bible studies that could cater to young mothers and took it upon herself to create one with the support of her Maryland parish. Today, operating as a 501(c)3, the program has helped more than 35,000 women deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ in the last year alone.

Says Brenninkmeyer, “I’ve spoken with countless women at dozens of parishes over the years, and it always warms my heart to hear how their lives are being transformed by Walking with Purpose, in so many ways. When you put Christ first in your life, the rest falls into place.”

Additional survey responses include:

  • 90 percent of survey respondents reported that their relationships with family members have improved
  • 93 percent say friendships have grown or improved

One survey respondent reported that “the friendships and bonds created among the women of our community are directly attributable to Walking with Purpose” while another wrote, “I now appreciate family and friends more than I ever had.”

The April 2019 survey included 7,880 women who participated anonymously via a SurveyMonkey survey during the March-April 2019 timeframe, yielding a 41 percent response rate.

“This is the tenth year that we have surveyed participants in our parish-based Walking with Purpose programs,” says Julie Ricciardi, Walking with Purpose CEO. “Year after year, we see evidence that women’s overall happiness tends to increase as a result of group Bible study with their sisters in Christ.”


For information on how to bring Walking with Purpose to a parish, please call (844) 492-5597 or visit https://walkingwithpurpose.com/become-a-leader/.

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Contact

Lisa Gunggoll
[email protected]
(708) 829-8669

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