‘Walking with Purpose’ Annandale Bible Study serves women in all walks of life

As Mass concluded on a Thursday morning in November, women ranging from new moms to grandmoms trickled into the community room downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale. Soon, the room was buzzing from table to table as the women gathered in groups as part of the parish “Walking with Purpose” Bible study program tailored for women at all stages of life.

Outside, in the sofa room, children played happily with “Miss Terry,” the volunteer babysitter who gives young moms the opportunity to dive into their faith without interruption as part of the small table groups.To most, she is Terry Weaver, a mom herself of six grown children, who wanted a part in the program but said, “God calls you to one thing, and not the other.” So, with another volunteer, she keeps a watchful eye on babies and toddlers while their moms share their faith.

“Walking with Purpose” was organized at Immaculate Conception by Jess Jaynes and her sister-in-law Linda Hunt, who had participated in a “Walking with Purpose” program in Chatham two years ago. “It had been on my heart ever since,” Linda said. “As a mother of five small children, the youngest of whom was still nursing, there weren’t many places I could go.” She had been experiencing the feeling of being ‘alone in a crowd,’ she said, and realized she was not the only one. In “Walking with Purpose,” both she and Jess, who is the mother of three children, now see their church as family. 

Although the women worried about the struggle of beginning a new program from scratch, “the Holy Spirit came in and it took on a life of its own,” Linda said. Jess appreciated being in a place where she could “delve into faith and this love God is offering you, where you can safely let down whatever guard you have up.”

Women in the program expressed similar inspiration. Maryjane Staats, a facilitator from Annandale whose own children are grown, likes that the women “are at different stages of life but all hearing God’s voice.” She appreciates that each session ends with women writing specific intentions that other group members will pray for until they meet again.

Jo Ann Jarvis, a group leader from Clinton Township, has been a facilitator of various Bible study programs in other parishes but welcomed “Walking with Purpose.” “I was so excited when the program began here. Women get a lot out of sharing their faith and journeying with each other,” she said. 

Their program has doubled in size in its second year, with 40 women regularly participating and seven group leaders. There is an introductory syllabus for new participants, called “Opening Your Heart,” and another for returning participants, called “Keeping in Balance.” 

Father Keith Cervine, Immaculate Conception pastor, said the program has “surpassed expectations.” He continued, “You can never be quite sure. The only thing I did was say ‘yes,’ but that’s all the Lord asks us to do, and he provides.” He has had nothing but positive feedback – so much so that he has asked the women to help think about how a similar group for men might take shape.