Amy Castronovo, a parishioner of the Church of Christ the King and co-coordinator of its Walking with Purpose women’s ministry, invites women who are thinking about joining the program to learn more about it — including those who are hesitant to get involved or perhaps don’t know if they can commit to its seven- or eight-week seasonal sessions. The ministry is designed to draw women into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
“At the beginning of every session, there is just a video — no homework, no study. Just watch the video, look at the book, and hear what the requirements are,” said Castronovo of Christ the King in the New Vernon neighborhood of Harding Township. “Lisa Brenninkmeyer, the author and the creator of Walking with Purpose, repeats often that participants can just make this 10 to 15 minutes of their day. Give your first moments to God.”
The nationwide Walking with Purpose ministry, whose patron saint is St. Therese of Lisieux, develops and delivers “Catholic Bible studies to reach adult women, young adult women, and girls,” according to its website.
The Christ the King group reconvened its fall session in early October and celebrated a closing Mass and dinner on Nov. 20. The ministry will start again in March with a new study. Women can register and find more information here.
Castronovo started a Walking with Purpose study in her own home, which she still conducts, and has been a member since its formation at Christ the King in spring 2021. Her first co-coordinator was Nancy Bezzone, and now she shares that role with Cassie Barry.
About 50 participants attended the sessions, which run for about seven or eight weeks in the fall and spring. By the spring of 2026, two concurrent groups — one for beginners and one for more advanced study — will be formed.
Father Brian Sullivan, Christ the King’s pastor, said, “Walking with Purpose is all about building relationships. Like-minded women of faith build strong enduring relationships with one another, centered on Christ. These faithful and prayerful women joyfully reflect on the inspired Word of God and make heaven more present here in the parish.”
Castronovo also leads a virtual Walking with Purpose study with participants in the United States and Canada.
“The verse that always comes to mind is John 1:1, the Gospel of John. ‘In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ To know God, you must know His Word,” Castronovo said. “It is wonderful to educate women about where to go to learn more. That is such a grace that God gives us when we start reading Scripture, that it just awakens something in our hearts to want to know more.”
Christ the King’s Walking with Purpose does not currently have a program for younger women but hopes to offer one.
