Life is Good. Kathy pictured at Board & Brush when she joined her neighbors for a creative night and built a decorative front porch welcome sign.
One day at Mass, I heard a fellow parishioner share a beautiful witness testimony about her faith journey and the profound impact that Walking With Purpose (WWP) had on her spiritual life. As I listened from the pew, I reflected on my own Catholic upbringing, which included weekly Mass, Catholic high school, and summer religious retreats. I also thought about my upcoming retirement and the new flexibility it would bring. I realized that this nationally based Catholic women’s Bible study offered the perfect opportunity to deepen my relationship with God by studying His Word and growing closer to the Lord.
By embracing a new routine and forming new friendships, my faith has been refreshed. As we explore scripture passages, some I had never encountered, others I had forgotten or misunderstood, I am continually encouraged to go deeper. I feel blessed to have met so many like-minded women of all ages who are willing to share their faith journeys and who are open to hearing mine. Our small-group time is filled with thoughtful discussion, quiet reflection, and heartfelt recognition of God’s presence in our lives. Each week, I leave with gratitude and a deep sense of belonging.
Even after five years, this new “routine” is anything but routine. The intimate discussions within our groups have taught me that it is not only acceptable but joyful to share my faith and speak about God’s goodness, without hesitation or embarrassment, even beyond the Catholic community. Within WWP, we share our good, bad, and ugly experiences, and our commitment to confidentiality creates a sacred space where truth, vulnerability, and growth can flourish.
Outside of WWP, I enjoy participating in and watching sports. I officiate field hockey and mentor young girls about Fair Play and honest competition. I’m deeply grateful for all that the Lord has provided, and I give back by volunteering at the Cherry Hill Food Pantry and at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. God opened my ears the day Rachel Leibrandt gave her witness testimony, and I pray that my written words might open another heart to the Lord. As Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of WWP, reminds us: “The good God would not inspire unattainable desires; I can, then, in spite of my littleness, aspire to sanctity.”
Kathleen England, a retired educator who recently moved to Voorhees, now divides her time between Christ the King and St. Andrew the Apostle parishes.