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Women Walking in Faith celebrating 10th anniversary
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
Members of Women Walking in Faith have taken many steps to grow in their faith while supporting one another in life’s challenges.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the group based at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, which is the merger of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and St. James churches. This season, the group is studying “Ten Women Who Said Yes to God” and reading the book “The Four Teresas” by Gina Loehr. They are Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Mother Teresa.
Chris Brugler is coordinator of WWF and recalled a conversation with the Rev. James Walker. The pastor told Brugler “there was a need” for such a group and suggested she lead it. The mother of eight children, then with a 1-year-old at home, Brugler admitted she shied away from the idea. When Father Walker brought it up again, Brugler said she felt the “Holy Spirit was leading her.” She drew on experience as a religious education teacher and coordinator of vacation Bible school.
There are 62 women registered for the program that runs from October to April. Morning sessions are on the first and third Mondays, and evening sessions are on the second and fourth Mondays, with the same program repeated. The flexibility of two sessions at different times has proven to be a successful plan. Brugler noted women of all faiths are welcome.
Its name was inspired by the book “What Happens When Women Walk in Faith.”
A book relating to the theme is used along with appropriate videos and Scripture. Each session ends with a prayer, and members ask aloud or in their hearts for intentions relating to family issues and health concerns.
Over the years, the group has used books including “Gracious Goodness” by Sister Melanie Svoboda, “Home Tonight” by Henri JM Nouwen and “Angels of God” by Stephen J. Birva and studies on the Bible books of Job, Mark and Romans. Brugler said the theme of each year is “a group effort” of ideas suggested. She noted the choice of the theme relies on “being prayerful and trying to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead.”
“I hope it strengthens their faith,” Brugler said of what she hopes members derive from participation on this faith journey. “Women also share their struggles and care about one another.”
Brugler said she believes WWF is bigger than the theme of the year or its discussions. “It’s truly being open to what God has in store for each and every one of us when we are aware of his work in our lives.”
Participants also offered comments about WWF.
Mary Jayne Szczurek of Warren and member of St. William Church in Champion said, “We are a group of women united by no particular bond other than our faith in God. We are connected in prayer that helps each of us ... make it through the trials of life.
“It is the genuine feeling of concern and well-being that touches your heart and lifts your spirit. ... We strengthen and deepen our own faith journey by reading and having discussins of inspiring and spiritual material,” she said.
“It’s something I look forward to,” said Gloria Mitchell of Warren, a member of Blessed John Paul II Church. Mary O’Donnell, also of Warren and a Blessed John Paul member, added, “It’s a time of peace and sharing with other women.”
Alberta Bloom of Girard and a member of St. Rose Church there said, “It shows you how people lived their faith. You can get stagnant in your faith. ... Here you can grow in your faith.”
“I believe it’s helped me have a deeper relationship with God,” said Bonnie Olson of Warren, a St. Elizabeth Ann Seton member.
“This is a supportive, loving and caring group,” said Paula Hardy of Warren, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Betty Schilling of Newton Falls, a member of St. Mary and Joseph Church there, voiced a feeling felt by the group. “We have a wonderful teacher,” she said of Brugler, who sparks an interest in learning among the women.