I was invited to join ENDOW during its pilot in September 2003 but declined at that time mainly because I had had my fourth child the month before and was transitioning from being the main financial supporter of my family to the stay-at-home mother I had been in the past...I knew adding one more "new" item to the mix was more than I could handle.  ENDOW always stayed in the back of my mind as I suspected that it would be a vehicle for me to grow spiritually and in my knowledge of the Church that I have learned to love so much. So, one year later, I decided it was time and started facilitating a group in September 2004. What I have discovered in the last three years is that ENDOW not only is a way to holiness, but also provided me with the tools to be able to defend my faith at a time when the Catholic Church, and authentic women's dignity, needs to be defended.

I had studied some of the writings (mostly Papal documents) that the ENDOW studies are based upon, so was familiar with the overall message of them. What I found unique and truly beneficial with the Endow studies were that they provided a historical perspective that I had not had the benefit of when I had studied the documents in the past. That historical perspective provided a rich understanding of what the world was like when the documents were drafted and what issues the writers (mostly Popes) were trying to address. Additionally, the ENDOW study guides provided a great deal of background and supporting documentation that enriched the understanding of the documents.

One can always study Church documents on her own, however ENDOW allows for a group study, with other women, from all walks of life and all vocations. This fellowship only enhances the experience of learning all of what the Church teaches and allows for women to share how they have uniquely implemented what they have learned in their own lives and families. It is truly astounding how sharing life experiences with others can profoundly affect them and the Endow studies foster this sharing environment.

I am a very busy woman...is there any other kind?  As busy as I am, I always am amazed at the fact that when I make time for God, He manages to make more time for me to accomplish what I need to accomplish.  God is the creator of time and will not be out done in generosity.  If we as women can become more educated, more proficient in the defense of our faith, more in tune with our dignity and genuine place in this world, and more able to live out our lives authentically as the women that God created us to be, it can only lead to promoting God's Kingdom here on earth.  I believe that, in a nutshell, is what ENDOW is all about and what ENDOW offers to all women.