Flourish 2026: Spiritual Motherhood, The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius
Our wounded world needs your big, beautiful heart. Spiritual motherhood is not just for biological mothers and those who have made religious vows. It’s a call to a new way of seeing and a radical gift of self. It’s the feminine genius—the gifts of generosity, receptivity, sensitivity, maternity—in action. It has the power to completely transform our increasingly dehumanizing culture.
We are surrounded by people who long for the love and support of a mother. We can step into that gap and provide a refuge. When we offer the gift of spiritual motherhood to those who are aching and longing to be seen, heaven and earth come together, and sacred space is created.
Come join us for a transformational weekend as we explore the ways in which the feminine genius uniquely equips us to bring change to our divided, hurting communities. Be ready for your own heart to receive spiritual nourishment as you discover your identity and purpose. Join your sisters and be ushered into a calling to mother this world back to Jesus.
Who?
Every woman—any age, any season, any step of the journey. This is your place to belong.
What?
Flourish 2026, a Walking with Purpose women’s conference where women of all faith backgrounds are welcome. No need to have participated in a WWP Bible study.
When?
April 17-19, 2026
Where?
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
1820 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
Room booking link.
Hotel know before you go information.
For Leaders
Are you a WWP Leader? We have something special just for you. Join us for the Flourish 2026 Pre-Conference Session for Leaders—an exclusive opportunity for WWP leaders to receive brand-new leadership training. On the morning of April 17, 2026, from 9 am-noon, this powerful add-on session includes: fresh tools to lead with confidence, spiritual renewal and inspiration, and practical support to serve women in every setting. Learn more here.
Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Lisa Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose. A convert to Catholicism, Lisa created her first Bible study in 2002 out of a desire to see Catholic women come to know Christ personally. In 2008, Walking with Purpose became a fully independent non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status and a mission of helping every Catholic woman and girl in America open her heart to Jesus Christ. Today, more than 100,000 women, young women, and teen girls participate in WWP each year.
Lisa has authored 16 WWP Bible studies that have received an Imprimatur.
Lisa has been recognized by the Catholic Leadership Institute as a National Catholic Leader and was a presenter at the USCCB Convocation of Catholic Leaders. She has presented the unique model of WWP at national conferences throughout the country and has been a guest on a number of radio, television, and podcast shows as well.
Lisa holds a B.A. in psychology from St. Olaf College and is pursuing her master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She and her husband Leo have seven children and five grandchildren and reside in Maine.
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, is a well-known speaker and has served as the President of Franciscan University of Steubenville since May 21, 2019.
Fr. Dave has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written eight books, including Breath of God: Living a Life Led by the Holy Spirit and Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love. Fr. Dave hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope.
Sr. Josephine Garrett
Sr. Josephine was born and raised Baptist in Houston, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s in politics from the University of Dallas, and shortly thereafter entered the Catholic Church. Sr. Josephine served in the banking industry for 10 years as a vice president. In 2011, she began her religious formation with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She is a nationally certified and licensed counselor, specializing in trauma and the treatment of children and adolescents, and serves as a Catholic school counselor in Tyler, Texas. A board member of the Laboure Society and Life Teen, she is also the author of Hope: An Invitation and host of the Hope Stories podcast.
Sarah Kroger
Sarah Kroger has spent the last 10 years leading worship and sharing her music at a range of national and international concerts and events. She has released six albums: Your Time (2011), Hallelujah is Our Song (2013), Bloom (2019), Light (2020), London Sessions (2023), and A New Reality (2024). Sarah’s passion is to create a space in which people can encounter the heart of God in a profound way. When Sarah isn’t on the road, she lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband Dom.
Anna Carter
Anna Carter is the co-founder and president of Eden Invitation, a movement for Catholics and Christians with same-sex desires, gender discordance, and other LGBTQ+ experiences. Anna’s tenacious faith in Jesus predated her own experience of same-sex desires. Her passion for catechesis and evangelization brought her to Franciscan University of Steubenville, NET Ministries, and the high school classroom. Now through directing the work of Eden Invitation, Anna proclaims that there is resurrected life in the midst of our longings. Anna wanted to found Eden Invitation in order to ensure there was a just pastoral response and to give light to what a “yes” to the Church’s teachings can look like.
Mary Guilfoyle
Mary Guilfoyle is a wife, mother, and happy-as-can-be grandmother of twin boys. After a life-changing encounter with Jesus while in college, Mary served Him in parish ministry most of her adult life. Upon returning to Sacred Heart Major Seminary to complete earlier studies, a cancer diagnosis enrolled her in far more advanced courses than she could have imagined. After a miraculous healing, Mary returned to parish ministry, serving as a director of evangelization and discipleship. Currently, Mary is a missionary with ACTS XXIX, cohosts the You Were Born for This Podcast with Fr. John Riccardo, and serves on the leadership team and is the lead for The Rescue Project.
Heather Khym
Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally popular Abiding Together podcast, the author of Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy with Jesus, and the award-winning Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. She and her husband, Jake, are the co-founders of Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as where she serves as executive director of vision and ministry. Heather is also the co-director of the Celtic Cross Foundation, where she passionately advocates for the underprivileged.
With more than 25 years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader, Heather has led workshops and conferences across North America. She studied theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is deeply passionate about evangelization, discipleship, and creating an environment for personal encounters with God. Heather lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with Jake and their three young adult children.
Laura Phelps
Laura Phelps joined Walking with Purpose in 2016 after a personal encounter with Christ and an undeniable call on her heart to share her story with others. Relatable, honest, and often hilarious, Laura generously shares the pain of her life, offering you the hope and healing she has found through Jesus and Mary. Author of Victorious Secret: Everyday Battles And How To Win Them, and Sweet Cross: A Marian Guide To Suffering, Laura is on a personal mission to wake women up to the battle and to hold fast to the truth we try so hard to ignore: that there is no way around your cross, so you might as well embrace it.
Laura’s Our Sunday Visitor Innovative Talk, “How To Cope With Unjust Suffering” released in May 2022. She has been a guest on many radio shows and podcasts including The Katie McGrady Show and Danielle Bean’s Girlfriends.
Rachel Herbeck
Rachel Herbeck is the director of young adult discipleship for Renewal Ministries and hosts Burning Hearts, a daily podcast and radio program. She received her degree in Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has worked extensively in youth ministry and speaks to youth and young adults at retreats, conferences, and events in the US and Canada. Rachel is passionate about life issues and has worked for multiple pro-life and political organizations in Minnesota and Washington, DC. She formerly worked for the Minnesota Catholic Conference, doing outreach and lobbying for the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota. She currently resides in Plymouth, Michigan.
Friday, April 17
4–6 pm — Check-in
6:15-9 pm — Commencement
Saturday, April 18
8:30 am–3 pm — Mass + Main Sessions
6:15–9 pm — Main Sessions + Adoration
Sunday, April 19
9 am–Noon — Mass + Main Session
Note: Schedule subject to change. Intercessory prayer teams will be available throughout the weekend.
What is the registration fee for Flourish 2026?
The event registration fee is $375 per person through September 30, 2025. Starting October 1, 2025, the registration fee is $425. This fee includes entrance to the sessions and one meal. The program begins on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday at noon. A partial attendance rate is not offered. The registration fee does not include lodging.
Are there group discounts if I register multiple people at once?
As our goal is to provide the most rewarding weekend at the lowest price for all attendees, group discounts are not available.
Can I register a group?
Yes, you can register multiple people at one time for the event. You will need the names and corresponding email addresses of each woman in your group to complete a group registration. Please be as accurate as possible with correct spellings of the name and email address information that is required.
Is my registration transferable?
No, your ticket to Flourish 2026 is not transferable. Before purchasing your tickets, ensure that the event dates don’t interfere with other personal calendar events as tickets are non-refundable as well.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Will there be a waitlist?
No waitlist is available.
What is the deadline for registration?
Registration will close when capacity is reached. We anticipate tickets to sell out.
Do I need to be part of a WWP Bible study currently or in the past to attend?
No prior experience with WWP is necessary to join us for this special event. Women of all faith backgrounds are welcome.
What is the schedule?
The full weekend schedule will be shared in advance of the event. It includes the sessions, Mass, confession, and Eucharistic adoration.
Do I have to attend the entire weekend?
Due to the continuity of the event, it is important that all attendees experience Flourish 2026 in its entirety. Please do not register if you cannot attend all three days and two evenings of the event.
Will any sacraments be offered during the event?
Yes. We will offer the sacrament of Reconciliation. Mass with Eucharist will be celebrated.
What is the speaker lineup?
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, Sr. Josephine Garrett, and more! Special guest Sarah Kroger is offering praise and worship music.
Will the event be live streamed?
No, this event will not be live streamed.
What are the accommodation options?
We have negotiated a room block for WWP attendees at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel that will open on September 1, 2025, along with registration for the event. Book your room at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel here. The room block is also available for Thursday night for those attending the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders. If you prefer to make your reservation over the phone, call 800.HILTONS (800.445.8667).
What onsite parking is available at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel?
Self-parking is $30 per day. Valet parking is $50 per day. Current rates are subject to change and all parking is on a space available basis.
What is the closest airport?
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) — 20 minutes from the St Louis Union Station Hotel.
What is the registration fee for the Flourish 2026 Pre-Conference Session for Leaders?
The event registration fee for this half day session is $100 per person. This fee includes entrance to the session and coffee and light breakfast. It is required to purchase a Flourish 2026 ticket in order to also register for the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders. The registration fee does not include lodging.
Do I need to be a leader to attend this session?
Yes, and any type of leader is welcome: parish leader, virtual leader, and leaders in homes or other places.
Do I have to attend the entire weekend to go to the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders?
Yes, it is required to purchase a Flourish 2026 ticket in order to also register for the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders.
What is the speaker lineup?
Opening remarks from Lisa Breninkmeyer. You will also hear from veteran parish program leaders and WWP coaches.
When is check-in for the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders?
Check-in will begin at 8 am Friday. At that time you will check in for both the Pre-Conference Session for Leaders and the Flourish 2026 conference.
Are meals included?
One meal is included in the registration fee. The hotel offers options for food and beverages onsite, and there are several restaurants and cafes within a few minutes of the hotel for your convenience. More information on available restaurants can be found here.
I have special dietary needs. Will you support me?
Of course! Please complete the dietary restrictions form linked in your event registration confirmation email or here.
I need special assistance. Will you support me?
We are happy to help! Let us know ahead of time by emailing our Ministry Support team at support@walkingwithpurpose.com.
Will childcare be provided?
No, childcare will not be available for this event.
Will you have merchandise to purchase onsite at the event?
Yes! We will offer apparel, gift items, books, study guides, jewelry, and so much more! Purchases may be made throughout the weekend.
Is there a dress code or specific attire required?
Dress for comfort! You are certainly welcome to wear jeans and sneakers all weekend; however, dressier attire may be more desirable for Mass and Eucharistic adoration.
What about video / photography?
WWP reserves the right to use any photographs/video from any WWP event without the expressed written consent of those included in photos/video. Audio recording or video filming by event participants is prohibited.
Can I sponsor the event or participate as a vendor at the event?
For questions about sponsorship or being a vendor at Flourish 2026, please visit our sponsorship page here.
Do you offer scholarships to this event?
We do not offer scholarships to our event participants. Consider contacting your local parish, school, or Knights of Columbus to support your registration.
What if I have a question that is not answered in these FAQs?
No problem! Email us at support@walkingwithpurpose.com, and we are happy to assist you.
I cannot attend, but I would like to support WWP.
Thank you for your generosity in supporting our apostolate. Click here to support WWP.
