Vitalize your relationship with your daughter and join our Sisters of Strength Gathering
Do you want to help your daughter discover her true identity?
Do you long to see her avoid the pitfalls of toxic relationships?
Are you ready to guide her toward her God-given calling and purpose?
There is nothing fiercer than a mother’s love for her children. We will fight with our last breath to protect them. But many of us feel that influences around our kids are eroding the foundation that we’ve worked so hard to build. It’s time to reclaim our motherly influence because no one loves or knows our girls like we do.
Join us for a life-changing weekend where you will be a part of the awakening of your daughter as she discovers the answers to some of life’s biggest questions. You’ll laugh, you’ll connect, and you’ll both return home spiritually stronger and refreshed.
Who?
A gathering for mothers and their high school/college-aged daughters
What?
The Sisters of Strength Gathering will delve into the topics of identity, friendship, and purpose, equipping mothers and daughters to answer some of life’s biggest questions with God’s wisdom and perspective.
When?
April 5-7, 2024
Where?
Lansdowne Resort
44050 Woodridge Parkway
Leesburg, VA 20176
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 501c(3) status and a mission of helping every Catholic woman and girl in America open her heart to Jesus Christ. Today, more than 70,000 women, young women, and teen girls participate in WWP each year.
Lisa has authored 16 WWP Bible studies, which have received the Imprimatur through Archbishop Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
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 the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She and her husband Leo have seven children and four grandsons and reside in St. Augustine, Florida.
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, was elected president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his B.A. in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, M.A. in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996.
He held various leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008, including vice president for Mission and Planning. From 2008-2012, Father Pivonka served as director of Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans, TOR, and from 2012-2019, he directed Franciscan Pathways, hosting The Wild Goose video series on the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021), and he currently hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and cohosts the popular podcast They That Hope.
Heather Khym
Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally popular Abiding Together Podcast and author of Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy in Jesus. She and her husband, Jake, are the co-founders of Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as director of vision and ministry for the British Columbia-based apostolate. She has more than twenty-five years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader, offering workshops and conferences in the United States and Canada. She attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying theology and catechetics. Heather is passionate about evangelization, discipleship, and creating an environment for people to have a personal encounter with God. She and Jake live with their three children in British Columbia, Canada.
Debbie Herbeck
Debbie Herbeck has shared with many her personal journey of faith from Judaism into the Catholic Church. For more than forty years, Debbie has worked extensively in youth and women’s ministry, speaking at retreats and conferences, leading mission trips and Bible studies, and mentoring high school and college-aged women. She is the founder and director of Pine Hills Girls’ Camp and Be Love Revolution, ministries that exist to help young girls encounter Christ and be His love to all they meet. Debbie is the author of four books, a frequent writer and speaker for Blessed is She, and has recently written a book with her husband Peter titled: Lessons from the School of Love—Creating a Christ-Centered Marriage. They live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have four young adult children and eleven grandchildren.
Rachel Herbeck
Rachel Herbeck is the director of missionaries for id (Intentional Disciples). She received her bachelor's in Catholic studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has worked extensively in youth ministry, and she 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 both in Minnesota and Washington, DC. Before joining the id team, she worked for the Minnesota Catholic Conference, where she did outreach and lobbied on behalf of the Catholic bishops of Minnesota. She currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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 four albums: Your Time (2011), Hallelujah is Our Song (2013), Bloom (2019), and Light (2022). 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.
Friday, April 5
4–6:45 PM — Check-in
7 PM — Commencement
Saturday, April 6
9 AM–4 PM — Main Sessions + Breakout Sessions
7 PM–9 PM — Main Sessions + Adoration
Sunday, April 7
8 AM-Noon — Mass + Main Session
Noon — Event Wrap Up
Note: The schedule is subject to change.
Registration FAQs
What is the registration fee for Sisters of Strength 2024?
The registration fee is $400 per person. This fee includes entrance to main sessions and breakout sessions, lunch on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. 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.
What age is the intended audience for the event?
The event is designed for mothers and their high school and college-aged daughters.
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 mother/daughter 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 Sisters of Strength 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 Walking with Purpose Bible study currently or in the past to attend?
No prior experience with Walking with Purpose is necessary to join us for this special event. Women and girls of all faith backgrounds are welcome.
Event Details FAQs
What is the schedule?
The full weekend schedule will be shared in advance of the event. It includes main sessions, breakout 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 Sisters of Strength 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 on Saturday and Sunday.
What is the speaker lineup?
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Fr. Dave Pivonka, Heather Khym, Debbie Herbeck, Rachel Herbeck, and more! Special guest Sarah Kroger is offering praise and worship music.
Will the event be live-streamed or recorded?
No, this event will not be live-streamed or recorded.
Is Walking with Purpose following COVID-19 protocols for safe measures?
Walking with Purpose follows state and local COVID-19 protocols for all WWP events. Please refer to the state of Virginia and local directives for up-to-date information on what, if any, protocols will be applicable on the weekend of the event.
Accommodations and Travel FAQs
What are the accommodation options?
We have negotiated a room block for WWP attendees at Lansdowne Resort that will open on November 1, 2023, along with registration. The hotel will sell out of rooms, so book early. If interested in being added to the hotel waitlist, please call Lansdowne directly at 703.729.8400 starting November 1.
To book other accommodations, here are nearby options:
SpringHill Suites → 2.4 miles
Tru by Hilton (One Loudoun) → 3.8 miles
Hyatt Place (Sterling) → 5.2 miles
Hilton Garden Inn → 6 miles
DoubleTree by Hilton → 7 miles
What onsite parking is available at Lansdowne?
Self-parking is free at Lansdowne. Valet parking is $20 per day. Current rates are subject to change, and all parking is on a space-available basis.
What are the closest airports and Amtrak stations?
Airports
12 miles away: Dulles International Airport (IAD)
38 miles away: Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Amtrak
40 miles away: Washington, D.C., Union Station
Other FAQs
Are meals included?
Saturday lunch and Sunday breakfast are included in the registration fee. If you are an overnight guest at Lansdowne, Friday night dinner and Saturday breakfast are included in the room rate. The hotel offers options for food and beverages onsite, and there are several restaurants and cafes within a mile of the hotel for your convenience.
I have special dietary needs. Will you support me?
Of course! Please complete the dietary restrictions form linked in your event registration confirmation email.
I need special assistance. Will you support me?
We are happy to help! Let us know ahead of time by contacting our event planner directly. Please email Kath Swanson at kathleen.swanson@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! Back by popular demand, 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?
Walking with Purpose 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 Sisters of Strength, please contact Kath Swanson at kathleen.swanson@walkingwithpurpose.com.
Do you offer scholarships for 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 events@walkingwithpurpose.com, and we are happy to assist you.
