Phase1: Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life Study

Women, find out who you are, why you are, and what your purpose and mission is in the world today!

How This Study Series Works

The primary objective of the Women of Grace® Foundational Study Series Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life is to explore with you an authentic understanding of the gift of your femininity, and to help equip you to bring the grace of your gender to bear upon your interior being, your relationship with God, your interpersonal relationships, and the culture of the day. The feminine person will be studied in conjunction with Church teaching and Sacred Scripture specific to the dignity and value of womanhood. The Blessed Virgin Mary is our exemplar and model. Her strength, courage, and maternal love is our inspiration and hope.

The Study Group:

The Women of Grace® Foundational Study Series uses a multi-media approach. Each week you will gather together with your study group to discuss the five lessons you have completed at home, view the weekly DVD lesson presented by Johnnette Benkovic, complete the Media Response Sheet while you view it, and discuss the answers you have recorded with your group.

The study group provides an opportunity for every woman to grow fellowship with each other and in the virtues of patience, cheerfulness, humility, and charity. A sacred sisterhood develops amongst the group members as the study unfolds and many participants develop lifelong friendships.

The “At Home” Lessons:

Each week you will complete five lessons at home. You will notice that each week of study has a special theme and corresponding grace to pray for. Before beginning each lesson, participants will review the theme and the grace and ask God to help you mine the rich treasure of each. Every lesson includes an opening and closing prayer, questions for you to answer from the book, Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life, a section entitled Know the Faith, a Catholic “vocabulary word,” For Pondering which features a contribution by another writer, and a “word of wisdom” leading to a closing prayer. In addition, each week you will read about two great women saints whose lives inspire us and instruct us in authentic femininity.

Many of the questions following each section are meant to encourage you to “dig deeply.” St. Teresa of Avila once said there is no spiritual growth without self-knowledge. Do not be afraid to “go to the depths.” Jesus is waiting for you there. Except for the questions that are directly related to the text, Sacred Scripture, or the teachings of the Church, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. This is YOUR study — approach it as such.

To learn more about this amazing study visit the Facilitate, Participate, or For Pastors areas below or visit our online store here to place your order.  You may also view Chapters 1 and 2 of the study guide here.  Call us at 1-800-558-5452 to place your order.

Interested in becoming a Women of Grace® Facilitator?

It's a simple process of saying "yes" to an exciting call to experience who you are as a daughter of God and lead others to do the same. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, you will be a spiritual mother helping many come to the abundant life of Jesus Christ (John 10:10). In addition, your own prayer life will deepen, your knowledge of the Catholic faith will increase, your appreciation of Holy Mother Church will grow and, in the end, you will disover the treasure you are in the eyes of God.

No special training is necessary. Our facilitators come from all walks of life, span all age groups, and exemplify every state in life. We're looking for you to join us in a great apostolic mission. Will you say "yes" and join the hundreds of Women of Grace® facilitators from around the world?

A Personal Invitation
"I want to personally invite you to join women around the globe by starting a Women of Grace® study group in your parish, neighborhood and work environment. You will have the blessed privilege of witnessing the magnificent movement of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the women in your study group. As you learn about the great gift of authentic femininity, hearts will be healed, lives will be changed and souls will be saved. God will give you every grace you need to accomplish the task He has entrusted to you." Johnnette Benkovic

Next steps:
1. Pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit and The Memorare for wisdom, guidance and direction.

2. Read the Frequently Asked Questions, Facilitator Resources, and For the Pastor areas below. You may also contact us here to request a free information folder.

3. Purchase the Facilitator Kit personally or through your parish by calling the toll-free number 1-800-558-5452 or order online here.

4. Join Grace Place, the social network of Women of Grace.  There you find support, encouragement and a network of facilitators from around the world.  You will have access to resources to promote your study along with samples of study guide and much more in the Facilitator Resources area!

5. Read through the Facilitator’s Guide which is contained in your Kit. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to organize and facilitate your group.

6. Once you are a member of GracePlace, you can invite your Participants to join. It is a convenient way for you to post your events and much, much more.

7. Take advantage of the support opportunities that are described in the Facilitator Support area below.

Facilitator Support

The Women of Grace® study program would not be possible without the commitment and leadership of our amazing facilitators. Women of Grace® has created a wealth of resources to give you the tools needed in order to promote, facilitate, and follow up with your participants. We hope these tools will help assist you as you begin and continue your mission as an Women of Grace® facilitator.

GracePlace: GracePlace is the Women of Grace® social network designed especially for you. It is where Facilitators can meet and interact with other Facilitators and Participants. As GracePlace develops, you will find Women of Grace® and facilitator developed resources there. It is also a forum to share ideas, post your events, and exchange information. Join women from across the globe who are part of the Women of Grace® movement. Get Renewed And Connected Everyday at GracePlace!

Facilitator Network Conference Call (FNCC): The Facilitator Network Conference Call (FNCC) is a monthly training meeting conducted via telephone conference call. Calls are moderated by Johnnette Benkovic, Regional Coordinators and other guest experts. If you are a facilitator and would like to be added to this call, please contact us at 813-854-1518 or e-mail us at info@womenofgrace.com.

Regional Coordinators:  Women of Grace has Regional Coordinators in place around the country who are available to support you with training and assistance as your begin your study group.  To locate the representative closest to you, please visit the Regional Coordinator page in GracePlace or contact us here and we will connect you with the representative for your region.

Women of Grace® Exclusive: Women of Grace® Exclusive is a paid subscriber based area where you will get content and training materials available only to subscribers including leadership training from Johnnette, conference audios and videos, programs, curricula, and much, much more. Become a Women of Grace® Exclusive subscriber today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many weeks should I plan for the study program?
A: Each study is designed to be flexible in length to meet the individual needs of the women and the parish community. There are studies which run 9/9 weeks, 17/18 weeks, 25/26 weeks and 41/42 weeks. If you are interested, our office will share with you how some parishes in the United States have implemented Women of Grace® programs for their women for several years. The choice is yours!

Q: Is the study available in other languages?
A: Yes! Currently the Foundational Study, Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life is available in Spanish. Call the Women of Grace® office at 1-800-558-5452.

Q: Will I need to prepare lectures?
A: No, we've taken care of this for you. The Facilitator Kit includes videotaped lectures delivered by Johnnette Benkovic.

Q: How do I plan and publicize the program for my parish?
A: The Facilitator Kit provides detailed information about organizing and promoting your study and many tips to help you get started.

Q: Will I receive any other support?
A: Yes! GracePlace is a social networking community on our website www.womenofgrace.com where you can ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about what Women of Grace® facilitators are doing around the country and across the globe. Women of Grace® Exclusive is a subscriber only area where we archive videos, podcasts, and specially developed leadership materials for our facilitators. Finally, we invite you to join the Facilitator Network Conference Call (FNCC) where Johnnette and facilitators around the country share the latest news, ideas, questions, and challenges. If you are a facilitator and would like to join the FNCC call us at 1-800-558-5452 or e-mail info@womenofgrace.com.

Q: How can I learn about the latest Women of Grace® events and happenings?
A: It’s easy! Just visit www.womenofgrace.com! Click on events to see our calendar of upcoming conferences, retreats, and speaking engagements. Sign up for our e-newsletter to get updates delivered to your e-mail. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Q: Can I speak to a person in your offices?
A: Absolutely! If you would like to speak with a Women of Grace® Outreach Coordinator, please call our office Monday through Friday at 1-800-558-5452 or e-mail us at info@womenofgrace.com.

Order a complete Facilitator Kit by calling us at 1-800-558-5452 or visit our click here. Don’t forget to ask about our membership opportunties.

Women of Grace Statement of Faith

Women of Grace® Facilitators adhere to and profess with faithfulness, joy, and conviction everything contained within the Profession of Faith, Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and her Magisterium. In addition, Women of Grace® Facilitators look to the documents of the Holy Catholic Church for moral teaching, training, and insight. This includes her teaching on contraception, reproductive technologies, and all life issues. It also includes her teachings on false spiritualities including but not limited to the new age movement, the occult, the human potential movement, non-Christian mysticism.

Therefore, Women of Grace® Facilitators:

• Believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
• Believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from True God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made.
• Believe that for us men and for our salvation, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, came down from heaven. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
• Believe that for our sake Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
• Believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
• Believe Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead.
• Believe His Kingdom will be without end.
• Believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.
• Believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
• Acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
• Look for the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
• Submit with free will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Everyone Asking about the Women of Grace® Study?

Q: What is the best age for a woman to participate in this study?
A: Women of all ages participate in the Women of Grace® Study Program. From older teens to women upward of 90 years of age, there is something in the study for everyone. And most study groups are just as diverse, a benefit for the younger woman and the “more mature” as well.

Q: I’m a busy professional woman who works long hours. Will I have time for this study?
A: The Women of Grace® Study is flexible. Our facilitators are quite sensitive to the needs of women with limited time. Ask your group leader about an available time convenient for you.

Q: What is the cost?
A: Compared to other Catholic programs, this is a bargain! For specific hardship cases and when monies are available, we offer scholarship programs for women.

Q: How long does the study last?
A: The Women of Grace® studies are designed for flexibility. Each study offers timetables ranging from 8 – 10 weeks to an entire year. The studies can be adapted based on the needs of the group and its participants.  To view a sample of the Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life study guide, click here.

Q: What is the follow up for women once the Study Program is completed?
A: Great news! Women of Grace® is consistently developing new study materials. Visit our website or join GracePlace for the latest information about upcoming webinars, national conferences, retreats, speaking engagements, and much more!

Become a woman of grace today and experience all that God has in mind for you! Call us at 1-800-558-5452 or learn more about the study materials here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Details About the Women of Grace® Study Program

Q: How can I be assured this program follows church teaching on faith and morals?
A: All study materials have received the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.

Q: What is the group study format?
A: All programs incorporate the following: small group discussion, at-home study lessons, videotaped lectures by Johnnette Benkovic, questions and answers in the study guides for participants, a step-by-step guide for facilitators, and much more.

Q: How long is this study designed to run?
A: Each study is designed to be flexible in length to meet the needs of the women and the parish community. There are studies which run 8/9 weeks, 17/18 weeks, 25/26 weeks and 41/42 weeks. If you are interested, our office will share with you how some parishes in the United States have implemented Women of Grace® programs for their women over a period of a year or more.

Q: Who would be interested in this study in my parish?
A: This study will encourage women of all ages in their knowledge and understanding of Catholic teaching, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism. It will affirm them in their gift of authentic femininity and their dignity as daughters of God.

Q: Will I have to organize the study?
A: Good news…no! The Facilitator Kit has everything that is needed for a woman selected by you or your Faith Formation Director to conduct the study. All that is needed is your support and encouragement.

Bring the Women of Grace® Study to your parish community. Call us at 1-800-558-5452 or click here to order.

Pastor Testimonials

The vision of the dignity and vocation of women is one of the most exciting events of our era. The Women of Grace program has enabled women participants to be aware of the invaluable “manifestations of the Spirit” that empowers them in their vocation and mission in the family, the church and the world and thereby demonstrates “the fruits of feminine holiness” - a phrase oft repeated by Pope John Paul II in his addresses to women.

During the course of the year, I had the privilege of participating in the closing sessions of many Women of Grace study groups at St. Joan of Arc Parish. Evidently, it is one of the most vibrant programs in the parish, which is well attended and appreciated by many women. The number of women interested in this program was so high that several study groups needed to be formed and facilitated...

I have been inspired and touched by some of the testimonies and experiences the women shared at the end of the program. The stories of their personal spiritual journey, renewal of prayer and faith life, transformation in their family and ecclesial life, deeper interest in the Word of God and the Sacraments and their inner calling to active involvement in ministries demonstrate that the program befits every woman in the socio-psychological and spiritual dimension

Father Victor D’Souza
St. Joan of Arc Parish
Boca Raton, FL


…….As a result of the women’s desire to continue their spiritual growth, many of the women have now moved into other ventures of learning and praying together. One such endeavor has been to form groups, usually meeting in private homes, called Women of Grace. They rely on material which is scripturally orientated and also on meditations and spiritual reading that focus on the Blessed Mother. Particularly helpful has been the material called “Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life” The fruit of this is that there are many groups coming together on a regular basis to learn, pray and support each other in our Catholic way of life. For many of them the Eucharist has become a daily occasion, while the rosary, mediation and journaling have sparked a whole new and exciting way of praying and discerning God’s ever loving invitation to deepen both spiritual and human relationships……

Father Louis Petruha
St, Joseph Catholic Church
York, PA


It was a pleasure to meet all the dedicated women of the Bishop’s Commission. Thank you for the components of the “Women of Grace” program. I have reviewed it and now endorse the use of this program. Those who are already using it seem very enthusiastic.

Most Reverend Daniel Jenky, C.S.C
Bishop of Peoria, IL


I write this letter to tell you about the success of Women of Grace in the Central Bucks County parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In the last two years, women from a number of parishes have used Women of Grace to deepen their personal relationship with God. They have organized the program in just about every parish with our area of the Archdiocese.

It is wonderful to see the impact of Women of Grace on the ladies of our parish and the other parishes.

Rev Msgr Robert Powell
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Jamison, PA


One of the joys of Parish Ministry for me as a priest and Carmelite these last few years has been sharing the journey of so many women in our Parish who have attended the Women of Grace Study Series. …….It was a privilege to listen to all of them as they share the new light of faith and grace poured upon them as they grew in great knowledge of our sacred scriptures……When the women complete the study they are inspired to use their gifts and talents given by God to become involved in one of the ministries at their parish to help strengthen the parish…… I was delighted to see women in our parish after the Study Series concluded to discover the value of belonging to a group of Catholic Women who I believe will renew the Catholic Church in America for the next century.

Fr. Guy S. Fiano, O.Carm.
Parochial Vicar
St. Jude Catholic Church
Baton Rouge, FL


As Archbishop of Philadelphia, I am pleased to witness many spiritual blessings bestowed by God upon the Church. Among those blessings are the many programs and ministries which bring our people to a deeper relationship with God. One such opportunity of spiritual growth for women, which has taken root, is Women of Grace. ………..I endorse the Women of Grace Foundational Study Series as an opportunity for women to grow in their faith. I express gratitude to all those who work to promote this program at the service of women and their calling in Christ’s Church and thank you personally for the priestly support that you offer them.

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Bring the Women of Grace® Study to your parish community. Call us at 1-800-558-5452 or click here to order.