ABOUT WWP
OUR HISTORY
In 2010, the seed of an idea planted by the Holy Spirit in Denyse Gagnon, an STM parishioner, came to fruition in the first When Women Pray event. When Denyse first approached our pastor, Father John Janze, with the idea at our temporary building on Remington in Irvine, he said yes, when we have a permanent location. As soon as we moved to our new building, Denyse reminded Father of his promise and asked a few women to help plan what they hoped would bring together and bless a couple dozen women. Two hundred women showed up to that first prayer breakfast! The next year more than 300, then 600, then 800 until it has grown to dozens of volunteers and 1,000 women joining hearts and voices each October in prayer, praise, song, and fellowship!
ANNUAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
Our first WWP Prayer Breakfast was held in 2010 and provided 4 hours of affirmation to women, leaving them feeling cherished, as well as giving them an opportunity to lift their voices together in prayer and song for themselves, their families, their communities, the nation and the world!
The need was evident from the start. The outpouring of prayer requests reinforced the many significant challenges women are dealing with today and their desire for hope, connection and support. Through word-of-mouth, the experience has grown each year, with nearly 800 women participating in 2017.
Our speakers come with the same basic philosophy and a heart for Jesus. They focus their talks/presentations on women and their issues as Catholic/Christians in a busy world and their connection to faith.
Our attendees also break bread and spend time together, reinforcing the importance of community and support for our journey together.
When Women Pray provides a tremendous opportunity to open our arms to Catholics, former/non-practicing-Catholics and non-Catholics in our community through a unique Catholic experience that is more than simply a Mass, Rosary, and speaker – it’s a morning of prayer, song, reflection, friendship, laughter and sometimes tears, that engages and refreshes each woman’s spirit.
As When Women Pray…enters its ninth year, the team is looking to maintain enthusiasm, to grow and to keep the experience fresh, while remaining true to its mission and always faithful to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wherever that may lead.
THE WWP TEAM
We have a dedicated group of volunteers who help us plan, organize, and execute our Prayer Breakfast every year. If you would like to help us bring our faith and joy to other women, please contact us. We would love to have you join us!
