The Benedicta Institute for Women^®

Why Certification?

The purpose of the Certificate in Catholic Women’s Leadership through the Benedicta Institute for Women^® is found in the Institute’s motto, agere sequitur esse (“doing follows being”). The woman who receives the Benedicta Institute Certificate in Catholic Women’s Leadership will be formed and shaped according to the heart and mind of Holy Mother Church in the fullness of the feminine genius, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through the spiritual and leadership formation provided, she will be imbued with the Marian character, confidence, and skill to bring Jesus Christ to the world and the world to Jesus Christ, no matter her position or state in life. In so doing, she will do much to “id humanity in not falling” and to create “a civilization of love.”

What is the prerequisite?

To be eligible for the Certification Program, participants must have first completed the Women of Grace Foundational Study: Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life. Certificate of Completion is required. (Inquire about online Foundational Study options to meet requirement.)

How does it work?

• The Certification Program is a 2-3 year program (24 equivalency credits) that focuses on four, thematic components:
  • God and the Human Person (3 equivalency credits)
  • Mariology (3 equivalency credits)
  • Carmelite Spirituality (3 equivalency credits)
  • Catholic Women’s Leadership (3 equivalency credits)
  In addition:
  • 3 Elective Courses (9 equivalency credits)
  • 3 Benedicta Enrichment Seminars (3 equivalency credits)
• The hybrid model offers Immersives, Electives, and Enrichment Seminars in-person and online so that you can weave this program into your schedule.
• Week-Long Immersive Courses are required in all four themes. Each participant must attend a minimum of two, in-person, Week-Long Immersives.
• Courses are led by world renowned Catholic Instructors through in-person and online formats.
• Assessments will be based on presence, participation, small and large group formation and discussion boards.

Upcoming Courses:

Instructors:

Donald Wallenfang, OCDS, PhD

Donald Wallenfang, OCDS, PhD is a Secular Discalced Carmelite, Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, and Academic Advisor for the Benedicta Institute for Women^®. He received his MTS from St Norbert College and his PhD in systematic theology from Loyola University Chicago.

He has published twelve books as well as numerous articles and book chapters on a variety of topics in Catholic theology and philosophy. His areas of expertise merge at the intersection of Carmelite spirituality, phenomenology, metaphysics, and sacramental theology.

Wallenfang served in full-time Catholic youth and young adult ministry for nine years. He has been married to his wife, Megan, for twenty-three years and has six children.

Monica Miller, PhD

Monica Miller, PhD is a nationally-known pro-life leader, founder and director of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, active in the pro-life movement since 1976. She is also a professor of Theology at Madonna University in Livonia, MI — author of several published books and articles including Sexuality and Authority in the Catholic Church and Abandoned—The Untold Story of the Abortion Wars.

Dr. Miller speaks on a number of topics including abortion and pro-life issues, infanticide, euthanasia, “gay Marriage,” Catholic teachings on artificial contraception, artificial reproduction, the role of women in the Church, theology of the body, Sacraments and Liturgy.

Program Founder and Director:

Johnnette Benkovic Williams

Johnnette Benkovic Williams is the Founder and President of Women of Grace^®, a Catholic outreach for women and the Benedicta Institute for Women^®.

She is also a popular speaker, author, and television and radio show host seen and heard internationally on EWTN Television and Radio.

Johnnette has served in Catholic ministry for over 35 years, with an emphasis in Catholic women’s spiritual formation.

Spiritual Advisor:

Most Reverend Bishop William John Waltersheid

Most Reverend Bishop William John Waltersheid is Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Titular Bishop of California, ordained by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.

He is a Third Order Discalced Carmelite and he is Spiritual Advisor to Women of Grace^® and Benedicta Institute for Women^®.

“How rare it is to find a valiant woman! It is perhaps necessarily so, since Scripture says that they are more precious than pearls and diamonds. Let us however work to train a few.”

“Perhaps you have had a moment in your life where you knew that your life would never be the same. That was my experience when I completed the first course in Catholic Women’s Leadership. At the time that I registered for the course, I absolutely had no idea why I was enrolling it in or how I would utilize it in my future. All I knew for sure was that I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to register for this course. Using Mary, our mother, as my role model, I said ‘yes’.

What I said ‘yes’ to was a profound experience that transformed my entire womanhood! What God has entrusted to me as being a female is such an awesome responsibility; I trust that I will learn how to better accomplish this by this program. Dr. Monica Miller was so passionate and knowledgeable, it was contagious, and I knew that I would never be the same again. I truly felt the presence of God everywhere on campus. It was inspiring and nurturing to be surrounded by all these amazing men and women who were so filled with God’s love. Though I do not know where I am being lead, I do know that now is the time, and I just can’t wait to be back on campus again! ”

If you have questions or for more information, please contact us:

benedicta@womenofgrace.com
1-800-558-5452

Mary Grey, Director of Benedicta Institute for Women^®
813-856-6383
mgray@womenofgrace.com