Building Community and Connections through He is Goodness

When I first stepped into the role of CWOC (Catholic Women of the Chapel) president a few years back, I thought I was simply saying yes to leading a community of faith-filled women. What I didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to find solid, accessible, and affordable Bible study resources—especially when Department of Defense budget cuts hit hard and forced us to do more with less.

It was after one of those hard budget conversations that I called my good friend Nicole Lancour—an Air Force civilian spouse with a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville—who’d been walking alongside me through military moves, prayer groups, and the ups and downs of armed forces family life. We knew there had to be a better way to support our Catholic community with studies that were theologically rich, beautiful, and, most of all, free.

That’s when He Is Goodness was born.

Made for the Armed Forces Life 

Nicole and I poured our hearts into designing studies that could effortlessly move with military families. We sought guidance and found support with the Archdiocese for Military Services and we went “live” with our material. Over time, we heard from men and women leading ministries in chapels, restaurants, pubs, and parks with zero funding; we were told of parents finding comfort from studies in hospital rooms journeying with sick children; we found out service men and women were gathering in remote bases for Bible study in the Middle East, and deployed soldiers kept their faith going with prayer moments from our scrollable online studies. Building on this, over the last two years, we’ve seen our studies accessed not only by the US military communities but to our amazement, in over 44 countries worldwide.

He Is Goodness isn’t just a library of Bible studies—it’s an apostolate born out of the needs we actively see, the gaps we identify, and the mission we’ve felt called to support. It’s designed to meet military families where we are and help us grow in faith—even when life is unpredictable, exhausting, or lonely.

Here’s How We’re Supporting Individuals and Families Like Yours:

• For the Deployed: Online studies that can be downloaded directly to your phone or tablet—no Wi-Fi needed.
• For Solo Users or Caregivers: Thoughtful, soul-searching, and motivating reflections. Meaningful conversations with Christ for all seasons.
• For Ministry Leaders: Beautiful, group-ready studies with no cost—perfect for chapels or off-site events with tight or unpredictable budgets. Welcome new friends with ease.
• For Men and Women’s Groups: Structured, theologically sound content that invites real, honest conversation. No audio or video requirements so studies can be used in cafes or with kids playing. 
• Children and Teens: In our seasonal mini-retreats we include youth materials perfect for simple holiday teas or themed night of reflection events.
• For Spanish Speakers: Thanks to generous donors and grants, we now offer professionally translated Spanish versions of select studies!

Our Collaboration with Sisters of Life 

One of my favorite recent projects is the Rejoice! Baby Shower Bible Study, which we created in partnership with the inspiring Sisters of Life. Along with lovely brief Scripture reflections, it includes games, invitations, new mom support, baby book keepsakes, and more, taking the pressure and expense off hosting events that celebrate life. It can be shared intimately with a friend or two over a cup of tea, or at a community-wide brunch event. Either way, whether it’s a mom’s first baby or fifth, the beautiful study bundle helps us tangibly support one another. 

God’s Word Is for You—Right Now

I know how hard it can be to show up for your faith when you’re juggling the demands of the mil spouse life. I’ve been the new girl in town (more times than I’d like to count). I’ve lived through multiple teary “see you later” goodbyes and sleepless nights during my husband’s deployments. I’ve felt the frustration of career challenges due to frequent moves. I’ve experienced the questions that come from infertility, the struggles surrounding parenting away from family support, and the unbelievable pain that accompanies the loss of children way too soon, alone in a foreign country. 

But I also know this: God is still good, even in our worst hours. His love is bigger than our struggles and our heartaches. 

That’s why He Is Goodness exists—for armed forces families and individuals just like you and me. I hope you’ll explore our studies, share them freely, and keep saying yes to Jesus: in every season, at every base, in every mess, and every miracle. 

About the He is Goodness Team:

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Arizona State University in Nursing and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Kathryn spent the formative years of her career working with neonatal intensive care and pediatrics populations as a Registered Nurse. She has since transitioned and currently supports ministry and catechetical services in Bavaria, Germany for the Catholic US Military community stationed overseas.

Kathryn is blessed with a wonderful husband and three great children.

Nicole holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She has served in the Diocese of Richmond for more than 13 years in parish and non-profit settings. As a commissioned Lay Ecclesial Minister, Nicole has led adult and youth ministries and worked in communications and development.

Nicole is blessed with a loving husband and four fantastic children.