WHO WE ARE

A ministry inspired by St. John Paul II’s dedication and attention to the family. Committed to accompanying couples on their marriage journey, we strive to:

Help couples build a family culture that is a great and sacred place in which family members grow up in Christ
Provide small groups of 4–6 families each, in which couples can find support, company, and accountability through the trials and triumphs of marriage
Create a larger community of families to remind us that the Lord is alive among us and that we are His people

If this is something you may be interested in, please fill out the following interest form, and we will be in touch with you soon!

Interest Form

STRUCTURE

“The Rule” of the Families of St. John Paul II provides a structure and guidelines for living out the ideals of family life, including the following suggestions:

Daily suggestion:

Pray the Angelus three times a day: when you wake up, at lunch, and at dinner
15 minutes of prayer time or Scripture reading
Pray with your children at bedtime
Each night, pray the Memorare as a couple

Weekly suggestion:

Find a one-hour mini-retreat to pray, read, or meditate

Monthly suggestion:

Meet as a couple to intentionally communicate about the joys and struggles of family life
Meet as a small group to share a meal, pray together, and study a common text

For a more complete explanation of the Families of St. John Paul II, download our Rule booklet.

Conversations with the Families of St. John Paul II (audio)

Photo: Half Day together with children activities

HALF-DAYS TOGETHER

During our “Half-Days,” all the families meet with their children, the priests, and the sisters to share a meal, sing, and play games together. The day ends with a teaching for the adults, while the kids and teenagers have a moment together as well. According to “The Rule” of the Families of St. John Paul II, “The [half-day] teaching is the bread of the soul; it gives us nutrients to grow in our faith and our vocation.”

2025–2026
HALF-DAY DATES

September 28, 2025
November 9, 2025
January 25, 2026
April 19, 2026

VACATIONS

Once a year, each small group shares a few days of summer vacation together, usually accompanied by one of the priests or sisters. Taking time away together makes it possible to focus on the things that have a priority in our lives but are often left out. Prayer together, hikes, singing, good food, and nice conversations are the core of our proposal during the family vacations.

Photo: Mass during summer vacation with Fr. Matteo Invernizzi, F.S.C.B.

SUMMER BBQ

Every summer, we host a BBQ as a way to share with new families the joy of friendships forged with other families as we grow together in Christ’s Church.