“Spouses are therefore the permanent reminder to the Church of what happened on the Cross; they are for one another and for the children witnesses to the salvation in which the sacrament makes them sharers.” Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio 13
Together in Holiness Formation & Retreats
Together in Holiness is a marriage enrichment initiative launched by the St. John Paul II Foundation that inspires couples to grow together in holiness and empowers and equips parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. It accomplishes this mission in two complementary ways:
An annual, one-day Conference series for couples
A year-round Formation series for couples
Together in Holiness is unique in that it offers a place of encounter, where God’s plan for marriage and family is proclaimed and a desire for holiness is enkindled in the hearts of married couples. This is complemented by ongoing formation for spouses within a natural community of friends who accompany each other on the path to holiness by providing formation that will help learning take root in daily living.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with the St. John Paul II Foundation and St. Peter parish in West Brandywine, will be hosting the 2026 Together in Holiness Conference on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St. Peter Church in West Brandywine. This is a marriage conference series that inspires spouses to grow together in holiness and empowers parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. The day will consist of Mass with Bishop Efren Esmilla, a marriage blessing, lunch, Eucharistic adoration, and dynamic speakers with topics such as “The Holy Eucharist and the Domestic Church,” “Liturgical Living in the Home,” and “The Eucharistic Mission of the Family.”
Learn more about the 2026 Conference here!
Marriages of Grace
Marriages of Grace is a monthly program where married couples are invited to come together to listen to speakers, have a catered meal and enjoy fellowship with one another. This ministry hosts Cana Date Nights at different parishes throughout the year. Please contact Deacon Pat Kennedy for more information.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Retreats
Worldwide Marriage Encounter helps married couples rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple and this takes place over the course of a weekend. Married couples are able to get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on each other. The weekend is God-centered and is presented in the Roman Catholic Faith Expression; however we welcome couples of all faiths. Guided by a team of volunteer couples and a priest, each participant explores their relationship with their spouse, and their family. The weekend format helps couples communicate openly and honestly, without any group sharing, therapy or marriage counseling. The team couples set an atmosphere for open and loving communication. They model the method, and share their own life experiences, making it easier for spouses to talk with each other. Although the couple’s conversations are private, seeing other couples striving for a better relationship makes it easier for them to be open to their spouse.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA hosts several Marriage Encounter Retreats each year. Find more information on this important ministry or sign up for a retreat here!