Family Week

Join other families and couples from all over the Kansas City area for an inspiring Catholic marriage and family retreat on Benedictine College’s beautiful campus in Atchison, Kansas.

Retreat Dates: May 28 - June 1, 2023

Family Week is a family enrichment retreat hosted by the Benedictine College Center for Family Life. Couples and families come to Family Week for a unique retreat experience that explores the “why and how” of marriage and family through a Catholic lens. It's a dynamic five days of deep and engaging talks, fellowship, prayer, and fun activities for the whole family. In the mornings, couples explore various topics and strategies relating to marriage and family while the kids participate in fun activities and faith formation. Afternoons and evenings will include many opportunities for quality fun and formative family time. Families of all faith traditions welcome.

Featured Presenters

Fr. Jose Noriega, DCJM

Fr. José Noriega, DCJM

More about Fr. José Noriega, DCJM

Fr. Noriega is a Professor of Moral Theology specializing in the Sacrament of
Marriage at the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, in Denver, CO. He is pastor
at St. Mary Catholic Parish, Littleton, CO.

Fr. Luis Granados, DCJM

Fr. Luis Granados, DCJM

More about Fr. Luis Granados, DCJM

Fr. Granados, a priest of the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, served as
Academic Dean and taught at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.
Originally from Madrid, Spain, after his ordination to the priesthood in 2005, Fr.
Luis earned his Doctorate of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) at the JPII Institute for
Marriage and Family Life in Rome.

Marcie Stokman

Marcie Stokman

More about Marcie Stokman

Marcie Stokman is the founder and president of the international movement and book club the Well-Read Mom (WRM). With a passion for reading and motherhood, she writes and speaks to encourage women in a world of rising isolation, loneliness, and mental health issues. Marcie has a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Nebraska, Kearney and Masters in Psychology from the Adler Institute in Chicago. Speaking and leadership credits include the Minnesota Association of Catholic Homeschooling Educators Conference (MACHE), the annual WRM conferences at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as numerous organizations in Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston, New York, DesMoines, Denver, Sacramento and smaller cities across the United States and Canada. Marcie has been married to Pete for 38 years. They have 7 children and 17 grandkids.

A group picture of the Little Sisters and Brothers of the Lamb.

The Little Sisters and Brothers of the Lamb

More about the Little Sisters and Brothers

Founded in Southern France, the Little Sisters and Brothers of the Lamb are a Religious Community that is shaped by both the Dominican and Franciscan Spirituality, uniting the proclamation of the Gospel through preaching with commitment to the poor. The motto of the Community is “Wounded, I will never cease to love.”

Registration

Registration for Family Week 2023 has closed. If you still want to come or if you have any questions, please contact Paul Burghart at pburghart@benedictine.edu.

A Unique Catholic Marriage and Family Retreat

Family Week is a true experience of an authentic Catholic vision for marriage and family life with experts on both the theology and practice of family living. Together we will discuss the unity discovered within and brought about by marriage, the importance of male and female and its relation to the Incarnation, couple's participation in and reflection of divine love, and the adventure of family life.

  1. Prevention: Fighting back against the secular narrative about family life will help prevent weakening of the family bond.
  2. Restoration: Intentional couple's time and family activities help to refresh and restore your marriage.
  3. Exploration: Together we'll explore God's plan for marriage, seeing not only the physical fruits but also the spiritual fruits that come from living out the nuptial sacramental vocation.

Conference Info and Resources

Where do we eat?

All participants will eat meals in the Benedictine College Dining Hall.

Where will I stay?

Participants will be housed in college dorms. Bedding is provided, but many participants choose to bring an extra pillow or blanket for added comfort. The dorms can be cool at night.

What if we live nearby?

Participants who live nearby are welcome to register for the retreat for a reduced rate, which is available within the registration page.

What if I’m flying in?

We are located 40 minutes North of the Kansas City Airport (MCI) and recommend that families flying in book a shuttle to and from campus.

What is the weather like and how should I dress?

Kansas is warm during the summer. It is hot during the day and pleasant at night and in the mornings. Some of the buildings may be chilly so please plan to bring a sweater or jacket. Please dress in modest, comfortable clothing.

What do I do if I have a food allergy?

If you have any dietary restrictions, please make sure to list them on your detailed registration form in the ‘allergies’ section. If you have already completed this form and have a new dietary restriction or forgot to list it, please contact us to let us know so that we can update your information.

Who should I call in case of emergency?

Our staff will be available 24/7 during all conferences to answer any questions and handle emergencies. If you need to get in contact with the Family Week Staff at any time for any reason please call (913) 360-7358.

Location