Peter and Elaine

Leaders for the Parish Team

After learning Theology of the Body as young adults, before meeting, Peter and Elaine were happy to share this aspect of their faith journey together. In fact, this very teaching helped Elaine to convert to Catholicism along the time she met Peter.  A professor in her law school offered her the text as she was digger for answers to deep questions. Though Peter and Elaine struggled with infertility, they have been blessed with five children and now live in a home where they are honored to share JPII’s wisdom with others. Recently, Peter, along with another parish leader, brought TOB to their men’s workout group, which includes Catholics and other Christian men.

Andrew and Kim

Andrew and Kim have been married 45 years and blessed with 3 sons, 2 daughter-in-laws, and 2 grandchildren.  They have been parishoners for over 35 years.  Andrew converted to Catholism over 20 years ago, primarily due to witness of John Paul II.  Despite up and downs in their marriage, faith has always been foremost and the guiding light to keep their marriage together.  Only recently learning about the Theology of the Body, both wished it had been offered sooner and would like to help extend its teachings to the younger generation.  They now open their home for others to learn about TOB.

Aaron and Christine

With Pope St. John Paul II being the patron saint of their family, Christine and Aaron have grown even more in love with Theology of the Body since the early years of marriage. It has made a deep impact in how they are raising their five beautiful children and preparing them to share Christ’s love with the rest of the world. Christine and Aaron have a heart for hospitality to welcome others into their home to share their Catholic faith with community.

Brian and Susan

Brian and Susan were married in 2019 and have one daughter, Lucy. They were first introduced to Theology of the Body during their marriage preparation when encouraged by their pastor to read Christopher West’s book “The Good News of Sex and Marriage”.  After reading, Brian and Susan believe that West’s clear explanation of John Paul II’s teachings of TOB was God’s way of communicating His plan for their marriage. These teachings especially became helpful early in their marriage when faced with infertility. Brian and Susan are happy to share the good news of Theology of the Body with their families and parish. 

Daniel and Josephine

High school sweethearts, Daniel and Josephine shared everything except their faith. They both loved Jesus, but he was a strong evangelical and she a Catholic. A friend of Josephine’s offered Daniel a book on Theology of the Body, saying, “It’s a perspective on romance and relationships that you won’t expect to hear from the Church.”  This intrigued him enough to read it. After understanding God’s plan through JPII’s wisdom, Daniel thought, “I need to be in whatever Church has this teaching.” It prompted Daniel to convert to Catholicism not for Josephine, but for his own reasons. Now united in the core of their faith, they find this teaching especially helpful in their deepening their prayer life and sharing healthy perspectives with their children.

Jason and Jenny

Jenny and Jason learned Theology of the Body after having 2 children and thinking their life was complete because they had a boy, a girl, an SUV and a good income. Little did they know God had so much more in store for them – an incredible adventure. They admit life was dull before TOB and they now love to share it with their children and many others.

Stephen and Alyssa

Alyssa struggled in late high school to accept God’s plan for her life, especially in her relationships. She chose not to trust in God’s plan and pursued romantic relationships that did not bring her life. After meeting Stephen in college, she knew something was different about him.  She opened her heart to the Lord and he led her to himself in a powerful way. The couple learned Theology of the Body through campus ministry and now are blessed with 5 children and many opportunities to witness to trusting in God’s beautiful plan.

Matthew and Erin

After years of struggling with body issues and her mental health, Erin was grateful to learn Theology of the Body later in life and discover a healthy perspective regarding the goodness of her body.  It brought healing to her personally and to her marriage with Matthew.  As her husband, often feeling helpless in his attempts to love Erin, Matthew now believes TOB gave him a deeper faith to accept and encourage his wife in a positive, holy way.  They share TOB with their adult children and their grandchildren.

Tom and Mary Ann

A failed marriage and falling away from his faith left Tom very discouraged and pessimistic about his Catholic roots and his ability to love a woman rightly. Then he met Mary Ann and things changed.  He wanted to believe and wanted to be the man she deserved.  Theology of the Body gave him a road map to trusting Jesus completely and following the great challenge of “laying down his life for his bride.”  He now grows in his faith daily and thanks JPII for showing him how to be a strong man of God for his wife and children.

Anthony and Maria

Parishioners for only three years, Anthony and Maria moved into the parish while engaged and were grateful to learn Theology of the Body during their marriage preparation with the deacon.  Understanding marital love in a whole new way, they made some big changes and now are excited to bring this new way of living into their new life.  Anthony and Maria are enthusiastically jumping into learning more and sharing it with others in their community.  

Ben and Cathy

Ben started viewing pornography years ago and presumed it was a normal activity for guys. After it almost tore their marriage apart, he knew something needed to change. Through a men’s group at his parish, he learned Theology of the Body and allowed it to change how he viewed women, romance and most especially his relationship with God. He learned to pray more deeply and allowed Jesus to transform his heart – now one on fire for the faith and for his loving wife.  Prayer, sacraments and knowing TOB gave Ben the foundation to not only be a husband of love, but also now an evangelist for JPII’s wisdom.

St. Joseph Parish TOB Partnership

Monday, June 9, 2025 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Corpus Christi Center at St. Joseph in Imperial

Meet other parish leaders to help develop teams for spreading the New Evangelization. Or just learn more and enjoy a short presentation on bringing the sacramental, incarnational life into your home.  CHILDREN ARE WELCOME!

St. Joseph Parish TOB Partnership

Monday, May 5, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Corpus Christi Center at St. Joseph in Imperial

Attendees will learn how to help spread Theology of the Body at St. Joseph parish for years to come. Become trained in offering TOB Retreats in your homes for family, friends, prayer groups, Bible studies, fellow parishioners. Team up to make it easy.  Become a home host, witness couple, retreat leader or behind-the-scenes supporter.  Also, discover evangelical tips for bringing the Good News into everyday life and around the parish. Invited parish leaders received an email to RSVP.  Others interested, contact us…

St. Joseph Parish TOB Partnership

Friday, April 4, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Host Home in Imperial

Attendees will learn how to help spread Theology of the Body at St. Joseph parish for years to come. Become trained in offering TOB Retreats in your homes for family, friends, prayer groups, Bible studies, fellow parishioners. Team up to make it easy.  Become a home host, witness couple, retreat leader or behind-the-scenes supporter.  Also, discover evangelical tips for bringing the Good News into everyday life and around the parish. Invited parish leaders received an email to RSVP.  Others interested…

St. Joseph Parish TOB Partnership

March 3 – April 14, 2025 – Monday nights in Lent

Corpus Christi Center at St. Joseph in Imperial

Six presentations by Image of God Institute Staff and speakers offer deeper perspectives into St. John Paul the Great’s treasure trove of teachings, especially Theology of the Body (TOB). Each unique session answer questions for those who have never heard of TOB before, and offer fresh insights to those who already know TOB.  See with new eyes – the Gospel, prayer, romance, gender and more. No RSVP needed.

St. Joseph Parish TOB Partnership

March 2 – April 13, 2025 – Sunday Nights in Lent

Youth Group at St. Joseph in Imperial

Six presentations by Image of God Institute Staff and witnesses led teens in activities, small groups and talks on Theology of the Body.  Answering questions typical teen questions about topics from relationships to the meaning of life.  Interactive and filled with deep content.