“Walking with Families”. The Online Pastoral Formation Program of Jp2
Walking with Families. Pathways in Pastoral Accompaniment
The Online Pastoral Formation Program of Jp2
“Walking with Families” is an online program taught entirely in English, designed to provide high-quality theological and pastoral formation on marriage and family life.
It offers a flexible and inspiring way to grow in understanding and to strengthen your mission—right where you are.
DOWNLOAD FLYER_Walking with Families 2026
Why This Program?
The future of the Church and society depends on the strength of families.
To nurture this future, those who serve in pastoral ministry—clergy, religious, and lay leaders alike—need solid, accessible formation in the theology and pastoral care of marriage and family.
The Challenge
Many dedicated men and women in the family apostolate lack the time, Italian language ability, or academic background required to pursue full-time studies in Rome.
Yet their desire for deeper formation and more effective ministry remains strong.
Who It’s For
Priests and religious engaged in family ministry
Lay leaders preparing for or active in parish or diocesan apostolates
Anyone seeking to enrich their personal life, strengthen family bonds, or serve more effectively in the Church’s mission
Why Participate
Deepen your understanding of Christian marriage and family life
Strengthen your ability to accompany families in today’s world
Grow personally and spiritually while enhancing your pastoral outreach
Language & Format
It runs from mid-February to the end of May 2026. Classes will be held live on Zoom in English, every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rome time, for a total of 48 class hours. Classes will not be held during Holy Week and Easter Week. Participants will receive a Zoom link before the course begins and are asked to keep their webcams on during sessions.
VIEW THE SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE
“Families are the cradle of the future of humanity”
Pope Leo XIV, Homily, June 1, 2025
The Classes
Person and Communion – Prof. Stephan Kampowski
This course explores the meaning of personhood, showing that a person’s true fulfillment is found not in isolation but in relationship with others, beginning with the family. It examines key concepts such as the common good and friendship, and concludes by considering how the uniquely human capacities for being able to promise and forgive build and sustain our most vital relationships. LOOK AT THE VIDEO
Contemporary Issues in Family Ministry – Prof. Julian Paparella
The course examines questions arising from family life today. These include: How can marriage and family be pathways for growing in faith? How to accompany the complex situations and challenges that families experience? How to support families at crucial moments in their journeys? Topics will be discussed by engaging with real-life experiences in dialogue with Church teaching and pastoral practice.
The Family and the Economy – Prof. Matteo Rizzolli and Prof. Lucia Marchegiani
Family and economy are often seen as separate spheres: the former is frequently linked to care and affection, the latter to markets and production. This course examines their interconnection through the microeconomics of family choices, the macroeconomics of demography and welfare, the management of families and family businesses, public policies, and the challenges of harmonizing family life and work.
Man and Woman in Biblical Narratives – Prof. Simona Segoloni
This course aims to examine Biblical Narratives (from both the Old and New Testaments) that highlight the relationships between men and women in all their practical reality and complexity. The goal is to grasp how God’s presence and his Word can renew, liberate, and allow the lives of all people—and their relationships—to flourish.
The Mystery of the Church and the Mystery of the Family – Prof. Youssef Abi Zeid
This course examines some texts from the magisterium and from theologians to study the Church-family analogy. The aim is to understand how the Church is the “Family of God” and how Christian families live as domestic churches through their relationship with the Word of God, the Eucharist, and synodality. It will be helpful to develop family ministries well adapted to their unique contexts.
ADMISSION
To apply there are no academic prerequisites for this course.
For enrollment, please send an email to pathways@istitutogp2.it, no later than 2 February, 2026 15 February, 2026 including the following documents:
- A valid piece of government-issued photo identification (passport, national identification card)
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A letter of motivation
- A letter of reference from your parish priest or religious superior
- Proof of payment for the academic fees
The registration fee is €250, payable upon submission of the application.
If the number of applications exceeds the maximum available spots, applicants who complete their registration procedures first will receive priority. The program administration reserves the right to cancel the program if the minimum number of participants is not met.
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide a certificate of English language proficiency (CEFR Level B1) or equivalent documentation
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Special Opportunity for JP2 Alumni Contemporary Issues in Family Ministry |
Certification
Those who attended at least 60% of the class sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion.
Please note: This program is designed for personal and pastoral enrichment and does not confer university credits or an academic degree. If upon completion students enroll in an in-person program at the Institute in Rome, they can under certain conditions have credits applied toward their studies.
FOR ENROLLMENT AND INFO: pathways@istitutogp2.it
