WHY IT MATTERS 

Young Latino families today often find themselves at the crossroads of cultures, with limited models of faith-based parenting and little support in living out their vocation in the home. Yet the Church teaches us, especially through Lumen Gentium and the Catechism, that the family is a sacred space —a domestic church where the Gospel takes root in everyday life.

Iskali’s Holy Family Initiative helps young parents reclaim this vision by offering practical tools, spiritual formation, and a supportive community to live their faith intentionally at home.

WHAT THE INITIATIVE OFFERS

1. Domestic Church Curriculum

​At the center of the program is a curriculum grounded in the Church’s vision of the domestic church. Inspired by official church documents like Familiaris Consortio, Amoris
Laetitia, and the Catechism, the sessions help parents see the holiness of their everyday family life. Topics include:

• Creating a sacred space at home
• Praying as a family
• Living the Gospel in family routines

Parents learn that the family is not just a place to talk about faith, but where faith is lived, embodied, and passed on.

2. Weekly Gatherings and Sacred Spaces 

Parents are encouraged to meet weekly with their children and prepare a sacred space in their homes—a quiet area with a crucifix, Bible, candle, and sacramentals—where the
family can gather for prayer and reflection. These meetings follow a general opening prayer, sharing God’s presence in their week, Lectio Divina, family reflection, intercessions,
and closing prayer.

3. Monthly Gatherings and Sacred Spaces 

Parents meet in small groups once a month for formation and fellowship. These gatherings are led by trained parent-facilitators and create spaces of trust, reflection, and mutual
support. Over time, they become like extended family for one another.

4. Retreats and Community Events

From half-day and weekend retreats to parenting talks and family celebrations, we create opportunities for families to step away from the busyness of life and re-center ob what matters most: their relationship with God and one another. 

5. Personal Accompaniment 

We walk closely with parents, especially those going through difficult moments, offering mentorship, prayer, and support. This one-on-one accompaniment is often what makes the biggest difference.

6. Partnership with Parishes 

We work closely with Catholic parishes to support their own family formation initiatives such as parent catechism, baptism prep, or sacramental prep.

WHAT WE'VE SEEN:

Since launching in 2024, we have seen involvement from over 50 parents from across Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis. The results have been powerful:

• Families have created sacred spaces in their homes and begun praying together weekly.
• Children are hearing the Gospel from their parents for the first time.
• Spouses report healing in their relationship and greater unity in their parenting.
• Parents feel more confident in their God-given role as leaders of faith in the home.

These are not just program outcomes so far- they are moments of conversion and healing.

LOOKING AHEAD:

We’re only getting started. The Holy Family Initiative is now a core part of Iskali’s mission. As we continue to expand, our vision is to form a growing network of parents who not
only grow in their own faith but go on to mentor and inspire others, especially the young adults discerning a marriage vocation. We believe that by investing in parents, we are strengthening the entire Church. One home at a time.

The Holy Family Initiative is about hope. It’s about building a Church that begins at the kitchen table, with laughter, prayer, struggle, and love. It’s about building homes where
children encounter the love of Christ in the faces of their parents and where everyday life becomes a path to holiness. At Iskali, we walk with young families as they become living witnesses of God’s love—one meal, one bedtime prayer, one act of forgiveness at a time. In helping families become true domestic churches, we believe we are participating in the quiet, powerful renewal of the Church and the world.

UPCOMING EVENTS