THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY INSTITUTE PRESENTS
“…the consecrated life is at the very heart of the Church,
as a decisive element for her mission."
(Pope Saint John Paul II, Vita Consecrata, 3)
About Our Retreat Course
Created by TOBI Director of Ongoing Formation and Consecrated Virgin, Jen Settle, this week-long retreat course will take consecrated and religious on an in-depth journey through Pope Saint John Paul II's Theology of the Body, encountering this transformational catechesis through the lens of consecrated life.
Participants will contemplate and discuss how the Theology of the Body is lived out within consecrated life. At the heart of the week is the catechesis of Pope Saint John Paul II and within that framework, participants will also be presented talks on "Living Fallen and Redeemed Consecrated Life" and "Living Bridal and Motherly Spirituality." Extended content on the Song of Songs and the Book of Tobit will also be explored.
This 30 hour, week-long retreat course is a part of the Theology of the Body Institute's Certification Program and counts as a core course for those pursuing Certification.
Our Five-Day Retreat Course Includes:
+ Thirty hours of interactive presentations. +
+ Talks specifically aimed at ongoing formation for the heart of consecrated women. +
+ Offerings of small group or individual meditation on living TOB in consecrated life. +
+ Opportunity for one-on-one conversation or direction with the instructor. +
* Adaptations of this retreat course can be made to fit the schedule and needs of your community.
Although these adapted offerings would not be considered a full course for TOBI Certification,
seminars or retreats on TOB & Consecrated Life can greatly enhance your community life and ongoing formation.
What are Religious Saying About the Retreat Course?
"I have been familiar with TOB for a couple of decades now, but what made this course so fresh for me was Jen's personal and vulnerable sharings from her own life and how she sees and experiences TOB through the lens of consecrated life."
"Jen's teaching of Theology of the Body opened up the material in the way that I’ve been searching for…
her beautiful sharings and personal witness enhanced the teachings in a way that called me up and called me on. Jen has given me a 'goal' that I wish to live for the rest of my life…to live in a receptive posture toward God and to always live with the identity as bride."
"I have attended several workshops on the Theology of the Body and was renewed in my religious vocation through Jen's presentation. She presented it through the lens of living it as a faithful consecrated woman which enlivened my own call/vocation and will also help me to better accompany those living the call to be single/married. It is my hope and prayer that other religious sisters/consecrated will be renewed in the Theology of the Body and that the Church will experience the beautiful fruit of being all in for Jesus. Thank you Jen for your beautiful witness!"
"Jen radiates the Theology of the Body teaching, which made her explanation of St. John Paul II's teaching so much more enriching. I could tell that she truly practices what she preaches."
Meet the Instructor
Jen Settle is a Consecrated Virgin in the Diocese of Orlando. She has been a staff member at the Theology of the Body Institute in Quarryville, Pennsylvania since 2008, where she currently serves as the Director of Ongoing Formation. She has Bachelor and Master's degrees in Theology and Parish Ministry from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Jen worked in religious education and adult faith formation for 15 years before joining the TOBI staff. Jen was the TOBI leader in the creation of the In the Person of Chirist Clergy Enrichment Program and creator of the TOB I & Consecreated Life Certification Coruse. She has given retreats to laity, numerous religious communities, seminarians, and priests throughout the country. She completed the Spiritual Direction Certificate Program with Divine Mercy University in 2020 and she currently serves as a spiritual director. Consecrated in 2017 in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Charles Chaput, Jen has consulted with many bishops and dioceses to assist in the creation of discernment and formation processes for women seeking to become a Consecrated Virgin. She serves as a mentor for women across the country who desire the vocation of Consecrated Virginity. She also serves as the Delegate for Consecrated Virginity in the Diocese of Orlando. She is the co-author of the book, Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph: An Integrated Look at the Holy Family, and a contributor to the books, Undone: Freeing the Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame, and God is Beauty: A Retreat on the Gospel and Art.
For Information on
TOB & Consecrated Life Offerings