From 11 Families to 35: A Growing Journey of Faith, Hope, and Togetherness
A Small Beginning That Sparked a Big Dream
With a vision to reach and strengthen young families, the Kottayam Archdiocese Jesus Youth Team launched an initiative that has now become a beautiful movement of faith and community. The journey began in May 2025 with the first Young Families Retreat at Thuvanisa Retreat Centre.
Eleven families, married in or after 2015, gathered along with their children for what seemed like a simple retreat. But it became much more—it planted seeds of friendship, faith, and a shared purpose.
Monthly Gatherings That Built Stronger Bonds
Inspired by the impact of the first retreat, the team began Young Families Gatherings at Thuvanisa every third Sunday starting in June 2025.
Initially, only families who attended the retreat were invited. But as each family brought along friends and new families, the gathering steadily grew. Today, what started with 11 families has expanded into a thriving community of nearly 35 families.
A Second Retreat That Touched More Hearts
This year, on May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the second Young Families Retreat welcomed 15 families and their 45 children.
Families prayed together, spent meaningful time together, and shared their faith journeys. For many, it became a deeply refreshing spiritual experience.
A Celebration Filled with Joy and Laughter
The follow-up gathering saw an incredible participation of 25 families and nearly 85 children, reflecting the remarkable growth of this initiative.
Special guests Dr. Prashanth and Teena, along with their 15 children, shared their inspiring testimony, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
The Heartbeat of Every Gathering
Each gathering is filled with moments of joy and connection—tea fellowship, engaging activities, action songs, praise and worship, separate sessions for parents and children, family adoration, and dinner together.
Jesus Youth members and sisters also care for and engage the children, allowing parents to participate more deeply and meaningfully.
Small Steps Creating Big Changes
The most beautiful outcome of this initiative is the transformation happening within families.
Practical insights on family life, inspiring experiences from exemplary couples, and wisdom on parenting are helping families grow stronger and closer.
Since the beginning of this journey, four new babies have been born, while many more families continue to look forward to new blessings.
Building a Christ-Centered Culture for the Next Generation
This movement is shaping not only parents but also children.
As children grow together month after month, they build friendships and learn values rooted in faith and family life. A new culture centered on Jesus is slowly taking shape.
New families continue joining every month. What began with just 11 families has now become a living testimony of faith, love, and hope.
To God Be the Glory : The Journey Continues
The continued growth of this community reminds us of one powerful truth: even a small step taken in faith can create a lasting impact in countless lives.
Jesus Youth Kottayam Archdiocese – Young Families Gathering @ Thuvanisa on May 17th 🙏
