Saint John Institute

05/25/2026

In 1997 and the year 2000 Pope John II sent a letter to all the priests in the world as was his custom and in both of these letters he emphasizes a very important truth: the priest has to lead out of who he is. As important as this might be for priests to remember it’s also important for all leaders to remember Jesus doesn’t lead in abstraction. He asks us to give ourselves. Learning how to do this well is an essential aspect of Christian leadership.

05/23/2026

Sometimes moments of clarity with God come when you step away from everything familiar.

In April, 13 men and 2 guides gathered at 11,500 feet in the Colorado backcountry for our annual Men's Hut Trip. Through prayer, Mass, and real conversation, alongside snowstorms, freezing river crossings, and unmarked climbs, they encountered something deeper than the adventure itself: the all-powerful, all-loving God who calls them sons.

This experience was created with these men in mind, meant to strip their lives down to what matters most: faith, purpose, and brotherhood.

Grateful for the men who said yes to the challenge!

05/22/2026

🔥 Come to the Fire 🔥

At the end of April, the Saint John Leadership Network welcomed 9 men from across Colorado, Utah, Kansas, and Ohio to our inaugural Come to the Fire Men’s Retreat at Singing River Ranch in the Rocky Mountains.

For three days and three nights, these men stepped away from the demands of daily life for prayer, fraternity, reflection, and renewal in Christ.

Through time in the mountains, conversations around the fire, prayer, silence, and brotherhood, God moved powerfully during these days.

What stood out most? Every participant expressed a desire to return.

God be praised for the faith strengthened, the friendships formed, and the renewal that took place.

05/21/2026

We had the opportunity to lead a multi-day leadership retreat with our partners at J.T.M. Food Group.

Over the past few days, we’ve had conversations around leadership, strategy, team health, communication, and long-term vision. But what’s been most impactful is seeing a company intentionally invest in its people and values at every level. J.T.M.’s willingness to bring faith, integrity, and leadership development into daily business practice has made this week especially meaningful.

Strong companies don’t build strong cultures by accident, and J.T.M shows us all how to be a strong company, rooted in Christ.

Grateful for the trust, the conversations, and the opportunity to serve such an intentional team!

What’s the best leadership investment your organization has made recently?

05/21/2026

At the 8th Annual Cincinnati Date Night, 160 people representing 80 marriages invested in what matters most: their relationship. Hosted by the Saint John Leadership Network, the evening was filled with live jazz (from a local high school band!), meaningful conversation, and plenty of joy. But what stood out most wasn’t just the beautiful setting or the incredible charcuterie boards. It was the sound of couples rediscovering one another.

Under the guidance of Father Nathan Cromly, couples were challenged and encouraged with practical wisdom, humor, and a renewed vision for their vocation of marriage. One moment that lingered: hearing spouses share what they admire most about each other.

Events like this don’t just create a great night, they spark lasting change. More prayer. Better communication. Intentional time together.

Three cheers to our incredible Cincinnati volunteers who made this evening possible. Your work is strengthening marriages, families, and communities!

05/21/2026

What happens when women are given intentional space to slow down, connect, and encounter God together?

This. 👇

Our women’s retreats create space for women to learn from one another, build authentic community, and spend meaningful time with the One who matters most: God.

In a world that seems to constantly demand more, these retreats offer reflection, prayer, and encouragement alongside other women walking through many of the same joys and challenges of life.

One of the greatest gifts of this ministry is watching women arrive weary and leave refreshed, connected, and strengthened in faith. We’re grateful to help create environments where women from all walks of life can gather and grow together.

🎥 Take a look at what these retreats are all about!

If you know someone who could use a time like this, feel free to share this post with them.

Saint John Institute: Which Women’s Retreat Is Right for You? (Find Your Fit in 9 Minutes)

05/21/2026

Want to see what it looks like to have 65 young Catholic professionals gather for an evening of faith, fellowship, and authentic conversation?

This past week, we had the privilege of welcoming a standing-room-only crowd for Young Catholic Professionals Denver's Executive Speaker Series: “Courage in the Workplace: How Catholic Leaders Stand Apart.” It was a joy for Father Nathan and our community at Saint John Institute to host so many young professionals striving to live their faith boldly in both their personal and work lives.

The evening included Mass, community, and a conversation on leadership, and navigating today’s cultural landscape with clarity, conviction, and purpose. One of the most encouraging parts of the night was seeing so many people hungry not only for professional success, but for education in how to be an authentic leader rooted in faith and virtue. These business people, on fire to build God's Kingdom, are proof of the bright future ahead!

We’re grateful that God has allowed us to partner with Young Catholic Professionals and to help create spaces where leaders can grow in community, deepen their faith, and be inspired to bring Christ into their workplaces.

05/04/2026

If I were to ask you who it is that's responsible for making the world holy most of you would respond your priest or your minister or someone who works for the church. While this may be true, what’s the place for a businessperson or working professional or stay at home mom or even grandparents for that matter? In his letters to priest from 1996, Pope John Paul II makes a compelling case for the special way that people can make the world holy too.

04/21/2026

Because the lifestyle of a leader is marked by action, fatigue and wearing out are a common problem. This is the same whether you are a secular leader or a religious one. How can we renew our energy and find the way forward when we feel overwhelmed and worn out with exhaustion. In this second part of “Leadership Lessons From Priests” I focus in on Saint Pope John Paul II’s letter to priests from 1982. Here he lays out for us a pathway to hope.

04/14/2026

From 1979 to 2005 Pope John Paul II had the custom of writing a letter to all the priests in the Catholic world on the occasion of Holy Thursday. The letters are a treasury of wisdom and insight into leadership and all leaders of denomination or state in life can find insight here. In this beginning of our next session on “What Can Priests Teach Us?”, we discover our own role as stewards and witnesses.