You are loved unique redeemed
Encounter the truth and beauty of your humanity.
Our modern culture gives us sand to build our lives on. Unhealthy expectations. Shallow relationships. Broken promises.
But there’s more to this story. YOU have a purpose because God created you, knows you, and loves you.
“We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.” – St. Pope John Paul II
events
Upcoming Events
This Is My Body Given Up For You – One Day Course at St. Anthony in Parma
Join us for this one day retreat covering Pope Saint Paul the Second's teachings on what it means to be human. -Engaging Lectures from TOB experts -Small group discussion -Q & A sessions -Holy Hour study materials -Breakfast and Lunch provided $45/person includes book and refreshments Registration closes 1/22
Parma, Ohio 44134 United States
Male, Female, Other? – St. Basil the Great
Tuesday Mornings 9:00-10:30 Tuesday Evenings 7:00-8:30 Join us for this 7 week series following Jason Evert's Male, Female, Other? Join us for a series on gender so we can grow in our ability to respond with charity and clarity. "In creating this book, I drew upon the most up-to-date research in approximately a thousand sources and sent the manuscript to doctors in each of these areas of study: endocrinology, pediatric medicine, neurology, biology, psychology, theology, feminism, gender studies, anthropology, and public policy. Those experts offered innumerable helpful corrections and clarifications. The manuscript was also shared with those who do not agree with the Church's teachings which helped me nuance the content more carefully. But perhaps most importantly, I shared the manuscript with individuals who identify as trans or who experience gender dysphoria. Their feedback was the most helpful of all." Jason Evert - from the introduction to Male, Female, Other? February 4th, 2025 for 7 weeks St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, Brecksville, OH $35/person includes book and refreshments Registration closes 1/28
Brecksville, OH 44141 United States
Poustinia Retreat
Our Poustinia Retreat will be 24 hours of silence and solitude. We will begin with Mass around 6:30 pm on Friday. Then we will each go to our individual rooms with only bread, water, a bible, a prayer journal, an icon, and any necessary clothes and toiletries. No phones, electronics or watches. We only leave our rooms to use the bathroom. Father will bring us all back to the chapel for Mass at 6:30 pm on Saturday. Afterward, we will enjoy a meal together and share about the retreat. We will sleep at the retreat center again on Saturday night and leave Sunday after morning prayer and breakfast. Prep meeting: February 13th, 2025 7 to 9 pm at St. Basil the Great, Annex $185/Person includes speaker and priest stipends, two nights lodging, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Loyola Retreat House 700 Killinger Rd, Clinton, OH 44216, USA Registration closes 3/1
Clinton, OH 44216 United States
We’re a ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland
that witnesses to the truth, beauty, and goodness of our humanity. Our mission is to equip teenagers and adults with an informed understanding of what it means to be human, rooted in the teachings of the Theology of the Body
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Who Supports TOB CLE
“I am proud of the work TOB CLE does to share the Gospel and its fundamental truths of creation. The group’s efforts to teach the beauty and sanctity of the human person as God’s sacred handiwork, is a testament to the plan and purpose God has for each and every one of us. May we take to heart their message of living our lives according to the Lord’s design, and thereby draw closer to him.”
Bishop Edward Malesic
Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland
TOB CLE is a true blessing to Northeast Ohio. Jen Ricard and her talented team are on the front lines of evangelization and education, reminding people who and whose we are in this new apostolic age.
Fr. Damian Ference
Vicar of Evangelization, Diocese of Cleveland
“A good disciple helps make more disciples. TOB CLE does this very well. Through showing The Lord’s plan for union etched in our very bodies TOB CLE faithful communicates the gospel in engaging ways to men and women of all ages”
Fr. Ryan Mann
Priest, Diocese of Cleveland
“During our book study, I had the realization that everyone has a cross and God is not dishing out different burdens for the heck of it. God chose a unique cross as our counterparts to salvation. What has made my cross easy to carry has been learning Theology of the Body. I am so excited whenever people discover it because of how life changing it can be. I now experience my loneliness being resolved with reception of the Eucharist at Mass.”
Daniel S.
Book Study Attendee
My son recently participated in your class presentations for Theology of the Body. He highlighted how respectful and communicative you were with your time together. We also overheard conversations with a few friends about how awesome Ms. Ricard is! As a parent, I cannot express my gratitude when learning the context of these sensitive materials. Your positive attitude and dedication to making my son feel respected and safe, is very important to us. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your field of work!!
Tara J.
Grade School Parent
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Pope St. John Paul II delivered 129 talks between 1979 and 1984, collectively known as the Theology of the Body (TOB). These talks weren’t about revealing new truths of the Catholic faith. Instead, they present a new structure to answer fundamental questions. Why were we created? What is our life’s purpose?
At its heart, TOB is about understanding the vocation of life, and how we are called to participate in God’s divine life.
TOB CLE takes these profound teachings on human dignity, relationships, and sexuality, and turns them into a life-changing educational experience for youth and adults.
We invite you to discover the beauty of the human body as a reflection of God’s love. This isn’t just about learning; it’s about transformation. It’s about deepening your faith. It’s about living out authentic love. And it’s about witnessing that love to the world.