“The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It has been created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it” (TOB 19:4) - St. John Paul II
Our Goal
To gather interest in bringing Christopher West and an event called "The Well" to a local Rochester Catholic parish sometime in the next 1-2 yrs. The main goal is to introduce St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body to a much wider audience. Conducting this "interest gathering" effort will help us determine where this event could be hosted and what individuals would be interested in helping the parish promote it. We look forward to this possibility becoming a reality. We hope that this beautiful vision of what it means to be human can spark a greater healing within the hearts of us all.
What is The Well?
The Well is not "a talk" or parish lecture. It is a 2.5 hour weekday evening event presented by the Theology of the Body Institute. This event artfully and reverently weaves together dynamic teaching by Christopher West, live music by Mike Mangione, and big screen multi-media presentations allowing participants to taste, see, and feel the beauty of the Gospel and the Eucharist in a way that truly reaches the heart. The words of Jesus to the "woman at the well" play a central theme for how the Theology of the Body is introduced throughout this event.
Watch the trailer for "The Well"
Theology of the Body Institute Website
What is the Theology of the Body?
The Theology of the Body (TOB) is St. John Paul II’s profound teaching on the meaning of the human person, the body, love, sexuality, and God’s plan for authentic human flourishing. This catechesis was presented by JPII during his Wednesday audiences from 1979-1984. The TOB presents a vision of the human person rooted in dignity, freedom, and self‑giving love, as it was written into our bodies from the beginning.
It addresses the deepest questions of the human heart:
Who am I, what was I made for, and where am I going?
Why were we created male and female?
What do I do with my desires and longings?
What does it mean to be human and made for love?
Why This Event Is Needed Now
We live in a time marked by cultural confusion about the human body, identity, relationships, sexuality, and the meaning of the human person. Many people—young and old—are searching for clarity rooted in truth and a hopeful vision of the body and of love. The TOB is an answer to the cry of our hearts...a cry for union and ultimate fulfillment with our one true bridegroom, Jesus Christ. This teaching has not yet reached the entire Body of Christ, but is needed now more than ever.
A Theology of the Body event would offer:
-A healing, hope-filled vision of the human person
-Practical tools for navigating modern cultural challenges
-A deeper understanding of God’s love revealed through the body
-Formation for parents, teens, catechists, clergy, and all seeking truth
-A unifying experience that strengthens parish life and evangelization
-In a world hungry for meaning, TOB provides a life-giving and joy-filled vision of the destiny God has had planned for us from the beginning of time
Our Support
We, the undersigned, support the hosting of a Theology of the Body Institute event called "The Well" being hosted at a local Catholic parish in Rochester sometime in the near future. We believe this event led by Christopher West and the Theology of the Body Institute focused on Eucharistic Revival would be a powerful blessing for our parishes, families, and wider community. This event would serve as a much needed opportunity for renewal, catechesis, and evangelization on who we are and what we have been created for.
By signing this petition, we affirm that we would be willing to purchase a $30 ticket to attend the event. These signatures demonstrate genuine interest and ensure the event is financially feasible.
ALL WHO ARE THIRSTY....COME TO THE WELL