Strong families make a strong world.

At Family Foundations Institute, we recognize the family as the foundation of society, “the original cell of social life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207).

Our Mission

We seek to connect, inform, and encourage families through many events and activities.

Connect

We facilitate and support connections for all members of the family, providing opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and feel part of a larger community.

Inform

We provide access to events and programs built on quality resources and speakers that adhere to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope.

Encourage

Through our connections and formational activities we consistently seek to encourage all members of the family in their striving for holiness, no matter what stage of life.

About Us

Family Foundations Institute is a Registered Canadian Charity working to strengthen families. We started out small in London and Stratford as three families, meeting at their homes on a regular basis for family rosary, snack, and a time of catechesis. We now run a number of formation initiatives for men, women, boys, girls, teens, and young adults.

Play Video about Family Foundations Institute Family with Child

Upcoming Events

Check out our featured upcoming events for an opportunity to #ActivateDomesticChurch

Men of Faith, Men of Service

Service Retreat at the John Paul II Family Centre

Fri, June 9, 2023 7:00 pm
to Sat, June 10, 2023 3:30 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0

Knight’s Quest Boys Camp

Summer Camping Programs

Sun, July 9, 2023 3:00 pm
to Fri, July 14, 2023 1:00 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
FULL (Waitlist)

Family Camp Week 1

Summer Camping Programs

Sun, July 16, 2023 4:30 pm
to Fri, July 21, 2023 1:00 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
$1500* (HST included)

Family Camp Week 2

Summer Camping Programs

Sun, August 6, 2023 4:30 pm
to Fri, August 11, 2023 1:00 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
FULL

Family Camp Week 3

Summer Camping Programs

Sun, August 13, 2023 4:30 pm
to Fri, August 18, 2023 1:00 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
$1500* (HST included)

Anchor Camp for Girls

Summer Camping Programs

Sun, August 20, 2023 3:00 pm
to Fri, August 25, 2023 1:00 pm
John Paul II Family Centre
6679 Woodworth Rd, Port Burwell, ON N0J 1T0
FULL (Waitlist)

Our Team

Brian Simpson

Executive Director

Sarah Simpson

Office Coordinator

Kelly Skinn

Office Assistant

Adam Helmers

Communications Coordinator
Connie Vanderheyden

Connie Vanderheyden

Youth & Young Adults Coordinator
Paul Trombley

Paul Trombley

Family Catechism Coordinator
Anne Marie Posella

Anne Marie Posella

Mental Wellness Outreach Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

FFI is overseen by a Board of Directors. The Executive Director is charged with implementing the organization’s Board-approved initiatives within the annual Board-approved budget. The Executive Director, along with 3 part time staff (2 admin, 1 youth coordinator), coordinate many lay volunteers who implement FFI activities and initiatives. Each event has designated lay coordinators to assist in executing these events.

FFI is guided by Principle #1 and is constantly checking and referencing materials used seeking to ensure there is a Nihil Obstat (i.e., certification by an official censor appointed by a bishop that a book is not objectionable on doctrinal or moral grounds), and by seeking guidance from appropriate individuals (including individuals of the Diocese of London) who are in good standing with their dioceses.

The main curriculum used for Family Catechism is the “Faith and Life” series. Family Catechism and Pure Life Gatherings also rely heavily on Formed.org for teaching materials. For speakers brought in for FFI Events, FFI follows the appropriate vetting process of the Diocese of London.

No, FFI is not a formally approved Secular Institute or Association nor does it seek to be. FFI is a registered charity and is simply a lay endeavor initiated by the personal initiative of individuals.

Yes, FFI helps the Church and parishes by encouraging lay members of the Church.

FFI supplements faith formation received at the parishes and aims to ignite a desire for participants to be more involved in their parishes and the Church. A multitude of experiences and evaluations show that participants have been reinvigorated in practicing their faith, to becoming more involved in their parish and have returned to their Church.

Many of the parents and youth from Family Catechism are the people who are the pro-claimers, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, choir members, teachers of parish sacramental formation, marriage prep, finance members, etc. because they attend their parish with their families, because they have authentic formation, and because they want to serve.

For example, over the years there have been teachers from 28 parishes in the London and surrounding area who have had a part in delivering the London Family Catechism. Repeatedly teachers have remarked that they are much better formed and strengthened in their faith because of their involvement in the catechism program; further, they are confident and enthused about further participating in Parish life.

There have also been individual initiatives that FFI has incubated or supported that benefit parishes. (For example, Sarnia Marriage Conference or Men of Faith Listowel)

Yes, FFI has a Vulnerable Sector Policy entitled “Made in God’s Image” – you can read the policy here.