Episode 15: The Power of Family Retreats with Molly and Benno

Welcome to the first installment of our new parent series, The Confessional. The name comes from the repurposed confessional we use as our recording space, but it also reflects what we hope this series will be: a place for parents to speak honestly about the joys and challenges of raising kids in today’s complicated, noisy world. In this episode, we sit down with Molly and Benno Lauer, who share how their family created a tradition of annual retreats—weekends away where they step back from daily life to reflect, set goals, and name their shared values. What began during the pandemic, when their oldest turned their house into a “hotel” just to break the routine, has grown into a practice that shapes everything from chores to morning routines to how they hold each other accountable with kindness. Together, we explore how family discernment can be both practical and faith-filled: creating simple rituals (like “glows and grows”), giving kids ownership of family goals, and remembering that intentionality matters more than perfection. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when a family pauses the chaos and chooses direction together, this conversation is for you.   Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions