Jack’s Page - John Paul II Renewal Center

Jack Rigert is a co-founder of the John Paul II Renewal Center, the host of the “Become Who You Are” podcast, a writer, and speaker.

Jack was a professional chef and entrepreneur who owned restaurants, real estate, and a financial service company. Dramatic “encounters” with Jesus Christ at his dying brother’s bedside and again in the Eucharist at his brother’s funeral, brought him back into the Church after a twenty-year absence.

While attending graduate school for theology, Jack came across the teaching of Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” He immediately understood that this was the treasure he had been seeking all his life, sold everything, and now travels the country presenting parish missions, retreats, and classes. Jack has an MA in Theology with a focus on “John Paul II Studies” from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston. He has three grown children and seven grandchildren.

He lives in Elburn, Illinois with his wife Jeannie and is an active member of St. Gall’s Parish.

Where Jack has spoken:

· Men’s groups & conferences

· Marriage preparation classes and retreats

· Youth conferences

· Parish missions

· College Newman Centers

· Retreats

To request Jack to speak for your church, school, or group please complete this form.

“Fantastic night. Jack is a great speaker. This really helped us. We could’ve stayed all night listening. Wonderful evening with the food and the speaker. This will help us look more deeply into our marriage relationship.”

-Anonymous married couple, Sts. Cyril & Methodius parish, Lemont, IL

“Jack Rigert of JP2RC is a man with an important mission and message to share. His message deals with the Sacred Romance, which points to God’s most generous love for us, and our need to appreciate and participate in this romance so we can live more authentic, meaningful and vibrant lives. Jack has given several presentations at our parish; to our Marriage Preparation couples to our Teens and to many of our Ministry leaders. He has been well received every time, because he has a gift for tapping into our basic spiritual hunger for something more than our culture often offers.

Please consider inviting Jack to your parish, because I am confident that you will gain much from his message and his passion for sharing it.”

-Fr. Bob Jones, Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Crystal Lake, IL

Jack Rigert’s talk on Theology of the Body was very moving. His talk made me better understand the importance of the beauty and sanctity of the sacrament of marriage, why we are called to it, and the importance of expressing it for our spouse. I was able to learn about the biblical count on God creating us out of love and why He calls each of us to love in His image.

– Liz Kiernecki, pre-Cana attendee

“Jack Rigert’s seminar was not only educational but deeply inspiring. His exposition on Theology of the Body helped me understand the importance of God’s teaching on sacrificial love and the importance of having a fruitful marriage. His testimony of how he came to faith and the impact on his marriage resonated deeply with me. I left the seminar with a deeper commitment to live out my future marriage as a man in accordance with God’s plan.”

– Jason Anoo, pre-Cana attendee

“We had the opportunity to meet Jack Rigert and hear his testimony about marriage and the family. We were moved on how God was able to speak to us through him to make us realize that there is sanctification in matrimony and that God needs holy couples that are docile to his voice to help rebuild the domestic church. Our hearts are set on fire with the Holy Spirit to serve the community as a couple in the vocation of marriage.”

-Oscar & Dora, pre-Cana attendees