Chris and Linda Padgett have dedicated their lives to marriage and family ministry for decades, bringing joy, authenticity, and deep faith to every event they lead. From Pre-Cana preparation to marriage retreats and parish missions, the Padgetts share a contagious passion for helping couples build strong, lasting relationships rooted in love and grace.
For over ten years, Chris and Linda have led Pre-Cana retreats for the Diocese of Syracuse, offering couples practical tools, spiritual guidance, and an honest look at the beauty and challenges of marriage. Since 2020, they have also provided engaging marriage preparation presentations for the Diocese of Newark, NJ—reaching couples via Zoom with the same warmth and insight they bring to in-person gatherings.
Their work has gained international attention. A few years ago, Chris was invited to Australia to present their marriage preparation program and curriculum to the Diocese of Sydney and surrounding dioceses, helping to shape marriage ministry on a broader scale.
From creating content to training presenters, Chris and Linda equip parishes to prepare couples not just for their wedding day, but for a lifetime of love and faithfulness. Beyond marriage prep, the Padgetts travel extensively, leading retreats, speaking at conferences, and writing books that inspire and encourage families. They also host a podcast designed for couples who want to strengthen their relationship and grow closer to God together.
Chris brings his background as a theology professor—having taught four years at Franciscan University and continuing with Catholic International University—while Linda contributes her expertise as a licensed mental health therapist currently pursuing her doctorate in trauma therapy. Their combined skills allow them to address both the spiritual and emotional aspects of married life. Chris is also well-known for his dynamic and often comedic presentations, bringing humor and hope to parish events, leadership retreats, and staff gatherings.
While the travel is exciting, both Chris and Linda credit the stability and love of their own family as the foundation of their ministry. Now that their children are older, they are able to devote even more time to walking alongside couples, helping them grow in their marriages and in family life. Through every stage of their ministry, Chris and Linda Padgett have remained committed to one mission: to inspire, encourage, and equip couples to live out the sacrament of marriage with joy, purpose, and unwavering faith.
