You can check-in for your Holy Family Fest on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Signs on the property will guide you to the correct check-in location, based on where you will be staying.

We encourage you to arrange your travel plans so that you can be here in time for the Holy Family Fest opening Mass at 7:00 p.m.

If you know before the event that you will be arriving after 9:00 p.m., please let us know by emailing [email protected]. We’ll give you your lodging information in advance so that you can get settled as soon as you arrive. You can take care of required paperwork the next day, after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at 1pm at Holy Family Park.

If you are delayed while traveling and arrive after check-in has ended, please call 740–632–7412. The event manager on-call will show you to your lodging site. You can take care of required paperwork the next day, after the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at 1pm at Holy Family Park.

Check-In Process

• At check-in, you will receive your lodging assignment, event program, name tags, and wristbands (required for event participation).
• All participants ages 18+ will be required to complete the AFC Release and Indemnification form at the check-in table before participating in the event.
• To save time at check-in, print and have everyone who is ages 18+ on your registration complete their form. Bring the completed forms to check-in. Otherwise, make sure all who are ages 18+ are with you at check-in.
• Any participant ages 18+ who has not provided a signed release form will not receive their name tag or wristband (required for event participation).
• Non-family minors (ages 17 and younger) on your registration are required to submit the Child Release and Indemnification forms (2 forms) before participation in the event is possible. These forms must be completed by their legal guardian.

When is check-out?

Please check out from your cabin or campsite on Friday, no later than 1:00 p.m.

Our check-out policy is very simple. We ask that you return your name tag holders and cabin key, follow the instructions for cleaning your cabin or campsite, and say a prayer for the next family who will be staying there.

When getting ready for your Holy Family Fest, think about the kind of clothes you would take to summer camp. That’s what you want to pack!

Comfort and modesty should be your standards for deciding whether to take or leave a piece of clothing.

Usually summer in Ohio is sunny, hot, and humid. But the weather can be fickle, so you’ll also want to prepare for the possibility of cool evenings and rain.

Finally, you might want to pack clothing that is suitable for specific activities that will be going on during the Holy Family Fest.

Some suggestions:

• Swimsuits and cover-ups (swim diapers for little ones)
• First Communion clothing (Children who have received their First Holy Communion this year are asked to participate in the Eucharistic Procession on Sunday.)
• Knights of Columbus regalia (Knights are asked to participate in the Eucharistic Procession on Sunday.)
• Athletic clothing (for sports tournaments)

How do you define modest clothing?

In order to protect the purity of everyone on the Holy Family Fest, we ask that:

• No revealing, low-cut shirts be worn.
• All shorts be at least mid-thigh length.
• Skirts be close to the knee.
• Everyone wear a cover-up outside the pool area.
• No bikinis be worn. (If you have one on, the lifeguard will ask you to put on a cover-up, even while swimming.)

Are there any extra charges that I need to know about?

We do our best to keep extra charges to a minimum. You may purchase food and drinks at Mama C's Snack Shack and Papa C's Shop. Everything else is included in your registration package!

Can we bring our bikes & fishing poles?

Yes! If you would like to bring your bikes, you may ride them in St. James Field and Holy Family Park. For your safety, we ask that you do not ride your bikes on the walking trails or the main road.

You are welcome to fish in St. Francis Lake, but you will need to bring your own bait and tackle. No fishing license is required as it is a private lake.

You should plan to bring your own breakfast items.

Food will not be available for purchase until the afternoon. However, coffee will be available for $2.00 during the adult morning program, Monday–Thursday, as well as complimentary donuts.

What does the prepaid dinner package include?

The dinner package includes 6 catered meals, one for every night of the week.

The menu varies, but each meal you can count on having:

• A main course
• A vegetable
• A tossed salad
• Drinks (water, lemonade)
• Dessert

Food Allergies

We have a Gluten Free Meal Plan option only. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any food allergy questions or concerns.

Can I purchase the prepaid dinner package later, after I register?

If you need some time to decide, that’s okay. You can purchase the dinner package for your family up to 2 weeks before your Holy Family Fest.

Can I order the prepaid catered dinner package for just a few days?

No, the dinner plan is only available as a package of 6 meals for the same individual.

Can I cancel my dinner package?

Yes. Cancellations must be made at least 2 weeks before your Holy Family Fest.

Where is the closest grocery or convenience store?

• The nearest gas station and convenience store is about 10 minutes from Catholic Familyland.
• The nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes away.

When you come for a Holy Family Fest, we encourage you to stay at Catholic Familyland® in one of our family cabins or campsites.

Staying on the property will give you the fullest experience of the unique God-centered environment that the Holy Family Fest offers. And you’ll have more opportunities to connect with other families during the event.

What is the distance between St. James Field & Holy Family Park?

The distance between St. James Field and Holy Family Park—our two main lodging areas—is approximately 1 mile.

You can get from one site to the other by driving. Or you can enjoy a 15–20 minute walk on a beautiful wooded trail.

We do not provide any type of shuttle service during our family events except for the teen and young adult evening programs. Catholic Familyland has over 800 acres and two main event areas that are approximately a mile apart. Each day involves activities held in both event areas. There is a 20-30 minute hiking trail that connects the two areas. If you are flying to Catholic Familyland via Pittsburgh International Airport, we recommend that you rent a vehicle for the week. If you are bringing an RV, we recommend bringing an extra vehicle for driving around the grounds.

At this time, we are not able to provide childcare for children ages 3 and under.

For your convenience, there is a play area for your babies and toddlers (0–3 years) in St. Joseph Auditorium. You are welcome to take your little ones there during any activities held in the auditorium (including Mass).

There is also a quieter nursery room located nearby, in Redeemer Hall, which has live video and audio feed of anything going on in the auditorium.

Is there Internet access at Catholic Familyland?

During the Holy Family Fest, we encourage you to unplug as much as possible, so that you can get the most out of this time set aside to be with God and your family.

However, wireless internet is available in various places including St. Joseph’s Auditorium. If you have need of this during your stay, please stop by the information table or see one of the bookstore cashiers for the password.

We are not set up to accommodate guests who are needing private space for school or work. We have guest wifi access that is strong in some areas and weak in others and may or may not go in and out. There is no guarantee of strong service. We have several quieter areas available on a first come/first serve basis.

May I bring my pet to Catholic Familyland?

Sorry, for the health and safety of everyone who will be attending the Holy Family Fest, no pets are allowed on the grounds.

You can board your pets at one of these nearby kennels.

Countryside Kennels in Bloomingdale, OH, is about 7 minutes from Catholic Familyland. They board dogs, cats, and other small animals.

Two Ridge Veterinary Clinic, LLC is located in Wintersville, OH, about 20 minutes from Catholic Familyland. Please be aware that this clinic closes at noon on Saturdays, and that all shots for your pet must be up-to-date, including a bordetella shot (kennel cough vaccine).