In the sixth grade, youth begin to be accountable for their spiritual growth as part of their Catholic commitment. Of course their spiritual growth is a lifelong endeavor!
The Christian Formation program requires Middle School and High School youth to complete 1 retreat per year through the parish. If a youth cannot attend a parish retreat, he/she is expected to make another retreat on his/her own.
Please use the Service and Retreat Log to record the times that you have gone on retreat. If you are unsure about an activity, talk to a Christian Formation staff person. The biggest criteria is taking time to open yourself to an experience of God’s transforming love.
Some of the retreats offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Check out How To Go To Confession, Video: Confession 101, and the Examination of Conscience for High School Youth. You can print out the Act of Contrition and bring it with you! You can also have it on your phone – download or use the free app Laudate.
Retreats also sometimes include praying the Rosary. Check out How to Pray the Rosary.
Retreats for 2019-2020
Grades 6 to 10 – Choose 1 or more…
Grades 8 to 10
Saint John Bosco Youth Day – Please do NOT register online! Saturday, October 5 from 8 am to 6 pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill. Transportation is by bus from QOA’s parking lot. Please eat breakfast at home. Includes lunch. Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation. Opportunity for Reconciliation. Bring clothes / blankets for outdoor weather! Optional to bring water, kneeling pad, rosary, and money for religious items. Adult chaperones are needed – must meet Safe Environment requirements. Permission Slip due by class on September 29.
Grades 6 to 10
NET Retreat -- Saturday, February 1 from 3 to 8 pm at QOA. NET stands for National Evangelization Teams. Teams of young adults, ages 18 to 29, devote a year to leading youth retreats around the country. Includes dinner. Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation. Theme is "In His Image" -- Remember who you are. Who are you? A soccer player? A dancer? The funny guy? The nice girl? There is one identity you don’t have to earn and cannot be taken away. This theme explores our inclination to identify ourselves by what we do rather than who we are as God’s sons and daughters.
Good Friday Encounter – Friday, April 10 at QOA from 1 to 6 pm. We will participate in the Celebration of the Lord's Passion (Good Friday service) at 3 pm, including the Solemn Intercessions and the Adoration of the Holy Cross. Surrounding the service, we will remember Jesus’ Last Supper, agony in the garden, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection with movies, music, and other activities. The afternoon will also include time for the Stations of the Cross. In keeping with the Church's fasting (18 yrs + up) and abstinence (14 yrs + up) practices, we will not be serving a meal or snack. Adult chaperones are encouraged. You must be willing to meet the Safe Environment requirements. Training is available. Youth and chaperones can sign up HERE.