Middle & High School Retreats
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 (and penances) also sometimes include praying the Rosary. Check out How to Pray the Rosary.
Retreats for 2025-2026
Grades 6 through 8
SPIRITUS Retreat -- Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 11 am to 6:30 pm at Corpus Christi Parish -- Saint Mary location in Waukesha. A team of young adults, ages 19 to 29, will be leading the retreat -- they devote a school year to ministry around Wisconsin. Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation. Includes lunch. The retreat is a collaboration of several area parishes including Corpus Christi, St. Dominic, St. Jude, and QOA. See the flyer. Return the permission slip to Liz Kuhn by the pancake breakfast on Sunday, September 28. The retreat fee is already been paid with your faith formation registration. Please bring a snack for 12 -- last name begins with A-H = Salty, I-P = Sweet, Q-Z = Juice boxes or soda.
QOA Worship Night -- Friday, January 9, 2026 tentatively from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at QOA. We will attend Eucharistic Adoration at 7 pm which features praise and worship music by a local band. Includes dinner and refreshments afterwards. What is Eucharistic Adoration? We will explore just that after dinner with movies, music, and other activities. Adult chaperones are encouraged. You must be willing to meet the Safe Environment requirements. Training is available. Sign up is coming! (Note that all are welcome at Eucharistic Adoration and refreshments afterwards.)
Good Friday Encounter -- Friday, April 3, 2026 tentatively from 1 to 6 pm at QOA. We will attend the Celebration of the Lord's Passion at 3 pm which includes the solemn intercessions and the adoration of the cross. Surrounding the Mass, we will remember Jesus’ agony in the garden, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection with movies, music, and other activities. Adult chaperones are encouraged. You must be willing to meet the Safe Environment requirements. Training is available. Sign up is coming!
Grade 9
Freshman Retreat -- Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Anthony on the Lake
*Please include "(QOA)" in the name when registering.
Adult chaperones are encouraged. You must be willing to meet the Safe Environment requirements. Training is available.
Grade 10
Sophomore Retreat -- Saturday, November 8 at 2 p.m. – Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Noon at Camp Whitcomb Mason
*Please include "(QOA)" in the name when registering.
Adult chaperones are encouraged. You must be willing to meet the Safe Environment requirements. Training is available.
Grades 11 / 12
Confirmation (usually Grade 11)
