Retreat Planning, Preparation, and Evaluation

Retreats  Experiential  A time for personal reflection and prayer  An ENCOUNTER with Christ  Serves as a way to build up the youth community

Types of retreats 1 Day Retreat 2 Day Retreat (overnight) 3 Day Retreat (overnight) Either at parish hall or at a retreat center. (See retreat centers)

Sample Calendar  Beginning of 1 st Year Confirmation  One day, introduction retreat in the parish hall that focuses on building the ties within the Confirmation group  End of the 1 st Year Confirmation  2 day, overnight retreat at a retreat center that focuses on Jesus’ life, His unconditional love for His children, and deepening in relationship with Him  Near End of the 2 nd Year Confirmation  3 day, overnight retreat at a retreat center that focuses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, being strengthened as disciples of Christ, and living life after Confirmation

Leadership Development  The youth need people close in age to help relate to them, mentor them, and share stories of their faith journeys with them  After Confirmation, have a sign up sheet for those who would like to serve as classroom teacher’s aides the following year and help on the retreat

3 Year Plan Year 1: Youth leaders help on the retreat by leading activities and serving as small group leaders Year 2: Youth leaders help on the retreat by leading activities, serving as small group leaders, and giving witness talks Year 3: Youth leaders help on the retreat by leading activities, serving as small group leaders, giving witness talks, and leading the prayers and reflections