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Encounter Retreat
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What is an Encounter Retreat?
Encounter Retreats offer youth an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and encounter the Lord in a meaningful way. Inspired by NET Ministries, these retreats provide a local, flexible, and cost-effective experience for parishes and parish clusters. The schedule and format can be customized to fit the needs of the host parish.
As youth ministry continues to shift, Encounter Retreats bring opportunities for evangelization and discipleship to the local level where youth can more easily participate and build authentic community. Each retreat includes dinner, keynote talks, small groups, praise and worship, and Adoration, all centered on helping young people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Cost: $5/youth in attendance
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Sample Retreat Schedules
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3 Hour Retreat
4:00 pm Team Arrival + Set Up 5:30 pm Student Arrival + Registration 5:45 pm Opening Session + Game 6:00 pm Retreat Leader Spiel 6:05 pm Dinner in Small Groups 6:35 pm Keynote #1 7:00 pm Small Groups 7:25 pm Transition to Chapel 7:30 pm Keynote #2 + Testimony 7:45 pm Adoration + Prayer Ministry 8:25 pm Wrap Up + Final Blessing 8:30 pm End
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5 Hour Retreat with Mass
2:30 pm Team Arrival + Set Up 4:00 pm Student Arrival + Registration 4:20 pm Mass 5:00 pm Dinner 5:40 pm Opening Session + Game 6:00 pm Retreat Leader Spiel 6:05 pm Small Group #1 6:30 pm Transition 6:40 pm Keynote #1 6:55 pm Small Group #2 7:20 pm Transition to Chapel 7:25 pm Keynote #2 + Testimony 7:40 pm Adoration + Prayer Ministry 8:20 pm Snack Break 8:35 pm "Fear Not" Talk 8:45 pm Wrap Up 8:55 pm Final Blessing 9:00 pm End
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5 Hour Retreat
2:30 pm Team Arrival + Set Up 4:00 pm Student Arrival + Registration 4:15 pm Opening Session + Game 4:35 pm Retreat Leader Spiel 4:40 pm Transition to Small Groups 4:45 pm Small Group #1 5:05 pm Transition 5:10 pm Dinner 5:50 pm Keynote #1 6:05 pm Small Group #2 6:30 pm Transition to Chapel 6:40 pm Keynote #2 + Testimony 6:55 pm Adoration + Prayer Ministry 7:40 pm Small Group #3 8:05 pm Snack Break 8:25 pm "Fear Not" Talk 8:35 pm Wrap Up 8:55 pm Final Blessing 9:00 pm End
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Retreat Themes
- Built to Last || Virtuous Friendships
- Image of God || Identity Rooted in Christ
- Reaching Sainthood || Learning from the Saints
- Unfiltered || Faith in the Digital Age
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Synopsis
St. Thomas Aquinas taught that there are three kinds of friendship: utility, pleasure, and virtue. While not every friendship begins as a virtuous friendship, we are called to grow toward friendships rooted in Christ. This theme explores how placing Jesus at the center of our relationships helps us build authentic, life-giving friendships that are truly built to last.
Main Talking Points
- The three types of friendship: utility, pleasure, and virtue
- What it means to have Christ-centered friendships
- Practical ways to invite God into your friendships
References Used
- Mark 2:1-12
- Acts 2:42-47
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Synopsis
Every person longs to feel seen, known, and loved. In a world that constantly tells us who we should be, God reminds us that our identity is not based on popularity, achievements, appearance, or failure. Long before anyone else formed an opinion about us, God knew us, loved us, and called us by name. This theme focuses on the truth that each of us was intentionally created with purpose and that our worth comes from being sons and daughters of God.
Main Talking Points
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References Used
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Synopsis
The saints were not perfect people—they were ordinary people who allowed God’s love to transform their lives. Through their courage, sacrifice, joy, and trust in Christ, they show us that holiness is possible for every person, no matter their past or circumstances. This theme explores what it means to pursue sainthood in everyday life by learning from the witness of the saints and martyrs who chose to live with purpose, love, and fortitude. Main Talking Points
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References Used
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Synopsis
In a world of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and pressure to present the “perfect” life online, it can become easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of our worth. Social media often promises connection, yet many people are left feeling anxious, distracted, or trapped in comparison. This retreat explores how our faith can help us navigate the digital age with purpose and authenticity instead of letting screens define our identity.
Main Talking Points
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References Used
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The cost for an Encounter Retreat is $5.00 / participant. If the parish wishes to add more to the cost to cover food expenses, they are welcome to do so.
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As a host for Encounter, we ask that you:
- Provide small group leaders for discussion.
- We will provide small group questions to help facilitate discussion
- If a meal is being served, find a team to prep, serve, and clean.
- Work with diocesan employees to ensure all the needs of the building are reserved. (Social Hall for keynotes, church for prayer ministry, etc.)
- Provide small group leaders for discussion.
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The Diocese will bring a team comprised of a praise and worship leader, an emcee, a representative from the Office of Youth Discipleship, and small group leaders if needed. They will also bring any sound equipment needed as well as materials for the retreat.
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