3rd Annual 20-Somethings Retreat
The Catholic 20-Somethings hold their annual weekend retreat sometime in August at a camp or retreat center about one hour’s drive from Austin. Campers leave from St. Theresa’s on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. This is a fantastic way to meet and get to know about 40 of your fellow 20-Somethings as well as enjoy a spiritually renewing weekend.
The exact schedule changes depending on the needs of the group at large and the strengths of the retreat planning team, but here is a rough overview of what to expect: Saturday consists of a couple of workshop style talks, mini group discussion, as well as a keynote address which up to now has generally focused on vocation. The night ends with a praise and worship jam session. In between we usually have confession, adoration, ice breakers, music, breakfast. lunch and dinner. Sunday morning the rule “No one is allowed to be grumpier than Hailey, especially Trey” is strictly enforced. The focus of the Sunday speakers is “Where do we go from here?” as the retreat serves to kick off the fall portion of the always packed 20somethings calendar. The State of the Ministry address follow and the retreat ends after mass and lunch Sunday. That is a full weekend folks!
1st Annual 20-Somethings Retreat
Small groups and the rest of the fall activities start after the retreat. After coming on the retreat you will have, at the very least, been introduced to the Leadership Team (the better to recognize them at future events when you are standing at the door of a restaurant wondering, “Where are the Catholic people?”) and you should be able to put together the names and faces of a few other 20somethings even if you have never met any of us before. Generally speaking, those of us who are active enough in the ministry to come on the retreat and can be seen at events afterward. A lot of us remember names and faces better when we have the opportunity to repeat them several times over a thirty six hour period…instead of a couple of hours on a Sunday, followed by a couple of hours the next Sunday…
“Let Your Light Shine” (2008 Annual Retreat Theme Song)
Written and Performed by Mary McClory
A Brief History
2nd Annual 20-Somethings Retreat
Our first retreat, entitled “Take the Leap” was held August 12-13, 2006 at Ceadarbreak. The story of how the first retreat came to be isn’t grandiose: Jen and Tash had an idea, they made it happen, and it was incredibly effective. So much so that it is now an annual event. The people who went on the first retreat had a marvelous time. Gina Chavez brought her guitar, Fr Brian Eliers spoke about Augustinian spirituality, and everyone left with a paper sack full of affirmation notes. View 1st Annual Retreat Pictures>
Second retreat, “Just Be,” August 18-19, 2007, was organized by Forest and Michelle Higdon. They arranged for a terrific keynote from Matt and Stephanie Regitz. Their amazing personal story was increadibly moving. Cheryl Maxwell gave an amazing talk on prayer. The Camp of the Hills has a wonderful view of the lake and a sand volleyball court that we put to excellent use! View 2nd Annual Retreat Pictures>
The third retreat, “Salt and Light,” August 16-17, 2008, was planned by Hailey Allen and her army. About 13 people helped organize and plan the third retreat. The weekend at Eagles Wings was considered a huge success as the 20-Somethings announced its new coordinator, celebrated its Mother Hen Jen, and talked “Vocations and Relationships” with Fr. Mike Sis. View 3rd Annual Retreat Pictures>
The fourth retreat “20’s Lemonade” was held at “The Camp of the Hills” again, and organized by Kim Williams who pulled things together with the help of many great 20-Somethings! It included great music, great ice breakers, including a blind-folded obstacle course. There were also witnesses given by some of the 20s members. Our Associate Pastor, Fr. Justin Udomah joined us for most of the weekend & gave some great insights! View the 4th Annual Retreat Pictures>
