DWELL

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a place of peace and connection with God can seem impossible. God’s presence awaits us in the sanctuary of our churches, but it is also in the midst of our daily lives, enabling us to pause, reflect, and experience the profound peace that only comes from God. Whether it’s a quiet corner, a moment of prayer, or a state of mind, learning how to dwell with God is essential for nurturing our spiritual well-being and maintaining a close relationship with God.  

Recognizing our soul as a sacred space where God dwells encourages us to build inner holiness and fosters a deeper relationship with Him. Sanctuary is more than just a physical place; it’s a state of being made possible by God’s presence in our souls. By learning to dwell with God in these internal and external spaces, we find strength, comfort, and the ability to face the challenges of life with a renewed spirit knowing God is always with us.

This retreat aims to guide teens in discovering and creating personal sanctuaries amidst their daily lives, helping them recognize God’s presence in both ordinary and profound moments. By fostering inner holiness, deepening their understanding of the Eucharist, and empowering them to be living sanctuaries, teens will learn to dwell with God and carry His presence into the world.

GROWING YOUNG

Our culture tends to use the term “young” in a derogatory way. It is often associated with inexperience, naivete, and an overall lack of maturity. Yet, Pope Francis wrote in his apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit” that Jesus is “eternally young.” Youth, in this sense, is not a derogatory term; it is an indication of a relationship. Jesus is always the eternal Son of the Father.

We, too, are called to this sort of relationship — to be sons and daughters of God. Jesus invites us to call on God as Father and to depend on Him with the same trust we place in our parents. Childlikeness, in this sense, becomes a mark of spiritual maturity. It is something to be learned, practiced, and grown into. No matter how old we get, we never outgrow being a child of the Father. Being a son or daughter of God leads to security, comfort, and freedom from anxiety because of our relationship with Him and the deep belonging we experience in Him. When He is acknowledged as Father, we are then free to live as His child.

Childlikeness is not the same as childishness. We are called to be mature, responsible, free children of the Father and leave behind the vices associated with childishness, such as selfishness and stubbornness.

Though this retreat often harnesses references to childhood that are fun and carefree, they are not meant to communicate that the faith frees one of responsibility or is only for little kids. When planning the marketing, environment, activities, and snacks, be sure to maintain this distinction and avoid making the retreat a childish experience rather than an invitation to a greater maturity in faith.

Throughout this retreat, teens are invited to return to their days of youth. The first session sets the stage for remembering the freedom of childhood. The following sessions help teens journey through the ways they strive to take control from God in their lives and the reality that apart from Him we are helpless like a child. Teens will be encouraged to follow the example of Jesus, who trusted completely in the Father and sought His will in all things. The retreat concludes with a reminder that being a child of God entails a responsibility to live according to the full dignity of God’s son or daughter and to share His love with others.

COMING JUNE 1ST!

In relation to Life Teen’s annual theme, our Catechesis Team releases a new retreat each year. The Missions Outreach Team will be offering this new content as an option for high school retreats. The new retreat will be released June 1st!

ALL HEART

King David is a figure we hear about often in the Bible. From David’s outward appearance, especially as a youth, one would doubt he would grow up to be one of the greatest kings in history.

We may know the story of David fighting Goliath. However, there is often much more to this story that is overlooked. David was a shepherd, which—surprisingly—taught him fighting skills to defend the sheep from wild animals. When he was not busy tending the flock, David developed his talent for music on the f lute and the harp, and he composed many of the Psalms. David was a son, little brother, shepherd, fighter, musician, and king. There is more to David than first impressions reveal.

“All Heart” is a four-session retreat designed to help middle school youth look beyond the outward appearance into the hearts of themselves and others. This introspection can be difficult due to so much value placed on superficial impressions. Engaging content and activities call middle schoolers to look beyond their imperfections into their inward selves and embrace their self worth. Youth are challenged to see what physical attributes they have and the dignity they possess as sons and daughters of God.