Hello Brothers,
Great opportunity! I am inviting you to a ACTS retreat, there are several guys in our Parish who have attended in the past. Why? My simple answer it helped me on my journey and I witnessed the Love and Happiness the guys had for Jesus and each other, so much so I wanted to share this with you! This is the third time I have been “on team” putting on the retreat and hope you will join me! I have attached a registration form for those who would like to attend.
The Nuts and Bolts:
ACTS is a parish-based and lay-led retreat that offers the opportunity to renew our spirituality and prayer life, to strengthen our faith and its application in our daily life and to build lasting friendships among the members. It is presented by Seven Holy Founders parishioners with direction from priests and deacons. Non-Catholics are welcome.
The retreat begins Thursday evening (see dates above), with check-in at 6:00 p.m. at Seven Holy Founders Church. Transportation is provided to and from the retreat center.
The retreat concludes with the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday and is followed by a welcome home luncheon. Your family is welcome (and encouraged) to join you at Mass and at the luncheon. About a week prior to the retreat, you will receive a letter via email describing what to bring with you (clothing, etc.) for the weekend.
The cost of the retreat is $300, with a registration fee of $50 to reserve your place. The remaining $250 is due at check-in on the Thursday of the retreat. Please make checks payable to Seven Holy Founders and include “ACTS” on the memo line. If the cost of the retreat is an issue, please contact one of the people below as scholarships are available. FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES SHOULD NOT PREVENT ANYONE FROM ATTENDING THE RETREAT!
ACTS Retreat – Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACTS?
ACTS is an acronym that stands for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. The ACTS retreat was started in San Antonio, Texas and grew out of other retreat formats that already existed. It is centered on how we as Catholics can improve our relationship with God and build a better, stronger faith community. As you might guess, you will hear a little about each of the elements of the ACTS acronym on your retreat.
How is the retreat run?
The retreat is run by parishioners of Seven Holy Founders parish —men if you're on a men's retreat and women if you're on a women's retreat. These parishioners spend time prior to the retreat meeting weekly and preparing spiritually for the retreat, as well as handling most all the planning and logistics for the weekend.
So what EXACTLY happens on the retreat? What activities? Is it a silent retreat? Will I be called on to talk or otherwise be required to participate?
This is not a silent retreat—it is more participative. While the retreats are planned around the same format, they all happen a little differently and part of the blessing (and enjoyment) of the retreat is discovering what it means to you as it happens. For this reason, it is hard to get into specifics. There is prayer, reflection, liturgy and discussion. You can choose to participate in the discussion as much or little as you like. People are different, so their experience and reaction to the retreat differs, but if you talk to men and women who have been on the retreat, you will see that responses are typically very positive.
How long is the retreat? What do I prepare for?
The retreat begins Thursday evening (see dates on reverse side), with check-in at 6:00 p.m. at Seven Holy Founders Church in Affton. The retreat concludes with the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday and is followed by a welcome home luncheon. Your family is welcome (and encouraged) to join you at Mass and at the luncheon. We suggest you take into consideration the time of year and pack appropriately. While most of the activities take place indoors, you will likely spend some time outdoors. Also, pack things you would typically bring for a
short trip—toiletries, medications, etc. Bring clothes appropriate for Mass on Sunday.
What about accommodations and meals?
The retreat takes place at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, Kirkwood, MO. You will have a private room and each room has its own private bathroom. The food is great—three meals are served each day and the retreat team makes certain that snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (water, soda, coffee) are available during the day. If you have special dietary needs, it is helpful if you note them on the registration form when you sign up for the retreat.
Will I be required to participate in anything more in the future?
Do I have to do certain things? Do I have to be on a retreat team or be involved in other ACTS centered activities? The short answer is “no”, you don't have to do anything after the retreat. During the retreat you will have an opportunity to learn things about your faith, yourself and the way others practice their faith. The goal isn't more members for a group. The goal is a better, stronger relationship with the Lord. If that relationship moves you to also become more active in our parish community, that's great!
Are there any prerequisites or other requirements for making an ACTS Retreat?
The only requirement is a willingness to spend some time with God and with fellow parishioners. Allare invited, Catholics and non-Catholics.
If you would like to attend the retreat or would like more information please call me (417) 234-1566.
YBIC,
Michael
