Confirmation Retreat 2025 - "Chosen for Greatness"
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This weekend is a necessary and wonderful component of the Confirmation program. This is an opportunity for teens to get away from their day-to-day distractions and be in a space that allows us to encounter God in brand new ways. This retreat will deepen friendships and help us to reignite a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.This is an opportunity we cannot replicate - and is the most cruical part of our preparation this year.
Retreat Weekend
February 28-March 2, 2025
"As a parent, and group leader for five years, I can confidently say this transformative, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has helped every confirmation candidate better own their personal faith, and for some it was a life changing experience." - Brian W., Parent and Core Member
“I would encourage students to attend this transformative retreat experience. As a parent and a volunteer for the last three years, I have had the privilege to walk beside some of these amazing young people and have witnessed some beautiful life changing faith journeys! It is one of the best gifts we can give our children, an opportunity to grow in their faith along side their peers and the support of the St Gabriel’s confirmation team.“ - Megan D., Parent and VolunteerFAQ's
Cost: There is no fee for the retreat. This was included in your initial registration at the beginning of the year.
Location: Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC (near Ashboro, NC)
Transporation: Bus transportation will be provided on Friday evening from St. Gabriel Church to Caraway Conference Center. Drop off teens for check in by 4:45pm on Friday at St. Gabriel Church. Transportation will not be provided on Sunday (parents will need to come pick up at the retreat site.) Parents are invited to arrive at 10:45am to be a part of our closing. The retreat weekend will conclude at 11:30am on Sunday.
Cell Phone Policy: Please do not bring cell phones. In the past, we have experienced problems with cell phones and we want to avoid those issues. Retreat is an opportunity to detach from the distractions in our daily life to take time to listen, reflect and be present to one another. We will provide contact information to you in the event that you need to contact your child. In addition, if your child needs to contact you, we will have them contact you from the conference center.
What do we need to pack?: Please see Parent Information Guide for complete packing list.
Parent Information Guide
We have put together a Parent Information Guide to answer any questions or concerns parents may have. After reading the Parent Information Guide, if you still have questions or concerns, please contact Lauren Piercefield.Making the Decision
We know taking time away can be challenging with our schedules and activities but this weekend is designed not only to help youth prepare to receive the sacrament of confirmation but to have an encounter with Jesus Christ. Our young people today are making the decision at the early age of 13 to no longer be Catholic according to the CARA Report*. The Church, which includes parents and the parish community, have a responsibility to provide opportunities to encourage, challenge and invite youth to follow Jesus, to become a life-long disciple. A real relationship with Christ is possible and we have seen the transformation and impact that a retreat like this can have on young people.
Regisration Deadline: Register by February 14.
If you are ready to register your teen for the "Chosen for Greatness" Confirmation Retreat, please click on the following link to complete the registration form.
We Need Volunteers
In order to successfully provide an awesome weekend experience, we need parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lauren Piercefield.
* Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate
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