The retreat is an extended and structured experience of the faith, life, and worship of a Christian community. It is an attempt to create a warm, friendly, prayerful atmosphere in a total and comprehensive way. Through the experience and the environment, an invitation is given to the retreat team and retreatants to grow in their love for themselves, their families, God and one another. The suggested time span is 24-48 hours.

1. The retreat provides an experience of community into which the candidates are being initiated.
2. The retreat may be EITHER the “kickoff” to the preparation OR the climax.

1. A thoughtfully chosen team consisting of both adults and teenagers (5-12 persons).
2. Extensive and prayerful preparation of the team and personal witness by the team.
3. Extensive attention to logistics and details prior to the retreat. Good organization is essential.
4. Group building processes.
5. Liturgical and prayer experiences including the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
6. Time for individual reflection.
7. An environment outside the “normal environment” of the participants.
8. Very clear rules and expectations and a team that is committed to those rules and expectations.
9. A team that is committed to one another and to the retreatants.
10. Participants are able to feel free to express their own thoughts and feelings.
11. The methodologies appeal to the whole person–the mind, the emotions, the attitudes, the interests, the behaviors.
12. The methodologies include both active participation and listening to others.

Planning the retreat experience is not a one person job. It should involve the creative talents of all involved in the Confirmation program including the candidates. A good retreat experience cannot be planned one week in advance. It is recommended that the process begin AT LEAST two months in advance. Planning includes, tke selecnion of:

• Theme
• Outline
• Team
• Place
• Team
• Preparation

It is recommended that the team include youth and adults and that the majority of the team be composed of people from the local parish. The youth team should be young persons who have experienced a retreat. The adult team should be composed of those who work with young people.

• Confirmation: A commitment to self, others and God.
• Confirmation: A caLl to shared responsibility and cooperation.
• Confirmation: A mission to love.
• Confirmation: A commissioning to be a person for others.
• Confirmation: An invitation to become more fully alive.
• Confirmation: I am a sign of the gifts of the Spirit.

Contact the Youth Ministry Office for assistance in planning the Confirmation retreat.