Diocesan Confirmation Retreat

Saturday 11-11-2023 - Saturday 03-09-2024

All Day

Register Here!

Initial Communication

Youth Registration Form

Adult Registration Form

What is a Diocesan Confirmation Retreat?

To assist parishes with Confirmation retreats for 2023-2024, the diocese has partnered with Life Teen Missions to offer a one-day retreat opportunity of which parishes can take advantage. These retreats can be used as the complete parish retreat OR as a make-up retreat.

 

Who should attend the Diocesan Confirmation Retreats?

The Diocesan Confirmation Retreat is for high school youth who are currently in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the winter/spring of 2024.

 

Where and when are the Diocesan Confirmation Retreats?

We will offer three Diocesan Confirmation Retreats during the 2023-2024 school year. All retreats will be led by a Life Teen Missions Outreach Team.

  • Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Saint Thomas More, Lynchburg
  • Sunday, November 12, 2023, at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan
  • Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Saint Mark, Virginia Beach

 

What is the agenda of the day?

The retreat will include talks, ice breakers, small group discussion, lunch, prayer, and Mass at the parish/school.

 

Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Saint Thomas More, Lynchburg:

  • Registration will begin at 9:30am.
  • The retreat will start promptly at 10:00am and end at the close of the 5:00pm Vigil Mass. Any participants who arrive late or leave early will not be considered complete for the retreat.
  • In addition to the retreat, the day will include lunch, snacks, and Vigil Mass at the parish.

Sunday, November 12, 2023, at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan:

  • Registration will begin at 9:30am.
  • The retreat will start promptly at 10:00am and end at the close of the 5:00pm evening Mass. Any participants who arrive late or leave early will not be considered complete for the retreat.
  • In addition to the retreat, the day will include lunch, snacks, and an evening Mass held in the school gym.

Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Saint Mark, Virginia Beach:

  • Registration will begin at 10:30am.
  • The retreat will start promptly at 11:00am and end at the close of the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. Any participants who arrive late or leave early will not be considered complete for the retreat.
  • In addition to the retreat, the day will include lunch, snacks, and Vigil Mass at the parish.

 

Do adults need to attend with their youth?

Yes! This is a change from previous years!  Each parish should send 1 adult for every 8 youth. Most adult chaperones will be asked to lead a small group. The Life Teen Missions Team and the Youth Ministry Facilitator will give a brief overview and tips for the adult small group leaders at the beginning of the retreat. However, the parish Youth Minister or Confirmation Coordinator should be prudent in choosing adult chaperones who have a basic understanding of relational ministry before attending this retreat.

The cost is $15 per adult. All adults attending need to be registered online. Any adults who attend are required to be in compliance with diocesan safe environment policies (including background checks and VIRTUS training).

 

What is Life Teen Missions?

Life Teen missionaries have been formed as missionary disciples who are committed to the mission of leading teens closer to Christ. Their Outreach Team consists of missionaries who have completed at least one year of formation with Life Teen Missions.  You can find out more at https://lifeteen.com/missions/outreach-team-retreats/.

 

What is the theme of the retreat?

The theme is Life Teen Mission’s Confirmation Retreat, “Some Assembly Required.” When we come to know God personally it changes our past, present, and future. Membership in the Catholic Church connects our personal faith to a community of believers. So, what does the Catholic Church teach through the Apostles’ Creed? To answer that, we must understand that a creed is not just a random list of things we believe or a motivational trope. Our faith journey takes work on our part, and our creed is the closest thing we have to an owners’ manual. Our creed reminds us who we are and how to act. It brings focus and clarity to our lives and leaves little doubt about what we stand for and what is worth dying for.

“Some Assembly Required” is a retreat that invites teens to consider what they believe and how that informs their identity. They are encouraged to ask questions and be receptive to answers while continually placing trust in God. Thoughtful content and impactful prayer experiences present the fundamental and transformative beliefs of the Catholic Church in this powerful introduction to long-life discipleship.

 

What is the registration fee?

The registration fee per participant is listed below:

  • Youth Participants: $45
  • Adult Participants: $15
  • Substitution Fee: $10

PLEASE NOTE: Cancellations are non-refundable, regardless of reason for cancellation. Substitutions can be made for a given retreat date until the corresponding registration deadline.

 

What does this registration fee cover?

The participant registration fee covers the following:

  • Admission to the retreat
  • Lunch
  • Snacks

 

How do I register and what are the registration deadlines?

All youth must register through their parish youth ministry coordinator. The registration process includes three steps:

  1. Registration Form: Print out and distribute the registration form from evangelizerichmond.org. DO NOT SEND THESE TO THE OFFICE FOR EVANGELIZATION. 
  2. Register Participants via the Online Registration System: Registration will open in Fall 2023. Please note that space is limited for each retreat; all registration is first come, first served. (These retreats will most likely fill up, so register earlier rather than later!) All registrations must be entered online by the following deadlines, based on retreat date.
  • Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Saint Thomas More, Lynchburg
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, October 30, 2023, at 12:00noon
  • Sunday, November 12, 2023, at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, October 30, 2023, at 12:00noon
  • Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Saint Mark, Virginia Beach
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, February 25, 2024, at 12:00noon
  1. Send payments to the Office for Evangelization: All payments should be sent as soon as the participant is registered. When sending in your payment, be sure to include your parish name and the list of participants for whom the payment applies. Any unpaid registration fees will be invoiced to the parish.

Where do I go for questions or additional support?

For all questions or support, contact the Office for Evangelization directly via email at [email protected] OR via phone at 804-622-5159.