Diocesan Confirmation Retreat

Saturday 11-02-2024 - Saturday 03-29-2025

All Day

Registration Coming Soon!

Initial Communication

What is a Diocesan Confirmation Retreat?

To assist parishes with Confirmation retreats for 2024-2025, 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 2025.

Middle school youth and those graduated from high school are not eligible for these retreats.

 

Where and when are the Diocesan Confirmation Retreats?

We will offer three Diocesan Confirmation Retreats during the 2024-2025 school year. All retreats will be led by a Life Teen Missions Outreach Team.

  • Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Saint Theresa, Farmville
  • Sunday, November 3, 2024, at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan
  • Saturday, March 29, 2025, 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 2, 2024, at Saint Theresa, Farmville:

  • Registration will begin at 9:30am.
  • The retreat will start promptly at 10:00am and end at the close of the 5:00pm parish Vigil Mass.
  • In addition to the retreat, the day will include lunch, snacks, and Vigil Mass at the parish.

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 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 Vigil Mass.
  • In addition to the retreat, the day will include lunch, snacks, and an evening Mass held in the school gym.

Saturday, March 29, 2025, 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 parish 5:30pm Vigil Mass.
  • 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! Each parish should send 1 adult for every 8 youth or part thereof. Most adult chaperones will be asked to lead a small group. The Life Teen Missions Team and the Retreat 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. If only sending 1 or 2 youth, consider asking one of their parents or Confirmation sponsors.

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, “SEARCH.” Walker Percy, a Catholic American author, wrote, “To become aware of the possibility of a search is to be onto something. Not to be onto something is to be in despair.” Most of us are aware that we are onto something because we have hope and find ourselves desiring and asking questions about love, happiness, and purpose. But in a culture that gives us conflicting answers, we may find ourselves lost. It is the Gospel message which personally guides our search for truth.

God created each of us intentionally, out of love, and for a purpose. Our hearts search for God and will not be content until united with Him. During this retreat, we will embark on the search for God together. It is easy to look to Google for answers, but only God reaches into our lives and gives us a personal response.

 

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 2, 2024, at Saint Theresa, Farmville
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00noon
  • Sunday, November 3, 2024, at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, Powhatan
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00noon
  • Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Saint Mark, Virginia Beach
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025, 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.