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Fiat Essays and Recommendations 

Initial Communication

Youth Form 

 

What is the Fiat Days Retreat?

“Fiat” is a Latin word that refers to Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). The goal of Fiat Days is to bring high school aged women together who desire to grow in faithful discipleship and personal holiness to be better able to discover their own vocation from the Lord, with a special focus on the call to religious life. We will be joined by religious sisters from several communities for this three-day retreat.

 

Does this mean that the high school ladies I send to participate will become nuns?

Not necessarily. While some of the young women you invite may be interested in religious life, the primary goal of this retreat is to give young women an opportunity for focused prayer, discernment, and community with their peers and religious sisters.  Fiat Days will be a chance for young women to meet women religious from various communities and learn more about what it means to live as a religious sister. Throughout the retreat, there will be time for personal reflection, small group sharing, and inspiring talks to challenge the young women to prepare to say “yes” to God’s call both now and in the future.

 

Who should attend Fiat Days?

Fiat Days Retreat is open to all 9th-12th graders. Due to the nature of the retreat experience, we cannot accept any individual who is younger than 9th grade.

 

Most importantly, pastors and youth ministry leaders should identify young women who are well-rounded and active in the life of the parish to participate in this experience. We do not recommend that you do a “mass marketing” campaign for this retreat. Rather, participants should be invited through one-on-one invitations.

 

Where and when is the Fiat Days Retreat?

The Fiat Days Retreat will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 through Sunday, December 4, 2022. The retreat will begin at 5:00pm at Roslyn Retreat Center near Richmond (8727 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229) on Friday, December 2 and end at 5:00pm on Sunday, December 4.

 

Families are invited to join us starting at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 4 for a closing program and Mass.

 

What is the lodging situation?

Lodging will be at Roslyn Retreat Center. All participants will be housed, two people per room, with their own bed. Roommates will be pre-assigned. Linens and towels will be provided.

 

How do I get to the retreat center?

Transportation to and from the retreat is the responsibility of each parish to coordinate. The Office for Evangelization can assist parishes who wish to carpool by connecting nearby parishes together.

 

 

Who leads the Fiat Days Retreat experience?

The Fiat Days Retreat is a joint effort by the Office for Evangelization and Office for Vocations. The talks and activities will be led by religious sisters. Local youth and campus ministers will also be present to serve as helpers and chaperones.  All adults leading the Fiat Days Retreat will be in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies.

 

Due to the nature of the retreat experience, parishes are not required to send a chaperone with the youth they send to the retreat. If there are any interested female adults from your parish who wish to attend, please contact the Office for Evangelization to inquire about availability.

 

What is the registration fee?

The cost for youth participants is $150.

 

The last day to register is Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:59pm.

 

Cancellations & Substitutions

Each participant cancellation on or before November 6, 2022                         Full Refund

Each participant cancellation after November 6, 2022                                     No Refund

Each participant substituted on or before Monday, November 21, 2022*       Full Credit

*The last day to request a substitution is Monday, November 21, 2022 at 11:59pm.  Please note, correct t-shirt sizes for substitutions cannot be guaranteed.

 

What does this registration fee cover?

The registration fee will cover lodging, food, t-shirt, journal, and activities for the duration of the retreat.

 

How do I register?

All youth should have a parent or guardian register them directly.  (Alternatively, the parish Youth Minister can print out a hard copy of the registration form and then input the information for the participant.)  The registration process includes:

 

1. Register via the Online Registration System: The online registration link can be found at evangelizerichmond.org.

 

2. Submit Participant Essays & Youth Minister Recommendations: Participants should submit their essays at the link listed on the registration form.  Youth Ministers can submit their recommendations at the same link.  Essays must be received by the end of the registration period.

 

3. Send payments to the Office for Evangelization: If the “pay by check” option was chosen, send the check directly to the Office for Evangelization, 7800 Carousel Lane, Richmond, VA 23294.  Be sure to include your participant’s name and parish with payment.

 

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 804-622-5159.