Spiritual Renewal (Retreats)

Taking Time for God – Few people take time to be still and rest in God's presence. But consider the Lord's instruction, “Be still and know that I am God.” This is why the US Bishops feel that it is imperative that all candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation set aside a period of time so they can build an intimate relationship with the Lord.  Retreat experiences allow the candidate to set aside a time for prayer and reflection. They allow space for the candidates to focus on their interior spiritual life and their personal relationship with Jesus.  Retreats also serve to help candidates discern their response to God’s outpouring of love and how they will live the sacraments as a regular part of the faith community.

Flexibility – We understand the busy lives and complicated schedules that accompany modern life (all the more reason to “recharge your spiritual battery”), so we have designed the Confirmation preparation experience to be flexible enough to meet the needs of each candidate, by giving them a chance to build this valuable experience into their life in a way that works best for them.

Greater Church Experience – Candidates may choose from numerous Greater Church Experiences (GCE) over the next eighteen months.  The Director of Confirmation will give each candidate a list of possible opportunities that qualify as GCEs.  If you have an idea that is not on the list, please speak with the Confirmation Director prior to attending to be sure that the experience qualifies.  Candidates preparing for Confirmation must attend at least one GCE that is a Catholic experience and it should be completed at least one month prior to the celebration of Confirmation.

Confirmation Retreat – Candidates are responsible for attending the Confirmation Retreat during their 11th grade year.  This retreat occurs on a Sunday in the Fall of their second year.  Sponsors are asked to attend a portion of the retreat with their candidates.

Candidates seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation agree to commit to complete at least two retreat experiences 
(one Greater Church Experience and the Confirmation Retreat during the Confirmation Preparation process)


Pre-Approved Greater Church Experiences (GCE):

• NCYC - National Catholic Youth Conference
• TEC - Together Encountering Christ
• Diocesan Senior High Youth Rally
• NET Center (St. Paul) Confirmation Retreats
• Steubenville Conference

• Young Neighbors in Action - Senior High Mission Trip
• YTM - Youth in Theology and Ministry
• Diocesan Summer Leadership Camps
• NET Center Monthly Gatherings

GCE Opportunities

GCE Form