Why Do Confirmands Have To Have a Retreat?
The Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation state:

"During the process of preparing for Confirmation, an overnight retreat or its equivalent is required. An overnight retreat enables the young person:
- to be removed from everyday activities
- allows him/her to focus fully on the greatness of the Sacrament he/she is prepairing to recieve.

The retreat should be specific to the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Diocese of Duluth provides Confirmation retreats, and each parish is asked to strongly consider participating in those retreats."
Diocesan Guidelines for Catechesis: Sacramental Prep Policies
__________

What Are The Options For Confirmation Retreats?
1) Diocesan Confirmation Retreats
     - Four are offered throughout the year.
2) NET Overnight Retreats
     - Your parish can arrange a NET Confirmation Retreat by contacting Ben Frost at
       218-728-6985 extension 2 or by e-mail at benfrost2@gmail.com.
3) Provide your own parish retreat
     - Must conform to the Diocesan Guidelines
__________

Chaperone Information:
The parish must provide: One chaperone for every eight (8) retreatants. Chaperones must be 21 or older. Them must complete:
- Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy (turn in to home parish)
- Diocese of Duluth Online Youth Protection Training
- Have a Backgroud Check

The role of the chaperone is vital to the success of the retreat. Therefore, they are required to be present throughout the entire retreat. They will be responsible for the retreatants they bring, we do also ask that the chaperones be willing to assist in the taking care of behind-the-scenes details once they arrive. Duties might include helping in the kitichen, covering patrol duty during the night and praying for retreatants.

Click here for more information on the Role of the Chaperone.
__________

Preparing For The Retreat:

Driving: Each parish is responsible for getting their students to and from the retreat. Friday's dinner is not provided.

Attendance: All retreatants will be expected to attend the enitire retreat to fulfill the Diocese of Duluth Confirmation requirements.

What to Bring: Students are to bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, etc. as well as snacks (to be shared by all). Leave cell phones, radios, cd players, etc. at home. Drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the retreat.
__________

Registering For the Retreat:
It is the parish's responsibility (DRE/youth minister/Confirmation coordinator) to register the students. Individual students cannot reger themselves.

BEFORE the registration date:
Please email or fax Shawna (shansen@dioceseduluth.org or fax 218-724-1056) with:
- Names and genders of students
- Chaperone name(s)

Cost and Payment:
$35 per student before registration deadline
$40 per student after registration deadline
No cost for chaperones

Please bring one check payable to the Diocese of Duluth from your parish for the total amount due for all retreatants.
__________

A Note To Youth Ministers and DREs:

Retreats are a great opportunity for building relationships with your youth. If you have a youth attending a retreat, we expect you'll make the most of this opportunity and be willing to serve as a small group leader or chaperone.
Due in Altum,
fathermike
__________

"You cannot be half a saint. You must be a whole saint or no saint at all."
-Saint Therese of Lisieux