Confirmation Retreats

Confirmation Retreats

There are two overnight Confirmation Retreats planned for the 2022/2023 school year by the diocese.  If these dates do not work for your family, please contact your parish's Faith Formation Director.  Participants must attend the entire retreat.  The Packing List will be in your registration confirmation e-mail.  Please read all the information below and then click on the date of the retreat you want to register for today.

2022/2023 Retreat Dates, Location, and Registration:

Retreat Option 1 of 2:  
Friday, October 7th to Sunday, October 9th, 2022
Begins 7:00pm Friday and concludes Sunday around noon
Please check-in between 5:20 and 6:20pm.  Supper will not be provided, so please eat before arriving.
Big Sandy Camp, 52511 185th Pl, McGregor, MN 55760
Registration opened September 7th.  Click the date above to register.
Registration deadline: Extended to September 29, 2022 (capacity 160) 

Retreat Option 2 of 2: 
Friday, March 24th to Sunday, March 26th, 2023
Begins 6:30pm Friday and concludes Sunday around noon*
Please check-in between 5:20 and 6:15pm.  Supper will not be provided, so please eat before arriving.
Big Sandy Camp, 52511 185th Pl, McGregor, MN 55760
Registration opened September 7th.  Click the date above to register.
Registration deadline: March 10, 2023 or when the retreat fills (capacity 160)

*Previously said "Begins 7:00pm." Check-in time changed to 5:20-6:15pm instead of 5:20-6:20pm.

Adult Staff/Chaperone Registration for either retreat: Please click here

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Why Do Confirmands Need To Have a Retreat?
One requirement for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is to go on a Confirmation retreat.  The Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation state:

"Retreat: 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 and thus allows him/her to focus fully on the greatness of the Sacrament he/she is preparing to receive. 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 these retreats. If you have questions regarding retreats for Confirmation, please contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center."

-Diocesan Guidelines for Catechesis: Sacramental Prep Policies - Page IV-5

For other requirements, please read the document found at the link above starting on Page IV-4.
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What are the Options for Confirmation Retreats?
1) Diocesan Confirmation Retreats
- Two are offered throughout the year
2) Provide your own parish retreat
- Must conform to the Diocesan Guidelines
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Information to keep in mind for next year:

Chaperone Information:
The parish must provide: One chaperone for every eight (8) retreatants. Chaperones must be 21 or older and be confirmed. They must complete the Diocese of Duluth Online Youth Protection Training which includes a background check and  acknowledgment of the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy.  Go to www.dioceseduluth.org/Sa to log in.

The preference is that the the parish small group leaders/catechists and/or the Director of Religious Education or Youth Minister be present to help lead your parishes' small groups at the retreat.  

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 also ask that the chaperones be willing to assist in the taking care of behind-the-scenes details once they arrive. Duties might include leading a small group, helping in the kitchen, covering patrol duty during the night, and praying for retreatants.

Retreat Information:
Registration preference is given to students who will be confirmed this school year.  The retreat is geared toward 11th and 12th graders who will be confirmed this school year.  Those in 10th grade may register, but may be asked to wait until a future retreat if registration fills up and room is needed for 11th and 12th graders.  Those in 9th grade are not able to register.  Those who live outside of the Diocese of Duluth are not able to register.

Parents and guardians should register their children as all permissions are electronically signed during registration. 
Please notify your parish when you register your child so your parish knows for planning a chaperone.

***Students must attend the entire retreat***


Preparing For The Retreat:

Driving: Each parish is responsible for getting their students to and from the retreat. Friday's supper is not provided, so please eat before you arrive.

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

What to Bring: Students are to bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, etc. Leave cell phones, tablets, etc. at home or in your car at your own risk.  They are not to be used during the retreat. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic smoking products, and weapons will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the retreat with no refund.
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Registering for the Retreat:

Parent or guardian must register retreatants on-line at the link provided on this page.

*Cost and Payment:
$150 per student and chaperone before registration deadline
$160 per student after registration deadline

Individuals may pay online during registration.  Parishes may request coupon codes if they prefer to collect money for the retreat.  If parishes collect money, the chaperone/parish representative should bring one check payable to the Diocese of Duluth from your parish for the total amount due for all retreatants.

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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 diocesan retreat, we expect you'll make the most of this opportunity and be willing to serve as a small group leader or chaperone.

Duc in Altum,
fathermike
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"You cannot be half a saint. You must be a whole saint or no saint at all."
-Saint Therese of Lisieux

Updated 3/20/22

Contact:
Father Michael Schmitz
218-724-9111

Heather Serena
[email protected]
218-724-9111

Annette Merritt
[email protected]
218-724-9111

Diocese of Duluth
Youth/Young Adults
2830 E. 4th Street
Duluth, MN 55812
Fax: 218-724-1056

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