Confirmation RetreatsThere were two overnight Confirmation Retreats tentatively planned for the 2021/2022 school year by the diocese. We waited to open registration to see if the transmission rate of COVID improved. Due to the continued high transmission rates of COVID, we have cancelled the October Confirmation Retreat. 2021/2022 Retreat Dates, Locations, and Registration: Retreat Option 1 of 2: Cancelled Retreat Option 2 of 2: We hope to open registration this winter. __________ Why Do Confirmands Need To Have a Retreat? "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. What are the Options for Confirmation Retreats? Information to keep in mind for next year: Chaperone Information: 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: Parents and guardians should register their children as all permissions are electronically signed during registration.
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 entire 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, tablets, etc. at home. Drugs, alcohol, and weapons will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the retreat. Registering For the Retreat: Parent or guardian must register retreatants on-line at the link provided on this page. *Cost and Payment: 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. Registration will open in August or September 2021. Please check back this summer. 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, "You cannot be half a saint. You must be a whole saint or no saint at all." Updated 9/29/21 |
Contact: Heather Serena Annette Merritt Diocese of Duluth __________________ Youth Ministry |
