Catholic Retreat Opportunities

Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

As Bishop Morlino has often stated, the goal of all our diocesan evangelical and catechetical efforts "is that every person in the diocese would hear everyday a loving and gentle invitation to meet Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, in a life changing way." To this end, we encourage every person to step away from their busy life and spend time at the feet of Christ. An outstanding way to do this is by going on "retreat."

Catholic retreat opportunities sponsored by the OEC

The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Madison organizes a number of retreat opportunities each year. These retreats are typically offered to a specific group of people. They include:

Adult Women An annual retreat open to all Catholic women. Normally held in August at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center in Madison. Click here for more.

Adult Men An annual retreat open to all Catholic men (ages 18 and up). Normally held during Lent at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center in Madison.

High School Youth Held several times each year at various locations in the diocese, these retreats are specially designed for smaller parishes who might not have the resources (or the "critical mass" of high school students) to effectively implement their own retreats. These retreats are often designed to help prepare youth to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, and are also offered as "make up" opportunities for those who may have missed their own parish retreat.

Middle School Youth An annual retreat for those in grades 6-8. Normally held at the BOCC or at one of the larger parishes in the Madison area. Click here for more.

Kairos TEC (Together Encountering Christ) Held approximately six times each year at various locations throughout the diocese, these retreats are open to those in high school or beyond (high school and adults).
Click here for more.

Parish Catechetical Leaders The OEC's annual "Quiet in the Pines" retreat is open to all those who serve as catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Madison, whether paid or volunteer, full or part time. These retreats offer time for quiet reflection, fellowship with colleagues, and opportunities to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Click here for more.

Other recommended retreat opportunities in our area

In addition to the retreat opportunities organized by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, there are a number of other good options in or near or diocese. These include:

Resurrection Rally	Resurrection Rally is an annual two-night high school youth rally held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The rally is organized by a consortium of parish youth ministers. The date for this year’s rally is February 1-3, 2008. The keynote speaker is Chris Stefanik from the Archdiocese of Denver. This faith-filled weekend includes Mass, Reconciliation, keynote speaker, waterslide park, entertainment, workshops, and more! Approximate cost is $150. For more information, contact Becky Thompson at 608-356-5353.
Youth 2000	A Youth 2000 retreat being held in Oshkosh Nov. 9-11 is open to participation from groups and individuals from our diocese. Youth 2000 presents an outstanding opportunity for young people, ages 13-30, to encounter Jesus Christ in a life-changing way. They are quite simply one of the most powerful retreat opportunities available. Find out more at www.oshkosh2000retreat.org or on the Youth 2000 website at www.youth2000usa.org.
St. John Bosco Youth Days	St. John Bosco Youth Days are an annual event of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee open to young people from our diocese. The 2007 event was held Sept. 29. Themed “We want to see Jesus!” the day featured two bishops, popular music entertainers Steve Angrisano and Martin Doman, teens sharing their mission trip experiences and other stories of hope, Mass and opportunities for confession. This is a free event, although a free-will offering is taken. More information can be found at www.holyhill.com.

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