F.A.Q.
YOUTH 2000 is not responsible for housing or for any overnight accommodations. Any information provided regarding housing and hotels is strictly for your convenience.
Who can stay overnight at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center?
Due to limitations in space, accommodations at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Center are reserved for minor / junior high and high school participants, their chaperones and primary volunteers who are virtus trained. Security and supervision will be provided throughout both nights.
If we live in the area, do we have to stay overnight at the Bishop O’Connor Center?
No. No one is required to stay overnight at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. You have the option of staying at the BOCPC, staying at a nearby hotel or parish, or going home at night.
Doesn't having such a broad age range (13 to 30) violate safe environment policies?
The Diocese of Madison and the YOUTH 2000 organization are absolutely committed to maintaining and abiding by all safe environment policies. This being said, having a retreat where minors and young adults are present no more violates safe environment policies than having a Sunday mass with minors and young adults present, or having World Youth Day with this broad age range present. Those who work directly with the young people are required to be Virtus trained (including background checks): chaperones, certain volunteers, and the local YOUTH 2000 Retreat Team. As stated above, only minors with their chaperones and certain Virtus trained volunteers are permitted to stay overnight at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Center. If a young person is safe with his or her parents attending Sunday mass, they are just as safe attending a YOUTH 2000 event with their chaperones.
What if I have to leave early or leave and come back during the day?
The retreat schedule is as follows: Friday, 6:30p.m.-11:00p.m., Saturday, 8:00a.m.-10:00p.m., and Sunday, 8:00am-12:30pm. If you are under 18 and you have to leave the Bishop O’Connor Center for any reason during these times, you must have a signed note from a parent or guardian.
I’m bringing a group of youth from my parish. Do I send you the individual registration forms and checks or is there a group registration form to fill out?
YOUTH 2000 leaders need each person’s individual Registration and Liability Release Form. This includes a Registration and Liability Release Form for each youth minister, chaperone, or adult volunteer. Please make a copy of your group’s registration forms to keep with you and your chaperones. You can send in individual checks or have individuals pay the parish and have the parish write one check – whichever is more convenient for you.
To whom should we write out the check for the registration fee?
Please write all checks, for both the $40 retreat registration fee and for optional BOCPC housing accommodations, to the Diocese of Madison.
Are meals included in the retreat fee?
Saturday lunch and dinner with beverages, as well as snacks throughout the retreat, are included with the $40 retreat registration fee. Please eat dinner on Friday before you come to the retreat. If you are staying overnight at the BOCPC, Saturday breakfast, late night snacks, and Sunday breakfast are included with your $40 housing accommodations fee. Those not staying at the BOCPC are responsible to eat breakfast before they come to the retreat on Saturday and Sunday.
What do we need to bring?
If you own them, you are welcome to bring your Bible, Rosary, and Brievery (Liturgy of the Hours) but these are not required. Everything that you will need on the retreat will be provided for you. If you are staying overnight at the BOCPC, bring clothes, toiletries, towel, pillow, and sleeping bag.
How should we dress for the retreat?
Please wear clothes that are comfortable and modest. Those staying at the BOCPC should not wear their pajamas outside of their bedrooms (please come dressed to breakfast). Shoes must be worn in the dining hall.
Will we have time to swim?
No, the pool will not be open during the retreat.