Summit 2009

Planning is well underway for Summit 2009. This is a new offering for Catholic Middle School Student Leaders to come develop concrete leadership skills, improve the skills they have already and build Christian Community.



We already have several schools interested in sending their students, and are excited for what seems like a good group from around the Archdiocese. If your school is interested in learning more about this program, email Bridget Harris, or download registration forms to give to your students.

Ascend 2009 Reminders

Ascend 2009 is scheduled for June 29-July 3, but as we get closer we want to keep you up to date with a few reminders.
· Registrations have started arriving for Ascend 2009 and the deadline of June 2nd is quickly approaching.
· Applications for Ascend Staff are currently being accepted, if you are or know an interested young adult who would like to be a part of this experience, please download the Staff Application Form.
· If you have already registered your group you will be getting you confirmation letter in the next few days.

St. Madeleine Sophie

Yesterday Servando and I spent the day at Saint Madeleine Sophie with their 8^th grade class, once again leading the Next Step: Journey to High School Retreat in an all day format. The students were great and we had a very good experience walking with this class toward High School.

Junior High Student Parent Retreat

We just finished the first ever Junior High Student Parent Retreat this past weekend at Camp Hamilton. It was a great experience for everyone who attended. Parents were given a chance to spend a day with their teens enjoying camp and sharing a unique experience.
We often read the evaluations from a weekend and are surprised at how much more meaningful the weekend was then we even thought. This weekend was no exception.
Some of the comments from this weekend include:
“This weekend allowed my daughter and I to dialogue openly and share our honest opinions.”
“The format and location of the retreat is super.”
“This experience gives us a stronger foundation as a family.”
Congratulations to Maryelyn and Aires on a fantastic experience, and getting this program started on the right foot. Thank you to both of them for all the work they put into the weekend. We are looking forward to having this retreat again next Spring.

Camp 4:12 Planning Underway

Preparations have begun for this year’s Camp 4:12 at its new location at Camp Don Bosco from August 17-19. This annual Junior High Leadership Experience teaches 7th- 9th graders what it means to be a Christian Disciple, and follow Christ’s example of servant leadership.

For 3 days teens experience powerful prayer, presentations and hands on skill building, while building fellowship and strengthening community with their parish and the wider Church.

Staff is needed to help make this event happen. If you would like to be involved as a chaperone, presenter or small group leader contact Bridget Harris. To send your parish, download a registration form or request additional paper copies.

Ascend is just around the corner

Tomorrow the Ascend Planning Team met for the last time before the entire staff convenes later this month. We are all excited for Ascend this year, with the theme Extreme Makeover: Disciples Edition. Finishing off the year of Saint Paul, we hope Ascend will form disciples ready to energetically and faithfully lead their parishes when they return.
Ascend is scheduled to take place at Camp Hamilton, June 29- July 3. Ascend often fills quickly so get your parish registered soon.
For more information about Ascend email Bridget Harris, or download a registration form.

Junior High Student Parent Retreat this weekend

We at the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry are excited for this weekend when multiple families arrive at Camp Hamilton for the first ever Student Parent Retreat. Hopefully the sun is out and Lake Hannon is refreshing and enjoyable for everyone as we gather for prayer, reflection and fun.

If you are a family coming this weekend please come prepared for any weather including rain gear.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend.

St. John’s retreat

We finished the retreat for St. John’s 8th grade this evening with a campfire and a wonderful prayer experience. This retreat is one of my favorite because it is always a great privilege to listen and watch as students make this important transition. One of the most moving parts of this experience is the closing prayer, in which the students offer prayers for one another in the future and in thanksgiving for their time together. With at least 4 more of these retreats this month, we are filling our schedule.

Today the students came to Camp Don Bosco and spent the morning reflecting about their friendships and their time together. We spent the afternoon on the challenge course helping them develop skills needed moving forward, like trust, communication, commitment and problem solving.

Next Step: Journey to High School

Like so many others right now, we began the rush to graduation this morning. Monday is our first Next Step: Journey to High School Retreat of the year. We host forty-five 8th graders from Saint John School at Camp Don Bosco for an extended day retreat to begin a busy week of retreats. Right now our schedule is filling up with this retreat and several others already scheduled for the end of the year.