Dear Confirmation Candidates and Parents,
This has been a very busy time for us as we have been preparing
a great retreat day that all of us will be able to enjoy. A retreat is a great opportunity to step back
from everyday life and all of its stresses; it gives an opportunity to assess
our lives and where we are. For the past 8 years, you have learned about our
faith and about Jesus. As you are becoming a young adult it is important to use
the knowledge that you have gained not just to know about Jesus, but to know
who Jesus is in your life. This is the personal relationship that you will be
confirming on your Confirmation day.
The purpose for this retreat is to get away from our normal,
daily lives and the distractions that it sometimes brings. We are in constant
contact with one another and our culture through the internet, cell phones, and
ipods. This retreat is our opportunity to be in contact with God and to listen
to what He has in store for us.
Throughout the day we will talk about how we are called to a
relationship with Jesus and how that relationship can lead us through our
entire life. We will experience this through witness talks from the team
members, activities, games, and small group discussions.
What you need to know:
1. Dress comfortably and appropriately. Please refrain from
wearing revealing clothing.
2. Cell phones. We ask that all cell phones be left at home.
During the retreat cell phones will be turned off. If you need to get in touch
with your child, you may call the adult chaperones and we will allow you to
speak with them. If your child needs to get in touch with you, they will be
able to use one of our phones at any time.
3. An open heart, mind and spirit.
*** If you have any medication, please bring a note from
your parents and give it to Anthony when you arrive at the retreat center.
1. Ipods, Ipads, Kindles, Mp3 players, video games or any other such electronic equipment.
2 . Personal food, drinks, candy, or gum.
*If you have special dietary needs, please bring a note from
your parent and give it and the food to Anthony.
Where we are going:
The Retreat is being held at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat
Center in Kearny, NJ.
The address is 499 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032.
On Saturday, January
5, 2013:
Drop Off:
Please arrive at the retreat center by 8:30am for check in. The
entrance is in the back of the building. Just go down the driveway just past
the church and drive around towards the canopy on the building on the right. Please eat breakfast before arriving.
Pick Up:
Please arrive at the retreat center for our Closing Mass by
7:15pm, so that we may begin at 7:30pm. Mass will be held in the church
building next to the retreat center, you may park on the street or in the lot.
If you have not handed in a permission slip, please do so by
January 3, 2013.
It can be downloaded here: Retreat Permission Slip
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
the Parish Office 973-667-8239
