Anytime is a great time to take a step back and reflect on God and our faith. Thankfully, there are a plethora of opportunities available with many local parishes offering fall retreats.

One upcoming fall retreat is next weekend, October 29-31, with Assumption parish. It’s an exciting three days comprised of games, praise and worship, a morning rosary walk through the woods and various talks.

Three of these talks are going to be given by three of our St. Dominic seniors. Chloe Hammond is giving the Sunday “What Now” talk about how members can live out their faith outside of the retreat, Hunter Bunge is talking about the time he felt God most in his life and Lexi Bross will speak about how you can’t hide from certain chapters of your life.

“I’m a little nervous because it will be the biggest talk I’ve ever given and it’s right before a really beautiful time of worship (adoration) but I’m also very excited,” Lexi said.

On the weekend of November 19, members of the ICD youth group will be going on their fall retreat. ICD teens will listen to talks, participate in small groups, go to adoration and confession, pray and engage in “monk time,” a silent time to listen and sit in God’s love. Senior Kate Fogarty has always looked forward to the fall retreat every year since she was a freshman.

“The fall retreat has helped me grow closer to God because it gives me a chance to reevaluate and reset my faith life after the school year has already set in. It also helps me grow closer to different people and see God through them,” Fogarty said.  

IMPACT youth group is having a  Luke 18 fall retreat from December 3 to 5. It is a great experience for both younger and older teens as the eighth graders prepare for their confirmation. Upperclassmen (called disciples) help lead the eighth graders by leading small groups and giving talks about experiences in their own faith lives.

“I’ve done plenty of Luke 18’s in the past and each one has helped me grow my relationship with God and the community I go with, especially when I’m a leader,” senior and disciple Adri Weber said.

Fall retreats are also a great experience for newer youth group members. St. Dominic freshman Isaac Branson is attending the St. Cletus fall retreat for the first time on November 12.

“From past retreats that I have been on, I know it will help my relationship with God grow and mature. I’m excited for a fun, relaxing, and faith-filled weekend,” Branson said.

Many of these retreats are open to anybody, not just members of the parish. No matter where you are in your faith life, check out one of these retreats and fall into God’s love this autumn.