Youth Retreat St.Johnsbury

Youth Retreat

On March 24th, parishioners from the First and Second Year Confirmation Preparation Programs participated the a full day retreat in Saint Johnsbury.

A few weeks ago, Fr. Rich O'Donnell sent an invitation to us, for a youth retreat at his parish, St. John the Evangelist, in Saint Johnsbury.
We eagerly accepted his invitation!
Not too long ago, Fr. Rich was a member of the
Saint Charles Youth Ministry Group!
One wonderful example of the power of prayer for VOCATIONS.

(sssh! secretively, we like to think he's still ours,
on loan to other parishes in need of his "RICH-NESS"!!)

Seriously... we greatly appreciate his continued ministry to
Saint Charles Parish.

The day was full of activities to motivate and inspire the kids to think
deeply about their faith. Matt Smith, the KEYNOTE speaker, shared his
personal experiences of living "CATHOLIC" during his life. He is the
national spokesman for "Lifeteen", and a past celebrity with 'reality TV".
We wish Matt and his soon-to-be bride an abundance of blessings and happiness!
Above... participates help with one of the Life Teen traditions of
"signing the wall" at a break in the retreat.

Here, MATT SMITH (plaid shirt) appears to be engaging the participants in a serious dialogue. But wait!! Take a close look at this left index finger! Sure looks like the beginnings of a "flying monkey" launch to me!

Active song participation was strongly encouraged throughout the day!

Three guesses!! Who could possibly be this creative in leaving their mark on the Lifeteen wall??

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated at the conclusion of the retreat. Many parishioners who had not been involved in the retreat, attended the Mass and showed their encouragement and support for the programs for teens.

Thank you, parents, for your support of the
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION programs here at Saint Charles Parish.