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Welcome to the Awakenings Retreat Page!
With the leadership of students, the Awakenings Retreat creates the space for students to become more awakened to the ever-present love of God. Take a weekend to renew and deepen your relationship with God and with each other. View pictures of past retreats in our Photo Album section!
Common Questions: "Well, what do we do there?" During the retreat, students give short, powerful talks on their own personal experiences of topics they find to be important (i.e. Forgiveness, Prayer, Love...). We participate in a variety of acitvities relating to the topic, we listen to each other in small groups, and we promote a growing sense of community and acceptance. The retreat also includes time for personal prayer, reflection, and sacraments of Confession and Eucharist (though all faiths are welcome, and accomodations can be made--see below).
"Is it all churchy stuff?" Absolutely not! We have an incredible musician who has a plethora of fun songs (including Purple Rain and Free Fallin) that we rock out to, we have free time with games and frisbees and relaxation. There is a bonfire on Saturday night with smores and (more) songs! We play the infamous "Clue Charades" game, which must be experienced to be understood. We have food up to our eyeballs, because our entire community bakes and cooks and chops for this event. We have a great time every year, and would like you to join us!
"Who can come? Only Catholics?" All faiths are welcome, and we encourage a spirit of ecumenism and acceptance. The Awakenings Retreat is open to students attending college classes between the ages of 18-30; students with various majors, degrees, levels of faith, personalities, and backgrounds attend. This retreat is hosted by the Catholic Newman Center, so we would ask that any guest or retreatant be open and positive about our faith and traditions. Every activity offered, including sacraments, is optional. No one must participate. We do make accomodations for those who are not Catholic or for those who are not comfortable participating, for example: we have non-ordained staff present at the time for Reconciliation so that those not joining in the sacrament of Reconcilation may also have a person of faith to talk with and share their story.
"Is it like the Kairos Retreat?" Yes and no. Kairos, Tec, Awakenings, Alpha, Encounter, Search and many other retreats are based off of one particular "parent" model called the Cursillo Retreat. So Awakenings does have similar attributes, structure and even activities as seen on a Kairos Retreat, but strives to fit its mission, spirituality, and activities to the young adult and college aged individual. Awakenings does involve some different ideas, activities, and even surprises;-) than other retreats. We ask that everyone considering joining us to be open to new experiences of life and love and God. No retreat can be judged against another one because all the seemingly comparable factors are different: activities, speakers, spiritualities, music, communities, retreat centers.....so much is different on every single retreat--even at UMSL--that it is impossible to compare one to another. Everyone is welcome, and with an open heart, we are confident God's love will be visible...whether you have lead multiple Kairos retreats or if Awakenings is your first experience.
"What if I've already gone on Awakenings?" Then we would invite you to attend the Growth Retreat, which is a continuation and exploration of the ideas found at Awakenings. Growth helps students understand God's love in the context of service to a world in need of renewal.
Lame Excuses to Avoid:
"I might go, but I have too much homework" You will have some free time on the weekend, don't worry. This retreat is only offered once a year, take this opportunity! You'll be home by 4 on Sunday. You weren''t going to start your homework until after Family Guy or Law and Order anyway.
"I hate kumbaya." So do we, that's not an excuse. Fr. Bill knows way cooler songs to play on the guitar.
"Retreats aren't really my thing." Seriously. What does that even mean? Having lots of fun and talking about God aren't really your thing? Making lots of new friends who love you for who you are isn't really your thing? Eating delicious homemade snacks and playing outside isn't really your thing? Taking a weekend away to relax isn't really your thing?
"Yeah, yeah, but I wouldn't know anyone. I would feel weird..." This is how we meet new people, my friends! OR bring a friend with you! We don't make you audition. We will take care of you, it will be fine.
Details for the 2011 Retreat: Where: Camp Rockyvine in Dutzow, MO When: October 21-23, 2011 How Much: $35 per retreatant. Scholarships are available, talk to Rachelle. Deadline to register: September 30th How to register: Online Here. What to Bring: Enough clothes for two days and two night. (We do play outside and have a bonfire outside, so bring layers: sweatshirt, hoodie...) Personal Items; toiletries Towel and Shower Things Medications (if needed) Camera (Optional) Bible (Optional) Journal (Optional) Friend (Not Optional;-)
What students are saying about Awakenings.... "I loved my small group! It was such a good mix! Our discussions were awesome, we could all talk so freely. I miss them so much already. My group leaders were so wonderful and willing to share, too."
"Adoration was the most moving and God-filling thing I have experienced."
"It's good to know and realize all of the support and community we have backing us up."
"I know it would be impossible, but I just wish we could make the weekend longer."
See you there! |
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