The Faith Formation Office of the Diocese of Erie hosted a Confirmation retreat open to all students in the diocese on October 14, 2023. This retreat was supported by a total of $20,000 from three grants from the Catholic Foundation, which in part allowed the retreat to be offered at no cost to any of the participating students. More than 400 students from 33 parishes in the diocese participated.
The first of its kind in the diocese, this retreat “engaged students in a life-changing experience with their peers and enabled students to come together with others from our diocese,” Mary Hickin, Director of Faith Formation for Catechesis and Sacraments said. “Most importantly, it gave them the chance to have an encounter with Christ and strengthen their relationship with Him. “
The retreat consisted of talks from two speakers, Father Larry Richards of Saint Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie, and Joe Melendrez, a Catholic performer, musician, and experienced retreat leader. The day shifted between high-energy music and dancing courtesy of Melendrez and DJ Stael, and quieter times of prayer, journaling, Adoration, confession, and Mass.
Feedback from participating students was overwhelmingly positive. Over half would recommend the retreat to a friend, and most chose the talks and music to be their favorite things from the day. Here are a few of the comments collected:
“This retreat was a great experience to help discover God and what He offers for us who follow Him.”
“I like that we were with other children from all over the diocese.”
“Best retreat I’ve ever gone to. It was such an awesome party, and everything that was said hit you right in between the eyes. It was exactly what everyone in high school needs to hear.”
“I felt very touched by God today.”
“We hoped the retreat would prompt them to become more involved members of their parish and our global Church,” Mary shared. In the weeks following the retreat, the Faith Formation Office staff heard from participants at Mass comments that showed the impact the retreat had on the way the students engaged in prayer and the Mass. The staff were surprised and pleased with the level of participation from the students, and they learned more about what attracts our youth to faith. These lessons will inform future diocesan Confirmation retreats, which will happen due to the success of this first one.
“Students and their chaperones enjoyed a connection with others from the diocese and had a spiritual experience unlike any other,” Mary Hickin summarized in her grant report. “Thank you for investing in our youth!”
This project was supported by grants from the Education Endowment, the Faith Formation Endowment, and the Bishop Donald W. Trautman ‘Feed My Sheep’ Grant of the Catholic Foundation. Your gift to the Foundation in any amount designated for any of these endowments increases our capacity to award grants for impactful projects and programming throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
“Students and their chaperones enjoyed a connection with others from the diocese and had a spiritual experience unlike any other. Thank you for investing in our youth!”