NET retreats range in length from four hours to three days. The format and theme of the retreats vary, but the basic message is always the same: "In Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man, who died and rose from the dead, salvation is offered to all, as a gift of God's grace and mercy." (Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI).
The following list outlines the themes we will offer during the 2009 - 2010 retreat season. An overview of the content of each theme is shown here.
Retreat organizers can choose from a variety of themes, including the following:
Why Faith?
What's the big deal with this "God stuff" anyway? This retreat addresses four common reasons young people don't seem interested in their Catholic faith and challenges young people to reconsider their perspective. They are exhorted to live their Catholic faith to the fullest!
The Adventure
When Christ invites us to have a relationship with him, he invites us into the greatest adventure of our lives! This talk uses a visual/drama format, and shows the young people how they fit into the story of Salvation. God did not abandon His children to the power of sin and death, but in the fullness of time sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and restore our relationship with God. He sent the Holy Spirit upon us at our baptism to free us from original sin and begin our journey of faith.
Home
Home is where the heart is. God has given us an inner longing to be at "home" to point us our ultimate end in Him, and in heaven. God's desire is to fulfill our hearts' longings, but gives us free will to choose or reject Him. Through an interactive demonstration the youth see how sin leaves us lost and how Christ is the Good Shepherd calling out to lead us home.
Soul Satisfaction
This talk explains that all of us are hungry. We all "hunger" for peace, joy, meaning, and happiness in our lives. This theme looks at the two places we can look to satisfy our spiritual hunger. Do we look to what the world/our society tells us will satisfy our hunger for happiness or do we look to God.
Ignite the Flame
Ignite the Flame touches on four main ways that we can allow the fire of God to burn boldly in our lives. Fun interactive demonstrations explain different tools the Lord gives us, and our continual yes that enables His flame to grow. With a theme of confirmation woven throughout, youth are encouraged to respond to Christ with a resounding yes to be a burning light in this world, ablaze with Christ' passion and purpose.
Overnight and Weekend Retreats (Offered for Grades 9-12 only)
These provide the youth with a more intense retreat experience by taking them out of their regular environment and helping them to think seriously about their relationship with God. While the overall theme of the overnight/weekend retreat is "The Adventure", the individual presentations will include the following talks:
• The Adventure
• Why Faith?
• Soul Satisfaction
• Men's and Women's Sessions
• You Will Receive Power
