Premiere retreat for youths is an ‘awesome experience’

LINDA REEVES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PALM BEACH BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 08.01.08

JASON COLLINS | FC
Jamie Davenport, in foreground, and Jason Touw, in black, pray during Eucharistic adoration at the retreat for young adults.

NORTH PALM BEACH | A first-of-its-kind retreat in the Diocese of Palm Beach in July drew raves such as “awesome” and “a great time” from some of the 30 or so young adults who attended.

“It’s been an awesome experience,” said participant Jason Touw, as the July 11-13 event at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center came to an end. The program, themed “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” was the diocese’s first retreat designed for the age group.

“We wanted to offer young adults an opportunity to come together over the summer,” said Terence McCorry, director of campus and young adult ministries for the Diocese of Palm Beach. “Father Paul (Wierichs, a Passionist priest and director) at Our Lady of Florida offered the retreat center, so we took a leap of faith. We have been meeting with young adults organizing the event for the last three months.”

Weekend activities included talks, prayer, adoration, fellowship opportunities, and praise and worship.

JASON COLLINS | FC
Giuseppe Mignano prays in the chapel at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center.

“This is my first retreat,” Katti Alusma told the Florida Catholic during the weekend. “I’m having a great time. It’s been going great.”

Frank Faranda, director of youth and young adult ministries at St. Jude Parish in Tequesta, attended portions of the retreat.

“Hopefully the young people will take what they learn from the spiritual center retreat back to their parishes,” he told the Florida Catholic about the message of the gathering – service and active participation in parish and the church. “Hopefully they will continue on with the theme.”

McCorry was pleased with the turnout. “It is a great step in building a much-needed, ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach,” he said.

Cecilia Rosado, a member of the Our Lady of Florida retreat staff, said, “This is a milestone for our diocese. It’s a very exciting thing. The conversion of hearts and (God’s) presence is very moving.”

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