I would like to share about my experience in putting together a Confirmation Retreat for a Parish, where I collaborated with BLD Singles, Youth, and Liturgical Ministries. We had 24 candidates whose ages ranged from 13-15 years old.
I also gave the children a survey to fill out after the Retreat, and they said that they all feel much closer to God now, than ever before, because of their Retreat experience. Their favorite parts were hearing the personal testimonies of other young people because they felt inspired and were filled with hope that they too can have a better relationship with God and their own families. They also enjoyed the small group sharing circles and many of them really felt a close connection to their group's facilitator.
BLD's Liturgical Ministry Heads, who volunteered their time to help me set up for Mass, also shared with me how much in awe they were to see the Youth and Singles lead the Retreat so beautifully!
After the Candidates left, I asked the volunteers for their feedback as well. They all said they really enjoyed serving at the Retreat and that they definitely wanted to do this again for more Parishes. One of the volunteers shared that this Retreat taught him that God doesn't always come to us in big and loud ways. He said he learned that God can also make His presence known to us in quiet and subtle ways. Many of them also shared that serving outside of their comfort zone really helped them learn how to trust God more. Because they are accustomed to serving at BLD Retreats and already know what to expect, they really had to lean on God and be open to hearing Him guide them how to serve at this Parish Retreat. They felt they too were brought closer to God in their own personal relationships with Him through serving our Confirmation Candidates.
I praise God for sending me so many volunteers who served God so humbly and joyfully. I am also very grateful for Father Paul's guidance in developing this Retreat, and being our Spiritual Director for the day.
All glory and praise to our Lord, Jesus, Christ, through Him, this was all possible!
From,
Flo Manguiat
SE11, LSS21, ME34, LSS34