Retreats throughout diocese will offer youth a chance to meet others who share their beliefs

Friday, Sep. 05, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY – The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City this year will be offering five youth retreats, one in each of the deaneries.

“Last year we had just one youth retreat,” said Samantha Almanza, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “Talking with people, they were telling me that they can’t travel in order to attend the retreats and they asked me to bring them closer to them.”

Almanza remembered an occasion when, some months ago, she went to a parish and discovered that only two students in their high school were Catholics.

“I want youth in those type of situations to know that they are not alone in what they believe, and that there are other people around them that are the same age and share their beliefs. It will be a feeling of connectedness,” said Almanza.

So this year, in October and November, the diocese will be celebrating five retreats, one each in Ogden, Park City, Draper, Cedar City and Price.

“Hopefully, since the retreats are going to be closer to them, more people are going to be able to participate,” said Almanza. “Especially in the rural areas … they will be able to meet other Catholics their age and have a better sense of community.”

The speakers for all the retreats will be from  Reach Youth Ministry, a nonprofit based in Montana with the mission of ‘bringing young people and Jesus Christ together.’ 

“They are a group of young missionaries that work with young people,” said Almanza. “They have been serving parishes, deaneries, schools and Catholic Diocese for over 30 years.”

All the retreats will offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

“Also we will be celebrating Mass, have different activities, prayer and worship, music, games. …  It is not just someone talking to them,” said Almanza, adding that participating in these retreats is important “ because they are going to meet youth from their areas that they have a connection with, and that this can lead to future friendships and resources.”

The retreats are open to youth from 9th to 12 grades. Cost before Oct. 1  is $15; after that date it is $20. The cost of the retreat includes lunch.

For information about the retreats, or to register, contact Samantha Almanza,  801-328-8641 ext.  357.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Christ the King Catholic Church, 690 S. Cove Dr., Cedar City 

Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

Juan Diego Catholic High School, 300 East 11800 South, Draper 

Saturday, Oct. 25 , 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 N. Carbon Ave., Price

Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, Ogden 

Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1505 W. White Pine Canyon Road, Park City