TestimoniesEver wonder what our adult retreat are really about? Here are some personal testimonies from previous retreat attendees:
Testimonies
Stephanie Kirvan Linda Luna Cindy Braun Jenna Epkey Cindy Halfman Andrea Schneider Retreat Reflections - From staff Retreat Reflections - From retreat attendees "I left that retreat rejuvenated. We had time to rest in quiet, listen to great talks, meet other parishioners, as well as many gentle invitations to lay our trials at the feet of Jesus. I had numerous fears walking into this retreat, but I’m grateful I went anyway because we were showered with immense peace that weekend and I look forward to seeing what else is in store at future retreats. "
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MHT Adult Retreat
This retreat is for any MHT parishioners who are 18 and older. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to get away to a relaxing environment, which is something that we all need. Cost is $150 per person.
Schedule
Friday - Please eat before you arrive; dinner is not provided.
6:00pm: Registration 7:00pm: Evening Session Begins 9:00pm: Adoration and Confession Saturday 8:30am: Breakfast 10:00am: Morning Session Begins 12:00pm: Lunch 1:00pm: Afternoon Session Begins 4:30pm: Mass 6:00pm: Dinner 7:00pm: Evening Session Begins 8:00pm: Mini Holy Spirit Encounter Sunday - Lunch will not be provided 8:30am: Breakfast 10:00am: Morning Sessions Begins 12:00pm: Retreat ends |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is for MHT parishioners who are 18 and older. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to get away to a relaxing environment, which is something that most are in need of. The retreats have also been a great excuse for couples to get away, spend time with each other, and reconnect. Most importantly, the retreat is for anyone who is looking for those things and would also like to grow in their faith.
2. What do you do on a retreat?
Our three main goals for the retreat are for people to grow in their relationship with the Lord, to provide them with an opportunity to get away and relax for a weekend, and also to allow people to build relationships with others from the parish. We schedule a diverse set of activities to accomplish these goals while allowing people to go at their own pace. We have talks, free time, prayer/Adoration, and personal reflection time. We treat people like adults and aren’t going to force anyone to do anything that they’re not comfortable with.
3. What if I don’t know my faith well?
Don’t let the idea of a retreat intimidate you. We purposely plan this time to have something for people of all levels of faith. We try to keep things at a level that no one will feel overwhelmed. We often have people share with us that they had fears of feeling judged or not being smart enough to attend, but quickly realized once the retreat started that there was nothing to worry about.
4. Who do I contact If I have questions?
We have a number of people who have been on the retreat before and would love to answer any questions that you have or share about their experience of what it meant to them. Andrea Schneider (adultfaithmht@gmail.com) oversees the retreat and can answer any questions that you have. Otherwise you could also contact any of the following: Cindy Braun, Jerry and Mary Lee Klein, Linda Luna, Sue Thelen, or Vern and Bonnie Thelen.
5. What if I don’t know anyone else going?
We have had people in the past who were afraid to sign up because they didn’t want to be alone and they found that those fears went away as soon as they got to the retreat. We are glad to help arrange carpooling if needed and we assure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of. The retreat center allows everyone to have their own room and bathroom so no need to worry about someone snoring and keeping you awake (or keeping someone else up if you’re the one who snores!). The schedule itself also allows for both personal and social time and we encourage people to participate in as much as they are comfortable. So on one hand it’s a great opportunity to meet new people if that’s something you’re looking for or you can keep to yourself if that is more your comfort level.
6. Am I expected to talk/share personal information?
Nope! There are times throughout the retreat where we invite people to share their thoughts if they would like, but no one will be expected to share or guilted into anything. We want everyone to be comfortable on the retreat so whether you share or not is going to be completely up to you.
7. What if I can’t afford to go?
As a parish we are called to evangelize and provide opportunities for people to grow in holiness. We believe that these opportunities should be available for anyone so we’re committed to working with people to help make it work financially. The cost is $150 per person for the weekend. If that isn’t an option, we will work with you to make it possible, even if that means that someone attends at no charge! The Lord always provides for us and we never want the cost to be a determining factor in whether people attend or not.
8. What will accommodations be like?
The Bethany House in Dewitt is set up like a hotel so you can expect everything to be provided that you would get when you stay at a hotel. You aren’t required to share a room or bathroom unless you would like to. Meals for the weekend are provided (all day Saturday through breakfast on Sunday), as well as snacks throughout the weekend. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks if you prefer. We will accommodate special dietary needs, so just let us know if there is anything that you need.
9. Why now? I’m thinking that I will just go on the next one.
You know your life and responsibilities better than we do, so we’re definitely not going to try to tell you what to do. But...we encourage you to really take it to prayer if the Lord is calling you to attend this weekend. We often don’t give the Lord enough credit for what He can do in our lives. Most Holy Trinity is committed to providing these retreats because we have seen how powerfully the Lord works through them and how the lives of people have changed through attending We’re never going to be perfectly ready to make something like this work in our schedule or be in the perfect place with God. Rather we need to make a commitment to Him and give Him an opportunity to work in our lives. If you really think about it, if God is going to give you a powerful experience on the retreat and change your life for the better, why would you want to put that off?
This retreat is for MHT parishioners who are 18 and older. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to get away to a relaxing environment, which is something that most are in need of. The retreats have also been a great excuse for couples to get away, spend time with each other, and reconnect. Most importantly, the retreat is for anyone who is looking for those things and would also like to grow in their faith.
2. What do you do on a retreat?
Our three main goals for the retreat are for people to grow in their relationship with the Lord, to provide them with an opportunity to get away and relax for a weekend, and also to allow people to build relationships with others from the parish. We schedule a diverse set of activities to accomplish these goals while allowing people to go at their own pace. We have talks, free time, prayer/Adoration, and personal reflection time. We treat people like adults and aren’t going to force anyone to do anything that they’re not comfortable with.
3. What if I don’t know my faith well?
Don’t let the idea of a retreat intimidate you. We purposely plan this time to have something for people of all levels of faith. We try to keep things at a level that no one will feel overwhelmed. We often have people share with us that they had fears of feeling judged or not being smart enough to attend, but quickly realized once the retreat started that there was nothing to worry about.
4. Who do I contact If I have questions?
We have a number of people who have been on the retreat before and would love to answer any questions that you have or share about their experience of what it meant to them. Andrea Schneider (adultfaithmht@gmail.com) oversees the retreat and can answer any questions that you have. Otherwise you could also contact any of the following: Cindy Braun, Jerry and Mary Lee Klein, Linda Luna, Sue Thelen, or Vern and Bonnie Thelen.
5. What if I don’t know anyone else going?
We have had people in the past who were afraid to sign up because they didn’t want to be alone and they found that those fears went away as soon as they got to the retreat. We are glad to help arrange carpooling if needed and we assure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of. The retreat center allows everyone to have their own room and bathroom so no need to worry about someone snoring and keeping you awake (or keeping someone else up if you’re the one who snores!). The schedule itself also allows for both personal and social time and we encourage people to participate in as much as they are comfortable. So on one hand it’s a great opportunity to meet new people if that’s something you’re looking for or you can keep to yourself if that is more your comfort level.
6. Am I expected to talk/share personal information?
Nope! There are times throughout the retreat where we invite people to share their thoughts if they would like, but no one will be expected to share or guilted into anything. We want everyone to be comfortable on the retreat so whether you share or not is going to be completely up to you.
7. What if I can’t afford to go?
As a parish we are called to evangelize and provide opportunities for people to grow in holiness. We believe that these opportunities should be available for anyone so we’re committed to working with people to help make it work financially. The cost is $150 per person for the weekend. If that isn’t an option, we will work with you to make it possible, even if that means that someone attends at no charge! The Lord always provides for us and we never want the cost to be a determining factor in whether people attend or not.
8. What will accommodations be like?
The Bethany House in Dewitt is set up like a hotel so you can expect everything to be provided that you would get when you stay at a hotel. You aren’t required to share a room or bathroom unless you would like to. Meals for the weekend are provided (all day Saturday through breakfast on Sunday), as well as snacks throughout the weekend. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks if you prefer. We will accommodate special dietary needs, so just let us know if there is anything that you need.
9. Why now? I’m thinking that I will just go on the next one.
You know your life and responsibilities better than we do, so we’re definitely not going to try to tell you what to do. But...we encourage you to really take it to prayer if the Lord is calling you to attend this weekend. We often don’t give the Lord enough credit for what He can do in our lives. Most Holy Trinity is committed to providing these retreats because we have seen how powerfully the Lord works through them and how the lives of people have changed through attending We’re never going to be perfectly ready to make something like this work in our schedule or be in the perfect place with God. Rather we need to make a commitment to Him and give Him an opportunity to work in our lives. If you really think about it, if God is going to give you a powerful experience on the retreat and change your life for the better, why would you want to put that off?