Life Teen Youth Ministry welcomes all high schoolers to join the third annual Life Teen Retreat – 2025 dates will be released soon. Come be renewed in your faith as we rest in the loving presence of Christ.

Retreats are an opportunity for you to press pause in your life and refocus on God. Since we all live such busy lives, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed about the future, stressed about school, and disconnected from both God and community. Going on retreat helps us to slow down so we can reorient our lives towards the things that really matter. On our retreat weekend, you will have the opportunity to encounter Christ through prayer, the sacraments, nature, rest, and community. Expect a weekend of meaningful small group connections, personal reflection time, inspiring testimonies from our retreat team, Mass, opportunities for Confession and Adoration, free time, amazing food, and even better friends.

When do we need to be available? We will meet at Nativity at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. We will load the bus from there, say goodbye to parents, and head to Loyola on the Potomac. We will return to Nativity for pick up no later than 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Can I come late to retreat or leave early? Unfortunately,  we are unable to accommodate late arrivals or early departures. You must be able to attend the full retreat in order to participate.

Can I have my phone on retreat? In following with Diocesan policy, teens are not permitted to have their phones or any technology with them on retreat. This includes smart watches, headphones, gaming devices, laptops, etc. Parents, we ask that you help us enforce this policy by having your child leave all devices at home. If any technology is brought on retreat, our team will determine if the child will be permitted to stay for the duration of retreat or if they will be sent home. While not having a phone may cause some initial stress to teens or parents, we have found that our retreatants appreciate a break from their phones and that it allows them to invest more deeply in the experience. If your child requires a medical exception to this policy, please communicate this in advance.

What are the rooms like? Each retreatant will have their own individual room equipped with a single bed, desk, dresser, and half bath (toilet and sink). Towels, sheets, pillows, and blankets are provided. Boys and girls are separated by floor/wing. The only area that is communal are the showers which are also separated by sex. They are equipped with individual stalls for privacy.

Are meals provided? Yes, all meals are provided – from dinner on Friday night to lunch on Sunday afternoon. Please indicate on your registration if your child has any dietary restrictions or preferences. The staff will provide alternative meals as needed to meet these accommodations. The kitchen is stocked with homemade cookies, juice, and tea, accessible 24/7. Plus, we will provide snacks for the weekend. Teens are not permitted to bring their own food on the retreat.

Does the retreat include Mass? Yes, we will celebrate Mass twice – on Saturday morning and Sunday morning. We will also recite morning prayer and night prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours each day. Confession and adoration will be offered on Saturday night.

What should I pack? Clothes that are comfortable but also approrpriate for Mass; a Bible, prayer journal, rosary, or any other prayer materials; a winter coat; medication; toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, etc. You will receive a full packing list about a week in advance. 

Should I expect to hear from you or my child while on retreat? No, we will only reach out to parents in cases of emergency. Remember that no news is good news! Parents will receive a text notification when we arrive at the retreat house as well as with an updated eta when we are on our way home on Sunday.

Can I bring homework on the retreat? Unfortunately, you cannot bring homework or any school assignments with you on retreat. Please make sure all assignments are completed prior to getting on the bus.