UPCOMING RELIGIOUS RETREATS: OPPORTUNITIES TO ENCOUNTER GOD THIS YEAR

Retreats are a chance to step back from the secularism of today’s world and be immersed in a new one. It is the perfect place to meet new people and encounter God through works of service and fun activities. Retreats help provide a community of God-centered friendships that in turn help people grow in their faith. It is a great idea for someone to check one out if they want to take some time away from the busy world and clear their mind and heart. PRAYER AND ACTION
Prayer and Action, also known as Panda, is a week-long retreat focused on community service. Directed by the Diocese of Wichita, this five-day retreat takes place in June and participants experience God through serving the community. The goal of this retreat is to help those in need by doing tasks around the house like painting or yard work. “It was a super fun experience and I made a lot of new friends,” sophomore Maddy Dyer said.
TEENS ENCOUNTER CHRIST
Teens Encounter Christ, also known as TEC, is a three-day retreat that challenges teens from the age of 16 and up to encounter God. “I made friends who want to help each other grow, and are unashamed to be themselves,” senior Daniel Enriquez said. Similar to Kairos, TEC engages teens by grouping them into small teams and having them interact with each other on a more personal level. There are many opportunities to attend this retreat, and also serve as leaders on it. The next one is in June in Hutchinson, and is directed by the Diocese of Wichita.
FIAT
Started by Emily Savage, Fiat is a yearly retreat in December that helps girls discern their vocation. It gives them an opportunity to be immersed in the world of the convent, experience sisterhood and makes it easier for them to make a decision. “The Fiat retreat is good for any woman going into any vocation, not just the religious life,” said Sr. Mary Faustina Bean, IHM.
QUO VADIS
Quo Vadis is a retreat for junior and senior boys discerning the priesthood. It gives them an opportunity to meet others who are also facing the same callings and challenges. “I recommend Quo Vadis for anyone thinking about discerning priesthood,” junior Joseph Gordon said. “Having a community when discerning is very important to make that decision.” TOTUS TUUS
Totus Tuus is an overnight camp that is held at Camp Kapaun in Abbyville. It runs for a week and is for fifth graders through high school seniors. They alternate boys and girls as the summer goes on, and they end with junior and senior girls which is July 27-31. Daily mass and adoration keeps the focus on God, while the free time and activities help build friendships. “I now have people I know I can trust when I am going through tough times,” junior Chloe Florio said. “It was the first time I truly encountered God and I have made so many friends and memories.” Totus Tuus is conducted by the diocese and is found on the Wichita Catholic Diocese webpage.
STEUBENVILLE
Steubenville has been around for ages and is encouraged by nearly every parish. It takes place during the summer and is a three-day conference that builds community. Steubenville encourages many people to change their lives through the experience. “Since Steubenville 2025 I have gone to adoration weekly on Sunday nights,” junior Leo Austin said. This year it takes place on July 10-12, and 17-19 in Springfield, Missouri. Nearly every parish has a sign up for it, including St. Thomas, and Magdalen.
PURE AND SIMPLE
Pure and Simple is an organization with the mission of preaching the integrity of the human body to young people. Many high school students from Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Bishop Carroll consistently serve on these retreats and have built unbreakable bonds with each other. “I have been profoundly moved by witnessing the amazing impact our retreats make in the hearts of the young people we serve,”said Erica Higgins, executive director of Pure and Simple Truth for Youth, Inc. The next Pure and Simple meeting is Monday, April 6th, at Christ the King Charity Hall at 7 p.m.