Sponsor Youth Retreats
What Happens on a Saint Andrew High School Retreat?
Why are retreats important?
Quotes from our teens and alumni
Invest in Our Future: Youth Faith Formation Retreats
The vibrance of our parish family depends on the spiritual growth of our youngest members. By nature of their Baptism, our youth are not just the "future" of the Church, they are vital members of our parish community today.
As a parish, we share a collective responsibility to accompany our teens on their journey of faith. For many of our families, faith formation fees can feel overwhelming. We never want anyone to feel unwelcome due to their financial situation. We invite you to partner with us in removing financial barriers and providing the tools necessary for our students to encounter Christ.
| Gift Amount . | Impact | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | One student Bible | St. Jerome famously said, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Providing a personal Bible ensures our students can learn how to engage with the Word of God and hear His voice. |
| $85 | What St. Andrews charges for a retreat for one middle school youth | "Young adults who have left the Catholic Church stopped identifying as Catholics at a median age of 13, long before leaving home. " -Going, Going, Gone: the Dynamics of Catholic Disaffiliation |
| $110 | What St. Andrew charges for a retreat for one high school youth | See quotes from current and past St. Andrew teens in the slideshow above |
| $250 | Approximate actual cost for retreat per high school teen | See quotes from current and past St. Andrew teens in the slideshow above |
Why Give?
Our youth formation program aims to move beyond the classroom. In a retreat environment it is easier to emphasize face-to-face communication, authentic community, and an environment free from digital distractions. This allows our students to build real relationships with their peers, their mentors, and—most importantly—with Jesus Christ.
When you sponsor a student, you are doing more than writing a check; you are answering the call of the entire parish to "make disciples of all nations"
How much does a St. Andrew High School retreat cost?
If you cannot give financially at this time, you can still support our youth by giving your prayer and presence
Springtide Research Institute's 2020 study of over 10,000 young people found that as the number of trusted adults in a young person’s life increases, the level of loneliness and purposelessness they feel decreases. While 24% of those with no adult mentors say they never feel their life has meaning and purpose, with just one adult mentor, this number dropped to 6%. - Springtide Research Institute
Are you interested in volunteering your time as a catechist or mentor? We are always looking for parishioners to share their faith journey. Reach out to AJ Cervantes if you are interested.