Young Adult (Catholics in their 20's) retreat ideas

[japhy]

There’s a possibility I will be asked to help build a retreat designed for young adult Catholics (ages of 20-29, basically) at the Jesuit-run Loyola Retreat House in Morristown, NJ. Their web site says their retreats are Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, which I think is the best amount of time for a retreat: not too short, and not inconveniently long.

I’ve been thinking of thematic ideas for the retreat that are relevant particularly to the age group at hand. I know I have felt (in the past, not so much now) somewhat detached from the Church, left on my own. There were obstacles in the way, most of which have since been cleared. So that gave me an idea for a theme: removing obstacles (or repairing breaches) in our spiritual lives: in public prayer (i.e. the Mass), in private prayer (e.g. reading Scripture, praying, devotions), and in relationships (with family, friends, and even people that aren’t your friends).

I like this idea because it speaks to me – at least, it would have spoken to me a year or two ago. It’s also a Scriptural theme:
Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block. (Psalm 119[118]:165)

And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” (Isaiah 57:14)

Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (Romans 14:13)
The goal (in my mind) would be to help remove those obstacles that are preventing us from feeling at home in the Church.

Any thoughts? Anyone have other ideas? Resources I could (or should) check out?

 

[puzzleannie]

my advice is only negative, try and stay away from the ice-breaker, games, and artsy-crafty ideas that seem to be a staple of HS retreats. Even if they liked them in HS this crowd will be bored with them, and the presenters will come across as condescending and patronizing if they try to adapt material and approaches for teens to a YA audience.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I like your idea. Just to add some more Scriptural examples — New Testament characters who had to get rid of something that was in the way of their relationship with Jesus. You can probably think of others.

• Matthew 19:16-22 — The rich young man who asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life (sell what you have, give to the poor, come follow Me — we don’t know the end of the story)
• Luke 19:1-9 — Zaccheus (gave up half of his riches; gave up his sinful ways)
• Luke 7:36-50 — Sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet (gave up her sinful past)
• Mark 1:16-20, Matthew 9:9 — Peter, Andrew, James, and John (left their fishing nets and boats); Matthew (tax collector who left his customs post)
• Luke 14:25-33 — “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple … everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Any of these could lead in to a time of private reflection — What is it that Jesus is asking ME to leave behind? What is standing in the way of my relationship with Him? Is there anything/anyone in my life that I put ahead of my relationship with God?