Youth Retreat

[TobyLue]

I though I would post this question in this section and get some thoughts especially from the younger generation.

What do you think of a one day youth retreat for 13,14,and 15 year olds that starts with the gathering of all teens in a small hall where the windows are covered to prevent any outside light, then there is a loud “Christian Rock” band playing, strobe lights of different colors flashing and everybody jumping up and down waving their arms, just like at any rock concert? The speakers are turned to such loud volume that you can’t hear yourself think, the constant booming of the bass, screaming guitars, can’t understand the words of the songs for the yelling, BUT, every one is excited and of course the youngsters are loving it because of the rock atmosphere in the room.

How about having adoration but little reverence as there is soft Christian rock music in the background, and the Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris sung via CD in English (which is fine) but with a slow rock beat to it?

Yes, skits are fine if done in an appropriate manner and the kids really enjoy them and find them humorous. But no explanation given as to how they should apply to our deepening our relationship with Christ. No scripture, if appropriate, nor Catholic teaching.

I’m from the old school that everything should start with prayer, inviting all to participate, introductions and what to expect and create a reverent atmosphere all throughout.

I believe that retreats are to have an encounter with our Lord, deepen our relationship with him, learn more about Him, and there should be scripture AND Catholic teachings and explanations and reflection.

I guess I still remember my first retreat as a 14 year old (eons ago) which was a three day SILENT retreat with Mass every morning, the Rosary, a chapel where one could go for silent adoration morning and evening prayers and teachings by a priest. I know this is hard to do on a one day retreat, but still it should be Christ centered and not centered on becoming a buddy with the kid next to you.

Your thoughts and thanks to all.

 

[Polycarp1]

I don’t think we should be going to these things with the goal of being entertained. We are there to seek God and to grow in holiness.

 

[Luz_Maria]

You are kidding, right?

As a kid, I used to leave places that were so loud because I got headaches that would go away when I got home.

The flashing lights, I have been told, can cause (or is the word trigger?) migraine headaches (I have never had a migraine).

We want to draw others (of whatever age) closer to God. Is this conducive to meditation and intimacy with Our Lord? What do you want the young people to take home with them?

Is this a party or a retreat?

If this is being done at a parish, the Pastor may have to approve it because he is in charge of the spiritual well being of every-one in his parish (where I live they must approve of this).

Just and only thoughts.

 

[casslean]

I appreciate that lots of people are “old school” and don’t like the atmosphere of youth retreats, whether it be the energy, or the music, or the emphasis on creating relationships with each other, or whatever. Here’s the thing:

They aren’t aimed at you.

Youth retreats are geared toward what YOUTH need to help THEM engage with and understand the faith. Instead of telling them why that’s wrong and why they need to pray a different way, we need to be welcoming them and encouraging them.

Jesus did not say that the only way we can worship God is to sit quietly in a room in prayerful adoration. We are told to pray constantly. If those youth can connect with God through that music and that atmosphere, then why try to force them into what you view as the “right” way to pray?

Further, dismissing the value of making friends with that person beside you at a youth retreat is incredibly dangerous to youth formation. If youth don’t have a strong network of friends who can support you in your faith, they don’t hold onto their faith. We know this. They are not able to withstand a world that constantly pushes against them if they don’t have a strong network to help them push back. So yeah, it’s important to make those friends.

When I returned from WYD 2016, I discovered tons of criticism of the Eucharistic Adoration that was hosted by Bishop Robert Barron on Wednesday night. People insisting they couldn’t understand how that created an atmosphere of reference, or how you could connect to God amidst all that, or whatever. But I was there, and it was beautiful and powerful and I spent a great deal of time in tears because of how acutely I felt God’s presence in my life at that moment. The next morning I attended Confession in an arena that was playing Christian rock music and had the lights - all the same atmosphere - and it was one of the most moving experiences I’ve had in Confession.

If you don’t like it, or don’t understand it, don’t get involved with it. But it speaks to youth.