“The Call is an opportunity for teens to first find a way to discover themselves and a relationship with God as a starting point and then allow that relationship to grow,” said Brian Campbell, SJA Youth and Young Adult Coordinator. “For other youth it can strengthen and resolve their relationship with Christ.  When conversion comes about it can become a life changing event in their lives.”

High school Senior Kevin Huemmer agreed, “It helps me refocus my life. The world throws a lot of stuff at you and (the retreat) reels me back in and helps me refocus on what world really does matter. It’s also a great time and I meet a lot of new people.”

For the seventh straight year, SJA youth ministry is organizing and hosting “The Call” retreat here for high school teens. It will take place the weekend of March 27 and 28.  Approximately 125-150 youth and their chaperones are expected to participate. The registration form can be downloaded here.

Some may imagine a retreat to be silent and possibly quite dull. However teen retreats are anything but boring. They are carefully structured to meet the attention spans and energy levels of the average teenager. Talks by inspirational speakers meet teens where they are but edify and urge them to live for more. Talks are interspersed with energizing music, humor, games and icebreakers, thought-provoking skits, fellowship with other youth, and other activities. Of course the weekend also centers around the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and an opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

 This year’s keynote speaker is Bob Rice of Franciscan University in Ohio. He knows how to use humor and personal stories to engage and instruct youth. Bob is a nationally known Catholic speaker as well as a singer, musician and songwriter, who leads worship at the university’s popular summer youth conferences. The retreat is open to all high school age youth of our diocese and beyond. Parents willing to chaperone are also needed. Many students ask if their non-Catholic friends may participate and they may and often do.

 “I think it’s so cool that we have this at our parish,” said Sophmore Marianne Brown, who is part of the SJA Youth Council which helps organize the retreat.  Because teens know best what their peers enjoy, the Youth Council responds by jumping in to help with the retreat designing the T-shirts, choosing a theme, making decorations, creating the skits, singing and playing music with the band, gathering prayer support and much more. “We have so many opportunities here and it’s so great to be part of it. It’s really great how I can help impact other people’s lives by helping with it and it opens my eyes to see the holiness of those around me in the retreat,” she added. 

 How to Sign Up for The Call:
The retreat is open to any high school teen. Registration forms are available in the literature racks by both entrances to the building as well as from youth ministry representatives. Completed registrations along with the $55 retreat fee should be turned in at RE class, IMPACT or the Youth Ministry office as soon as possible before Fri., March 12. Checks should be made payable to St. Joan of Arc. Confidential financial assistance with the retreat fee is available by contact Brian Campbell at 865-9967 ext 366.

 Four Ways You Will Help Make The Call Successful:        

1.  Make a cash donation to help a teen attend who could otherwise not afford to. (Mail to or drop off at SJA’sYouth Ministry office.)

2.  Donate 2-liter bottles of pop, packages of cookies or candy,  Hostess or Little Debbie type snacks, disposable cups, bowls or plates or other  non-perishables to defray the cost of putting on the retreat. (Leave in the designated box on the lower level by the youth area, drop off at the parish office, or send with your teen to RE class.   

3.  Pray daily and or make sacrifices for the students being called to participate in the retreat as well as for the retreat team and presenters.

4.  Volunteer!  People are needed to for advance setup, help prepare meals and clean up, chaperone, assist with Saturday morning registrations, provide security, work at the nurses/first aid station, be willing to work wherever needed, and for tear down and clean up Sunday evening when the retreat ends. To volunteer, contact Ann Campbell via email Campbell.annmarie@gmail.com or phone 457-9757.