Young adults, ages 18 to 35, come from all over the US to attend retreats led by the Brothers of St. John, seeking to deepen their faith, and to answer the question, “What does it mean to be a martyr of the third millenium?”

 

While our retreats are steeped in the spirituality of the Community of St. John, retreats are targeted primarily towards young people who know their calling to be in the world. We welcome young parents as well as newlyweds and single persons, and it is not uncommon to see infants at retreats.

 

Our retreat participants are desperate for a deeper faith; they hunger for a Truth that is challenging and enthralling; they thirst to set the world on fire through the normal tasks of everyday lay life – in their classrooms, their offices, their parishes, and their homes. The Church is missionary by nature, and these young people are anxious to answer that call.

 

How does one look past the normal limitations of age, financial means, family situation, and lack of legitimately free time, and see with Christ’s eyes and heart the countless opportunities that present themselves at every single moment to bear Christ into the world? How can speaking charitably to my co-workers, changing my child’s diapers, dating with holy intent, working 60 hours a week, or simply taking out the trash bring about the salvation of souls? If I am called to be in the world – in the world, and not of it – if I am not called to be a mini-priest or nun and attend daily Mass or make a daily Holy Hour or pray the Liturgy of the Hours six times a day, then what does a lay life laid down for Christ truly look like?