Each of the following themes can be used with a wide degree of flexibility
within the context of both retreats and rallies.
These themes are:
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Suitability (School Year Levels)
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8-10
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11
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12
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Older
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Search
(Recommended for any year level)
St Augustine captured a profound truth when he said 'You have made
us for yourself O God and our hearts are restless until they rest
in you'. While it is possible (and good) to find happiness in every
day life, true, lasting happiness and ultimate meaning in life comes
through a personal relationship with God. This theme is explored in
the context of personal testimony. |
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Life Purpose
(Recommended for Years 11 and above)
What is the real purpose and meaning of life? What's really important
to me? Where does God fit into my life and my future? The 'Life Purpose'
retreat invites young people to make their faith the key component
in answering life's biggest questions. |
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(The Experience of) God's Love
(Recommended for any year level)
So often for young people, God's love is an abstract concept. During
this retreat, the young people have an opportunity to hear from the
team about how they have experienced God's love in tangible ways and
how it has impacted their lives. |
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Peer Pressure
(Recommended for Years 8 to 10)
Am I a follower or a leader? How do I handle alcohol, drugs, bullying?
Am I willing to do what's right even if it means going against my
friends? These and other tough issues will be addressed in the 'Peer
Pressure' retreat. |
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Self Image
(Recommended for Years 8 to 10)
Dealing with issues of self-worth, personal confidence and acceptance
is common among all young people. The 'Self Image' retreat helps
young people to come to a greater awareness of their goodness
and uniqueness as God's sons and daughters. |
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Leadership
(Recommended for Year 11 and 12)
'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' the rich young man asked
Christ. The 'Leadership' retreat looks at what it means to 'take up
your cross' and follow the model of how Jesus dealt with people. Leadership
is explored in the context of commitment and service. |
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Encounter Jesus
(Recommended for any year level)
This theme explores the personal journey of team members and their
experience of responding to the invitation to 'Encounter Jesus'
as well as giving the young people and opportunity to reflect on
their journey and respond to that invitation.
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Forgiveness
(Recommended for any level)
Sin is a very real issue in the life of each person. God does not
want us to labour under the burden of sin, guilt and shame. The
'Forgiveness' retreat invites young people to experience the God
who loves us so much that God has provided a way for us through
this darkness which brings us to freedom and hope.
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Discipleship
(Recommended for Year 12 and above)
One of the criticisms Gandhi made of Christians was that they didn't
much resemble Christ. The 'Discipleship' retreat challenges young
people to see how much their lives resemble that of Christ and offers
positive steps in following Christ's personal call on their lives. |
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Prayer and Scripture Workshop
(Recommended for Year 12 and above)
Prayer is about a personal relationship with our God through the
person of Jesus. The 'Prayer and Scripture Workshop' offers practical
ways to grow in that relationship.
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Freedom
(Recommended for years 11 and 12)
This theme gives the retreatants the opportunity to discover
the things in life that hinder their freedom and also to recognise
that they have the potential to bring freedom to others. Real
freedom can be found in Jesus. |
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Sacraments
(Recommended for Years 11 and above)
If you would like Eucharist included within your retreat, the team
would look forward to working with the celebrant and offering whatever
assistance they could to make the celebration a meaningful part
of the retreat. We would depend on you to arrange for a celebrant
and provide the necessary articles for Mass.
We recommend the sacrament of Reconciliation be available on overnight
and weekend retreats. The theme Forgiveness is designed to work
with or without the sacrament.
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Curriculum Overview
(Optional)
Please feel free to include a brief overview of the areas presently
being studied in the Religious Education classes so the team can draw
on the young people's experience in class and the retreat may be better
integrated into your RE curriculum. |
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Wednesday November 19, 2008
