What happens at a Retreat? At our retreats, you will find out all you need to know about your Catholic faith in a practical language that you understand. Through engaging talks, honest discussion, amazing worship and prayer, you'll discover the great love that God has for you, a love that is tangible and results in a life that is more fulfilled.
Who runs them? Retreats are coordinated by the Fearless Ministries leadership and trained volunteers. We also collaborate with priests and religious. All volunteers involved in the retreat have undergone a background check and satisfied the requirements of the Safe Environment Program.
What is the schedule? The retreat opens Friday evening with a welcome and introduction to the retreat and a review of the ground rules, followed by Mass, and free time. Saturday activities include Rosary, talks, a Eucharistic procession (outside if weather permits), panel question and answer, testimonies, free time, Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship. Sunday opens with rosary, a testimony, and finally the closing Mass. Lights out is around 11 p.m. each night, and wake up is at 8 a.m.
How do I register? Please use the link for online registration on the EVENTS section of the website. We request that if possible, you also notify your parish if the parish is coming with a group so that they know you have enrolled. Don't have a parish? You are welcome to attend. Just register on your own.
Who are the retreats for? Fearless Ministries retreats are offered for students entering 8th through 12th grades. Once students reach the age of 18 and have completed high school, they transition to serving on team for Fearless Ministries events and are required to follow the process for becoming a volunteer.
Do I have to attend Camp Veritas before attending a Fearless Retreat? It is recommended that students attend Camp Veritas prior to attending a Fearless Retreat if possible. Why? Based on our pastoral experience, teens benefit from a week-long period away from daily stresses and distractions, and they enjoy the "play-and-play" pilgrimage experience that Camp Veritas offers with hundreds of fellow young people. We have found that after attending Camp, students tend to get much more out of the three-day retreat. However, if a student is unable to attend Camp, he or she may still register for a retreat. (For more information about Camp Veritas, visit www.campveritas.com.)
How much does it cost? The cost of the retreat will vary by site and event. Please refer to the EVENTS section of the website for additional information. If you cannot afford the cost, we encourage you to speak with your pastor or local Knights of Columbus Councils about scholarship opportunities. If there is no assistance available through these channels, please reach out, nobody has ever been turned away.
What if I want to register my Confirmation Class? (UPDATE!!!!)
Parishes registering Confirmation Classes must reserve in advance by email or phone to secure placement, as limited space is available. Contact Maggie Watkins at [email protected] or 484-320-7069 as soon as possible.
Where do I sleep? In a warm room, bunked on the floor, and under adult supervision. You will be required to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. (We suggest you bring a cot, mat, or air mattress.) Ear plugs are suggested. Male and female areas are segregated.
Are meals included? Yes, all meals are included. Friday evening includes a snack; Saturday includes breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner; and Sunday includes a hearty farewell breakfast.
What is the schedule? Our retreats begin Friday evenings and end by noon on Sundays with a closing Mass. Families and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend the closing liturgy.
I do not know anyone, is this okay? Yes, please come along! The vast majority of newcomers do not know anyone and they have a great time. We are a friendly bunch and you will be made most welcome! Just register here.
I'm not Catholic. Am I still welcome? Yes, you are welcome! Fearless Ministries is built upon the foundation of Catholic tradition, but you do not need to be Catholic to attend a retreat.
What do I need to bring? Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel and all the usual things you would bring when going away. You may also opt to bring a cot, mat, or air mattress. There are differences in temperature where we attend, so consider bringing warm clothing at night. Note: THERE ARE NO SHOWER FACILITIES!!!!!!. Please shower before arriving Friday evening. If you have a medical condition that requires regular medication, please bring your medication. (Download a printable packing list here.)
What about electronics? Since retreats take place at various locations, we cannot guarantee the security of your electronic devices. Fearless Ministries is not responsible for any damage incurred. While electronics are not banned, there is limited time for use, and we suggest you leave them at home. There is NO Wi-Fi available. For additional information, please see our Retreat Policies.
I have special dietary needs, can these be catered for? Yes, we endeavour to do so as best we can. Please notify us on your online registration form. It would be a good idea to bring the additional, special foodstuffs you normally use with you too as options are limited.
What if I need to cancel? Cancellation requests must be made in writing to Fearless Retreats at [email protected]. If you cancel at least one week before the retreat begins, you will receive a refund. Food must be purchased after that point, and therefore, no refunds are issued for cancellations received fewer than 7 days prior to the start of the retreat date.
Do I have to spend the night at the facility, or can I come and go? In order to ensure the safety of students, in the interest of adhering to Safe Environment Guidelines, to preserve the integrity of the retreat experience for all participants, students are not permitted to leave and return once the retreat begins. The retreat is structured as a three-day format to provide the most enriching exerience for the students, and we strongly suggest participants commit to the entire retreat. However, if for serious reason, you need to drop your student off late or pick them up early, please notify us in advance at [email protected]. In the event that a student becomes homesick or ill while on retreat, students are advised to notify retreat staff and parents/ guardians will be contacted immediately.
Is there a dress code? In order to maintain an environment in which every person is deeply respected for his/her inherent dignity, appropriate dress is required. All clothing should be appropriate length. Shorts and skirts must extend at least to mid-thigh. No spaghetti straps, please. Items of clothing with inappropriate logos or images are not permitted. As a courtesy to our guests, Fearless Retreats maintains a clothing closet of clean, gently-used clothing that guests may borrow in order to maintain the dress code.
Who can I contact for further info? Email Maggie Watkins at [email protected]
May I volunteer? Individuals who are 18 years of age or older who have completed high school serve on team for Fearless Ministries events. The primary role is to assist the Fearless Ministries personnel in providing light general supervision of guests. Please visit our Volunteers section for information about service opportunities. Note that volunteer staff attend retreats free of charge.
Registration Policy Due to the size of our retreats and the logistical details involved in rooming, registration deadlines are FIRM. Depending on the retreat, we are sometimes able to accommodate walk-ins with advance notice, BUT note that group and/or bunking requests for walk-ins are not guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy Cancellation requests must be made in writing to Fearless Retreats at [email protected]. If you cancel at least one week before the retreat begins, you will receive a refund. Food must be purchased after that point, and therefore, no refunds are issued for cancellations received fewer than 7 days prior to the start of the retreat date.
Safe Environment Fearless Ministries adheres to the Safe Environment protocol for the Archdiocese of New York. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and must satisfy Safe Environment requirements, which include undergoing a periodic background check and completing Safe Environment training.