Events and Retreats
Back to Earth Retreat - This diocesan retreat is an enjoyable retreat for youth from all over the diocese at the Short Journey Retreat Center in Smithfield. Participants will camp out under the stars and participate in outdoor events all day Saturday. Great food is included as well as snacks! Bishop Burbidge will celebrate an outdoor mass and on Saturday evening there is a dance! There will also be movies and games for those who don’t like to boogie! Registration forms are on the diocesan website. Dates: October 11th and 12th
Whitewater Rafting Trip - This is one of the highlights of the year when our youth enjoy the wonder of God’s creation on the Nantahala River outside Asheville. Join us for an enjoyable day of rafting, camp songs, a bonfire, and making smores! Date: October 4th and 5th. Registration due by September 22nd.
Connections - This is one of the diocese’s best secrets! This retreat is either at Camp Kanata or Trinity Center and an opportunity to make friends with youth from around the diocese. The focus is on community building, healthy relationships, scripture, and identity for our 9th and 10th graders. Registration forms on the diocesan website. Dates: Nov 21-23 and March 27-29.
Search - A Christian maturity retreat that takes place at Short Journey. The retreat is only for 11th and 12th graders but can have a great impact on first time adult chaperones as well. There are talks given by youth and adults mixed with intense spiritual activities. A life changing event for most. Registration forms on the diocesan website. Dates: Nov. 14-16, Dec. 12-14, Feb 6-8, Mar 20-22.
Winter Ski Trip - Another highlight of the year is our ski trip to Wintergreen. It is an enjoyable day on the slopes for our youth and families! Cost $100 for lift ticket, rentals, and transportation. Those with their own equipment have to pay only for transportation and their lift ticket. Date: Feb 28th. Registrations are due by Feb 9th.
Lock In - There will be an overnight lock-in at the Church for 9th graders filled with games, activities and movies. We need coordinators and chaperones!
Confirmation Retreats - There will be 2 retreats for students in the immediate year of their Confirmation preparation. These retreats will be focused on spirituality and belonging to a faith community. Chaperones needed.
March for Life - Every year tens of thousands flock to Washington DC to mark the tragic anniversary of Roe v Wade, when abortion on demand was made legal. Join us on Jan 22 for this faith-filled trip to stand for the rights of the unborn and for women everywhere who have suffered from the evil of abortion. Date: Jan 22
Ignited By Truth Conference - This is becoming one of the most popular and growing Catholic conferences on the East Coast! Past speakers have included Jeff Cavins, Stephen Ray, George Weigel, and Alice Von Hildebrand, internationally know Catholic speakers. There is also a youth track dealing with teen issues dealing with chastity, Catholic identity, and vocations! Feb. 13th and 14th.
Diocesan Youth Convention - Every year youth from around the Diocese convene in Greenville NC for an amazing weekend of fun and inspiration! There are rallies, workshops, a dance, a coffeehouse, karaoke, games, and a teen carnival! Transportation, lodging, and convention registration will be around $200. Scholarships are available through the diocese. Date: May 15th-17th
Faithful Servant - Learn to serve as Jesus did. This program is for youth (9-12 grade) who want to develop and use their leadership skills, and for the adults who work with them. Learn valuable tools for your parish and for life! This event is jointly sponsored by the Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh and this year will be hosted by the Diocese of Raleigh. Date: TBD.
Information Updated 10/13/08
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