The Quest Retreat has been in Catholic high schools and parishes for years, but last weekend it felt like something new at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais.
(L-R) Br. Peter Lamick, Fr. Moses Mesh, Fr. Jason Nesbit and Associate Curt Saindon
Quest 40 drew nearly 40 young people to spend the weekend at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Frankfurt, IL. It was organized by Youth Ministry Director Amanda Fierce, but other adults from the parish volunteered to help, including Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, and Associate Curt Saindon.
Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, Pastor, and Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, Parochial Vicar, even stopped by Saturday afternoon to visit with the retreatants over lunch and later hear confessions.
Traditionally, Quest Retreats revolve around the three circles of love, including Jesus, others and you. The retreat offered teens a mix of talks from young adult leaders and one adult, as they reflected about the role of Christ in their lives. The experience is meant to help the teens find a deeper connection with God through prayer, talks, small group discussions and the outdoors.
The grounds of the Franciscan Retreat Center are nestled in the St. Francis Woods and feature a labyrinth, a cosmic walk and plenty of paved paths across the property that lead them towards Hickory Creek.
Teens participate in activities at Quest.
Teens returned to the parish on Sunday morning, just in time for the 9 a.m. family Mass and then have breakfast with their families afterwards, all of which made the retreat homecoming extra special.
“Viatorian Youth Ministry is alive here in Bourbonnais,” parish officials said in sharing retreat photos on the parish Facebook page.
Br. Peter agreed, saying the vibrant welcome home was more than parishioners affirming the young people.
“It was a great, concrete showing of how youth ministry is animated in the parish,” Br. Peter said. “Parishioners got to see this dynamic youth ministry program in action.”