By Geoffrey Stumpo
For Proclaim!
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Altoona and Johnstown young adult ministries have an exciting announcement.
The Johnstown young adult group started in early 2023 and the Altoona young adult group began in early 2024. From the very beginning both groups had a grand vision of hosting a young adult retreat but weren’t yet in the positions to achieve their dreams.
As both young adult groups continue to succeed in their missions and grow, they are excited to announce a collaborative young adult day of reflection at Saint Francis University on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
All young adults aged 18-39 from throughout the Diocese and beyond are invited and encouraged to attend.
A retreat is a time to withdraw from daily life to reflect on and grow in one’s relationship with God through prayer, conferences, discussions, and participation in the Sacraments. The upcoming day of reflection will be a great Lenten opportunity for young adults to answer The Lord’s call in the 6th chapter of The Gospel of Mark to come away by yourself to a deserted place and rest for a while.
The theme of this year’s Lenten retreat is “New Life in Christ.”
Sign-ins will begin at 8:30 a.m. and greeters will warmly welcome all new and familiar faces.
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with daily Mass for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday and will conclude with a Vigil Mass for the first Sunday of Lent. The day will also include Eucharistic Adoration, silent prayer, Confessions, and a Rosary. Father Stephen Mary Waruszewski, TOR, and other Franciscan Friars will serve as Sacramental ministers.
Bob Sutton, teacher and campus minister at Bishop Guilfoyle Academy and a popular local Catholic speaker will be the retreat master and give two inspiring talks. There will also be small groups, social time, and lunch as well as an optional dinner.
The day of reflection is open to all young adults aged 18-39 from throughout the Diocese and beyond including those who have never attended events in the past. Please help share the word with potentially interested young adults.
The cost to pre-register by March 1st is $10 or $20 thereafter.
Click HERE to register.Â
