Franciscan Youth Outreach

Youth Ministers

Youth Ministers Retreat, Steubenville, OH
Friday, January 16, 2009 - Sunday, January 18, 2009

5th Annual Youth Minister's Retreat Gives Hope, Grace

Over 60 youth ministers gathered on the campus of Franciscan University for the 5th annual Youth Minister’s Retreat. The theme for the retreat was “Rooted in Christ” and participants were encouraged and trained throughout the weekend to nurture and strengthen their own personal prayer.

On Friday evening, John Beaulieu, Director of Youth Outreach for Franciscan University, challenged participants to sink their roots deep into Christ, the source and end of all ministry.

“We, as ministers, are first and foremost called to be sacramental, that is, our lives are to be transformed. Just as the priest invokes the Holy Spirit and bread is transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, so are we to invoke Christ to pour out the Spirit on us that we may become Christ to the young people we serve.”

“We must always remember that the greatest thing in the world is knowing Christ. We can know our God and experience His love poured on us everyday. We must not let anything, including our ministry, come before our relationship with Jesus. Yes, God has called you to minister, but first God has called you to His heart,” Beaulieu reminded the ministers.

Following the challenge, participants shared a Holy Hour together led by Fr. Jonathan St. Andre, TOR. The time was spent praying for a deepening of their relationship with Christ. The evening ended with a wine and cheese social.

Saturday’s activities included the celebration of the Holy Mass, three rounds of practical and challenging workshops and being able to participate with the students of Franciscan University at their monthly Festival of Praise – a praise and worship celebration with time for ministry.

The workshops were presented by Jim Beckman, President of the Impact Center, Sr. Therese Marie Iglesia, TOR, Bob Rice, professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University and John Beaulieu. Topics included Growing in Christ, Powerhouse Prayer, Ignatian Discernment, Youth Ministry Traps, Finding Freedom in Christ, and Growing in Holiness.

Saturday evening ended with participants praying over one another for a deeper release of the Holy Spirit.

The retreat concluded on Sunday after a powerful closing Mass together. Fr. Jonathan reminded everyone of the importance that we direct others to Christ, just like St. Andrew did with St. Peter.

Overall, the participants left renewed, rejuvenated and ready to go back to their parishes. “This retreat is just what I needed. The workshops were practical and touching. The prayer was great and I loved the Festival of Praise,” said one youth minister from Minnesota.

Participants came from all across the United States, including Florida and Texas and included full-time, part-time, and volunteer youth minsters.

Links to Additional Resources and Information for Youth Ministers: