Fostering Community Mission of Youth Retreat

Middle schoolers from the Diocese of Baton Rouge were given a chance to learn what it truly means to belong and how they can foster belonging in community at a junior high retreat April 30 – May 2 at Camp Abbey in Covington. 

The theme of the retreat was “Belong” and the youth were taught that their true belonging can only be found in the Sacred Heart of Christ. 

Throughout the weekend, the retreatants were able to play Hooman Foosball (life-sized and socially distanced foosball), compete in relay races and go head-to-head in a Capture the Flag Paint War. 

The youth heard from dynamic speakers during the retreat. Michaelyn McGinnis, director of Christian formation at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge, talked about humans seek belonging. West Giffin, associate director of youth and young adult ministry of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talked to the boys about facing fear and shame. The girls’ talk, presented by Nicole Jones, coordinator of youth and young adult ministry, focused on the importance of fostering belonging in feminine community using the examples of St. Elizabeth and Mary.

The retreat also included adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship and confession.

 Before adoration, Father Mathew Dunn, parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville, talked about how hearts will only truly belong in and to the Sacred Heart.

Catherine Blanchard, a graduate of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge who’s been hired to teach theology at St. Michael the Archangel School in Baton Rouge, gave the closing talk. Her presentation focused on growing a culture of belonging and sharing what the youth talked about that weekend.

 Jones reflected on the fun and healing tone of the retreat.

 “Being able to see the kids come together and experience such pure joy after such a crazy year brought tears to my eyes multiple times throughout the weekend. 

“Our biggest prayer leading up to this retreat was that each retreatant, chaperone, small group leader and guest would leave the retreat knowing that they belong, not only to one another but to Christ and his Sacred Heart as well. I think our prayer was answered in the most beautiful way.”