Solo "Desert Experience"
For Grade 10 Confirmation Candidates

Before Jesus was baptized and began his public ministry, He went into the desert to pray and be tested.  This was a solitary experience where Jesus fasted and prayed while being confronted with the temptations to ‘sell out’ to the ‘demons’ of power, status, and possessions. Keeping with the spirit of Jesus in the desert, 10th grade Confirmation candidates are invited to spend a night and day having their own ‘solo desert experience’ the night of Oct. 10 and during the day on Oct. 11 at Afton Alps State Park.  There are limited spaces for this event. 

This is NOT a required event but is designed for those teens wanting more of a challenging spiritual experience as part of their Confirmation preparation.  This can count for your retreat this year. 

Teens will spend Friday night and Saturday during the day using the spiritual disciplines
of fasting, silence and meditation to reflect on the mysteries of: their life purpose, their
relationship with God, and the invitation of Jesus to  ‘deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me’.

Cost: $15

Bring: a small tent, sleeping bag, clothes for the season, a bible, flashlight, and bugspray

Time line: depart from St. Joe’s parking lot on Friday, October 10 at 4:00PM
         Return to St. Joe’s for the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday where they will receive
         a blessing from the community. Parents are encouraged to join their teens
         for Mass.

Deadline for registering:  Return the Code of Conduct/Registration form (below), fee,
and medical form by  October 5^th. 

Code of Conduct and Permission Slip for Youth Events (overnight)