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Reflections on Passionist Family Youth Retreat

Camp Rangi Woods, Pohangina Valley, Manawatu from 25-28 September 2007

Had a great time on retreat! My mind was nurtured with reflection. My body was nurtured with the freetime games. My heart was nurtured by just hanging out with faithful young people. Jonny

Retreat…well…what could possibly describe such a wonderful place?! All I can say is that I have been going to the Passionist Youth Retreat for the past two years and I have yet to find another place where you can laugh so hard, cry so long (from all the laughing!), look at your life in a whole different light and meet an AMAZING group of people with whom you form life long friendships.

One of the most amazing things about retreat I think is the atmosphere. Whether we were kicking round the football, taking each other out in a game of Spoons, chowing down on the most delicious food, dancing around like fools, jamming on the guitar, discussing big questions like: who am I?, partaking in some rather entertaining games, sharing stories, playing pranks, running around with glo-sticks in hand, venturing out into the bush, cracking some pretty sad jokes, getting to know one another or just simply sitting in reflection, the atmosphere was one where everyone was on equal ground and you get a real sense of God, especially in the people.

Retreat: An AWESOME place to be! Bring on 2008!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who made it happen! You guys ROCK! THANKS CATHOLIC CHARITIES!J See you next year!

God Bless, Rachael

Retreat was truly life changing. It was awesome seeing everyone from last year’s Retreat and meeting all the new people who joined us this year. Father Brian and the leaders were amazing and I learnt so much. I loved every second of it. One of the highlights for me was sharing our life stories, which brought everyone in our groups so much closer together. The camp helped me explore my spirituality and learn more about my relationship with God. The food was great, and the only bad part was leaving. I’ve made so many good friends who I miss so much already, and hope to see them all again next year.

Hi, my name is Jessie, this is the second time I’ve attended the Passionist Youth Retreat and it doesn’t fail to fulfill. I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was great to meet up with everyone from last year and meet some new people too. Everyone was so friendly and we all got on well. Father Brian was an excellent leader and kept us all involved. Amongst other things we looked at who we are, what makes us who we are, what makes it hard/easy to be ourselves, how we change as we grow (what values we reject and accept), our life story so far, and very importantly where God and faith fits into all this.

This retreat was a great chance to get away and reflect on the important things in life. Pohangina is beautiful (if a little cold) and was a perfect location for the retreat. I want to thank everyone who was involved in making this amazing experience possible for me and all other youth who attended. It was truly amazing.

God Bless. Jessie.