Lent and Retreat

This weekend, over 70 retreatants and around 40 leaders are in Ojai, participating in our annual Year 2 Confirmation retreat. While the weekend is lots of fun, full of comradery, worship and good times, I would be lying if I didn’t say there wasn’t a lot of sacrifice involved.

The leaders have given up months in training for this retreat, meeting multiple times a week. Although it is a joyous time as we are training, our leaders have sacrificed quite a bit. The retreatants are also sacrificing their time, but they are also sacrificing their phones and the comfort of home for a mysterious weekend. Although the benefits of the retreat will shine, sacrifice is a definite theme going into the weekend.

I bring this up because this reminds me of Lent. There are obvious joys when we get to the end. We celebrate our God conquering death and opening the gates of heaven. The interesting thing about Lent though, is that our sacrifice somehow makes that celebration even more vivid. It’s through our fasting, almsgiving and prayer that our souls become attuned to the goodness of God. We understand God’s sacrifice for us, and it becomes abundantly clear.

Please pray for everyone involved in this weekend’s retreat. With their open hearts, I am confident to say that there will be encounters with God. Whether it’s through Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, Receiving Reconciliation or the fellowship that leads all of us to God’s grace, it will happen if their hearts are open (even if it’s just a little bit).

Lent is essentially a retreat. To get away from the world’s distractions tosee God and His role in your life. All these things that the teens are experiencing this weekend can also be beneficial for you! You don’t have to go to a fancy retreat center to go to Adoration, receive Reconciliation and immerse yourself in deep prayer. 

Please continue to have a blessed Lenten season. As a Confirmation team, we don’t demand perfection at the retreat. God also doesn’t demand perfection from you this Lent, he just wants you to try. If you fall, pick yourself up. Remember that God conquered death, he can also conquer your weaknesses.
God Bless,


Brett Becker
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Youth and Young Adult Minister 

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