ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. Our St. Louis/St. Francis of Assisi Adult ACTS Ministry conducts Men's and Women's Retreats for adults age 18 and older, and promotes participation in small Christian communities (SCCs) and in all parish ministries, groups, and activities.
An ACTS retreat is a three-day, three-night Catholic lay retreat presented by fellow parishioners to strengthen our faith, renew ourselves spiritually and to build lasting friendships. The retreat begins on a Thursday evening as retreatants gather at the parish for a short send-off ceremony. They are then transported to a retreat facility for the rest of the weekend. The retreat ends Sunday as the retreatants return to the parish for a welcome Mass celebrated with the parish community followed by a simple reception.
Talks and activities during the retreat focus on Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are the guides for the retreats. The retreat takes on the traditions and atmosphere of our pastorate communities. The ACTS retreat facilitates the attainment of a new or deeper relationship with the Lord through:
- Adoration – the call by, acceptance of, and response to God
- Community – the love and caring of each other
- Theology – the study of God through scripture and the Catholic Faith
- Service – to God and his people.
Adult ACTS Retreats
The St. Louis / St. Francis Adult ACTS Ministry invites adults 18 years or older to immerse yourself in your faith and attend a special spirit filled retreat at Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland.
Fall 2023
Women's retreat: September 21-24, 2023
- Director: Robin Robbins robinarobbins@gmail.com or 410-707-9694
- Co-Director: Rebecca Bollweg rebeccabollweg@gmail.com or 410-245-5209
Men's retreat: October 12-15, 2023
- Director: Shawn Cunningham 410-961-6216
- Co-Director: Jonathan Talbot 443-799-8391
Men's 2023 Fall Retreat email: 2023mensactsfall@gmail.com 
Spring 2024
Women's retreat: February 29 - March 03, 2024
Men's retreat: April 18-21, 2024
Teen ACTS Retreats
Held at Msgr. O'Dwyer Retreat Center in Sparks, Maryland. For more information click here.
Teen Retreat: Next Date To Be Announced
The cost of an Adult ACTS retreat is $400. A $50 discount is applicable for retreatants who register up to 6 weeks prior to the retreat Thursday start. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. If you pay by check, please send a deposit of $200 or the full amount of $400 (or discounted $350 as applicable), made payable to "St. Louis Church" with the ACTS retreat dates included in the memo. This will reserve your place on the retreat. The balance of $200 (or discounted $150 as applicable) is due 14 days prior to the retreat.
Please register online or complete the paper registration and mail it along with your deposit to St. Louis Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. Use the links below to pay by credit card:
*Credit Card - Women's Retreat
Please Note: Financial difficulties should not prevent anyone from attending the retreat. If you have financial concerns, contact the retreat director.You will receive a letter 10 to 14 days prior to the retreat detailing the items you will need to bring with you. If you need any information or have questions please contact the retreat director.
The cost of a Teen ACTS retreat is $100 fee for Confirmation students or $150 for non-Confirmation students.
Please Note: Financial difficulties should not prevent any teen from attending the retreat. If you have financial concerns, contact the Catholic Youth Ministry office at (410) 531-6668.