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. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service.
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.
Spring 2025 Adult ACTS Retreats
Women's retreat: March 20 - 23, 2025
- Director: Vanessa Nino | vjnino@yahoo.com | 513-324-9293
- Co-Director: Mary Comer | mary.comer09@yahoo.com | 443-518-0041
Men's retreat: May 1 - 4, 2025
- Director: Mike Pfau | michaelpfau1955@gmail.com | 410-977-3032
- Co-Director: Wayne Strupp | wayne.strupp@verizon.net | 443-812-8897
Summer 2025 Teen ACTS Retreat
July 24 - 27, 2025
Held at Msgr. O'Dwyer Retreat Center in Sparks, Maryland, Teen ACTS retreats are lively experience focused on encountering Jesus through Adoration, Community, Theology and Service led by a team of high-schoolers, college-age, and adults. For more information and to register click here.