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.
Fall 2025 Adult ACTS Retreats
Women's Retreat Date: September 25-28, 2025
Debra Correia, Director
debra.correia@icloud.com
cell: 443-545-6202
Jill Comeaux, Co-Director
Jcomeaux1024@gmail.com
cell: 443-756-3511
Men's Retreat Date: October 16-19, 2025
John Sniezek, Director
acts.men.fall25@gmail.com
cell: 410-660-3947
Shawn Cunningham, Co-Director
shawn.t.cunningham@verizon.net
cell: 410-961-6216
The Retreat Center
The Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours and located in Marriottsville, is situated on grounds that naturally lend itself to ecumenical use while encouraging the values of the Catholic faith in a beautiful and holy place. The serenity of 313 acres of woodland and farmland rests at the high point of a hilly setting in the Howard County countryside. 
Retreatants are provided the comfort and privacy of individually assigned guest suites that include a queen-size bed, full private bath, elevator access and glorious views of the 300-acre property. Suites with an accessible bathroom stall are also available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner items – prepared fresh each day in the kitchen – are served daily in a welcoming communal dining room. Accommodations may be made for dietary restrictions.
Summer 2025 Teen ACTS Retreat
July 24 - 27, 2025
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 at the Msgr. O'Dwyer Retreat Center in Sparks, Maryland. For more information and to register click here.