Castaway Retreat
Castaway is a 3-day weekend retreat experience for youth in grades 9-12 and sponsored through Catholic Education Ministries. Youth from our diocese have been participating in this retreat for 50 years. Castaway is usually offered the last weekend(s) of March (depending on when Easter occurs) and is held at the Young Life- Castaway Camp near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
High School Youth Day
The High School Youth Day is a one day event that includes messages from a keynote speaker, small group discussion, Mass with our Bishop, recreational opportunities and awesome food and fun. Join us in this exciting, fun, and faith-filled celebration of youth enhancing our Catholic faith! More information and registration materials will be available on our events page as they become available.
Middle School Lock-in
The middle school lock-in is typically held on a Saturday-Sunday in January. The middle school lock-in is designed for youth in grades 6-7-8th grade, and the adults who are serving youth in their parish. For 25 years our focus of the day has been about gathering as the young diocesan church to celebrate being Catholic. A typical rally would include a keynote speaker, witness talks from other youth, mixer games, workshops, mass, and lots of fun and great food.
Diocesan Confirmation Retreats
Diocesan conducted Confirmation retreats are offered a couple of times throughout the year. These retreats are one day long and offer an opportunity for parishes to come together. Attendance at a Confirmation retreat is coordinated through parish leaders. Please contact your parish leader if you would like to attend a Diocesan Confirmation Retreat or schedule a diocesan team to come to your parish/ACC.
Parish leaders, the registration link will be emailed to you.
Contact Kent Schmitz at (320) 251-0111 X 4 for retreat options.
Virtual Confirmation Retreat Materials are available for download below. These resources have been adapted to be used virtually or in a hybrid model. Please contact Kent if you have questions about the materials.
Student Booklet (PDF)
Leader Booklet (PDF)
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
NCYC is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry for youth in grades 9-12. It is held annually in the late fall of odd-numbered years in Indianapolis and even-numbered years on the west coast. Youth and adults gather with several US Bishops to celebrate being Catholic. Participants enjoy Mass, prayer services, reconciliation and adoration opportunities, workshops, exhibits, games, music, fellowship, and service. Hundreds of youths from the Diocese of Saint Cloud have participated in this event in the past. We invite and encourage you and your youth to join us.
Information about NCYC 2025 can be found at https://stcdio.org/event/ncyc-2025/.
Central Minnesota Together Encoutering Christ (TEC)
Together Encountering Christ (TEC) is a three-day retreat weekend based on the Paschal Mystery: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our TEC Center is located just outside of Little Falls in central Minnesota.For most TEC participants, words can not describe the weekend, the feeling, nor the encounter with Christ, but you can certainly ask any family or friends that have participated on a TEC weekend or for further information or you may visit the Central Minnesota TEC website.