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The ARISE Retreat is a retreat for young adults by young adults and is based firmly in the Catholic faith, culture and traditions of the Church.

Participants met at the Cedarbrake Renewal Center in Belton, Texas from April 13 to 15. The theme, Sacra Pagina (meaning Sacred Page) is in keeping with the 2007 Diocese of Austin theme, Year of the Word. Our life is a Sacred Page, and what we choose to write on the pages of our Sacred Story is fundamental to our relationship with God. We explored Sacred Scripture and how scripture impacts our life.

What People Are Saying

I felt that ARISE was one of the highpoints of my spiritual life. I feel a need to evangelize in a new way – not to speak God’s word so much as to live God’s word. Perhaps this goes back to the theme of ARISE #11 – Pagina Sacra. I feel now as though I am the living Sacred Scripture – that it is truly my task to go out and do as James says… to become a Doer of the word and not just a Hearer of the word. I feel that retreats place you in a new surrounding, and that this displacement facilitates your ability to detach from the everyday events of the world and your life and see them from a new angle. It is this new angle and perspective that we so often need to see ourselves and God more clearly. The fellowship was amazing! I had the opportunity to meet so many dynamic people from all different walks of life, each of which approach and practice their faith and relationship with Christ in different ways. ARISE was geared towards the “adult” spectrum of the “young adult” crowd, and we were given the freedom throughout the weekend to just “be”… the schedule wasn’t restrictive and placed a strong emphasis on giving us all the chance to be with Christ in the way we needed to be, whether through meditation, praise and worship, confession, mass, or simply through gathering together for a good game of Spoons or Cranium! I would recommend ARISE for any young adult looking to strengthen their faith in Christ, no matter where they might be in their spiritual journey – I can’t wait to attend again! ~Victor Delgado

Still more comments: “the greatest impact was realizing i’m not alone in my longings; how other young adults are also striving for a rich faith life and ready to support one another. what really struck me was when our group was praying the chaplet of divine mercy (or i should say ‘chanting/singing’ the chaplet) and it was the guys who stepped up and sang some of the decades, solo! that impressed me. the courage of their faith was stronger than any embarrassment or fear or worry about what others think.

i spent time thinking about how to make my faith life richer and more a part of my regular, daily life; and how to continue the friendships i made during the retreat - becoming more active with the young adults in the parish.

the ARISE retreat connects you with a community to turn to for strength, support and fellowship. it’s a weekend to get away from the busy things and simply be carried by God’s presence, by His love for you; and to be energized and recommitted to your faith, carrying it back into your life with the help of incredible friends”.

thanks josie for this wonderful weekend. all the best, olenka

Still more feedback about the ARISE Retreat:
“I believe that the ARISE #11 retreat was a wonderful experience. It was very uplifting to be around a group that was closer to my age with similar interest. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the stage of my faith and the direction I needed to take. While being surrounded by awesome individuals who listened to my concerns and opinions on various topics. I feel that I learned a lot from the various speakers who offered personal experiences that were easy to relate too. I was granted a great deal of hope by observing those around me who had overcome adversities with faith. I would recommend the retreat to everyone, especially those who are so busy that they need time to breath. The retreat offers a great opportunity for some peace and quite to reflect. With the opportunity to make great memories and lasting friends.

I am so glad that the Austin diocese has made the effort to reach out to the young adults. I believe it is during this time that a person is setting a strong foundation for their faith. I am very grateful that we live in a society that we are able to grow in our faith with many resources to serve as a guideline. I would also like to thank everyone who was involved in making the ARISE #11 retreat such and unforgettable weekend.” ~Adriana Mendoza

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