Rejoicing in Hope

Spiritus Ministry, the young adult ministry of the Office of Catholic Youth, hosted its annual retreat, Reawaken, in late June at Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Education Centre. Young adults from across the Archdiocese and beyond gathered for a weekend of reflection, prayer and fellowship.

Drawing on the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope, the retreat topic was “Rejoicing in Hope,” taken from several New Testament verses. Fr. Marcin Serwin, OMI, the Provincial Vicar for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, led the retreat and gave several compelling and insightful talks, encouraging participants to develop a deeper understanding of Christin hope. Breakout sessions helped the young adults to explore and discuss topics such as the relationship between the Eucharist and joy, becoming a hopeful person, Christian friendship, and setting priorities to lead to true happiness.

Despite the 30 degree weather, the participants also enjoyed sports, exploring the grounds at Cedar Glen and getting to know each other better. The opportunity to grow in community was an aspect of the retreat that the young adults found especially beneficial, and one participant shared that being able to talk with others about God was a real gift.

In his final talk, Fr. Marcin reminded everyone that Christian hope is relational and a choice to be put into action. Drawing on the example of the saints, he explained that hope is given to us to share with others. The young adults left the retreat inspired to carry this message into their daily lives.