JACKSON – “Search” a retreat weekend designed to help high school juniors and seniors experience their Catholic faith with friends is set for Friday-Sunday, Nov. 14-16, at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman.
Why should youth attend? According to Kathy Curtis, diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry, the retreat is a great gift to youth, to get away from all the “things,” to clear their mind and take a fresh look at their life, and to make new, healthy friendships.
Secondly, she tells the youth, “if your life is like a lot of young people, you have some questions concerning yourself, relationships that you are in, questions about ‘what am I going to do with my life’, and questions about your faith.
She advices the youth of the Diocese of Jackson to give themselves “an opportunity to focus on these questions and maybe SEARCH and find your solutions.”Lastly, she added, “maybe God wants you to be there, so he can have a chance to spend a little time with you. God loves you and wants to light the fire in your heart and fill your heart with his love and maybe even shed light on his unique purpose for you.  Who knows – this invitation may have found you for some heavenly reasons!!”
Curtis said participants will have a lot of fun and  will hear some talks by youth and go through the weekend with a small group. “The weekend is a journey and everyone goes on the journey together,” she said.
Participants are asked to bring bath supplies, bedding (pillow, towel, blanket or sleeping bag) and enough comfortable clothes for the weekend. Food and snacks are provided. Curtis asks participants not to bring an MP3 player, CD player or any other distractions of this sort.
Jackson St. Richard parishioners, Ann and Jeff Cook, will help facilitate the retreat along with Randy Hamilton, seminarians, married couples and young adult volunteers. For more details visit search at jacksonsearch.com.