2011 YAG Fall Retreat Recap

2011 YAG Fall Retreat participants.

This is the second year in a row that the YAG Fall Retreat was held at Foster Lodge in the Cuyamaca Mountains one hour East of San Diego.

A total of 18 young adults and Father John Paul came out for a weekend. The theme this year was The Road To Emmaus a Resurrection story that saw two disciples walking all day unknowingly conversing and sharing their experience with the risen Christ only to recognize Him when they sat down for a meal, breaking bread with Him.

On Friday, Oct 21, we arrived at Foster Lodge, to share in a home-made lasagna dinner prepared by Aaron Day. After we had all arrived, a quick ice-breaker lightened the mood, and we spent the rest of the night playing games in front of the fire.

First night in Foster Lodge in front of the fire.

The next morning, six more young adults arrived in time for an intimate mass presided by Father JP. Everyone was together, starting the day listening to the Word, breaking bread, and drinking of the same cup.

Our alter.

Throughout the weekend, building on the theme, as in Luke's Gospel, the three speakers shared stories of their faith journeys, which inspired everyone else to share theirs in small group discussions spaced throughout the day. Stephanie, Tiffany, and David gave very open testimonies of where they've been on their faith journey, where they are, and where they might go in the future.

Stephanie speaks about her faith journey.

The two disciples were on the Road to Emmaus because they were escaping hardship, feared persecution, uncertainty after the death of their Rabbi. After they recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread, they did not end up in Emmaus, but back with other disciples to share the good news and to testify that Christ is risen, defeating death, and inspiring hope and loving service in His disciples.

Afternoon free time on Saturday allowed more than half the group to take a hike along the famed Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT ran right through the lodge area, and the weather cooperated beautifully.

The hikers on the way back from Foster's Point.

After the speakers and small group discussion were completed, the group settled in for a home-cooked chili dinner, cornbread, and baked potatoes. Marisa led the group in a candle-lit, Taize prayer session with David playing the guitar.

Sunday morning, Father JP again presided over mass. He asked the retreat participants what they felt in their hearts at the moment after a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We responded - inspired, rested, joyful, energized, blessed. God is good.

Thank you all who made the retreat possible, especially Stephanie Bussen, Father John Paul Forte, our wonderful speakers, drivers, cooks, musicians, cleaners, mice-killers, grocery-shoppers, new young adults, and photographers (me)! Here are the rest of the pictures.